Ep 4. North by Pacific Northwest

In the fourth episode of Island Hunters season 2, titled "North by Pacific Northwest," viewers get a taste of the stunning natural beauty of the San Juan Islands, located in the northernmost part of the Puget Sound off the coast of Washington state. The San Juan Islands are a popular vacation destination, prized for their rugged shorelines, verdant forests, and abundant wildlife, including whales and eagles.

Against this backdrop, the show introduces us to a couple from Seattle who are looking to buy their own piece of paradise in the San Juan Islands. The couple shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, and they've decided that owning a private island would be the ultimate way to do this. They have a budget of $4 million and are open to any island that meets their criteria.

The first property the couple visits is an island that's just a few minutes by boat from Friday Harbor, the main town in the San Juan Islands. The island is a former sheep farm, and the couple is immediately struck by its abundant wildlife and unspoiled natural beauty. There are eagles soaring overhead, seals lounging on the rocks, and even a pod of orcas swimming by in the distance. The couple is also impressed by the island's infrastructure, which includes a main house, guest cabins, a barn, and even a dock.

Next, the couple visits an island that's a bit farther out, about an hour's boat ride from Friday Harbor. This island is larger than the first one and has more developed infrastructure, including a dock with a boat lift and a helicopter pad. The main house is a stunning modern design with floor-to-ceiling windows that take full advantage of the island's panoramic views. The couple loves the house but is concerned about the upkeep of such a large, modern property, and the fact that it's a bit remote from the island's main town.

The third and final island the couple visits is the most remote of the three, located at the northern end of the San Juan Islands and accessible only by boat or plane. This island is the smallest of the three, but it's also the most affordable, coming in at just $1.5 million. The island is completely wild and undeveloped, with no buildings or infrastructure, but the couple is drawn to its secluded location and the opportunity to create their own private paradise from scratch.

Throughout the episode, the couple weighs the pros and cons of each island and has to decide what's most important to them in their island purchase. They consider factors like the island's size, infrastructure, location, and natural beauty, as well as practical considerations like maintenance, accessibility, and cost. It's a tough decision, but in the end, the couple makes an offer on their dream island and moves one step closer to creating their own secluded paradise in the San Juan Islands.

"North by Pacific Northwest" is a visually stunning episode that showcases the natural beauty of the San Juan Islands and the unique challenges of island hunting in this remote and rugged region. The couple's search for the perfect island is engaging and suspenseful, and viewers will be rooting for them to make the right choice. Whether you're a fan of island living or just love breathtaking scenery, this episode of Island Hunters is not to be missed.