EXPLORE
The
DALLES
I T I N E R A R Y
Curiously Cute – Krystal Acres
Alpaca Farm
Looking for something different to do? Visiting an
alpaca ranch on San Juan Island might be the summer
treat you never knew you needed.
The Dalles area Chamber
of Commerce
404 w 2nd st.
the dalles, or 97058
800-255-3385
www.explorethedalles.com
THANKS TO THEIR SOFT FUR, expressive
eyes, and curious nature, alpacas
have grown in popularity since they
were first imported to the US in 1984.
Native to the Andes Mountains, these
gentle creatures are cousins of the llama.
However, unlike llamas which can
weigh up to 400 pounds, alpacas stay
relatively trim, often weighing no more
than 175 pounds.
There are two breeds of alpaca. The
most common is the Huacaya (pronounced
wah ki’ ya). Their fiber is dense
and crimpy. This gives them a teddy
bear-like appearance. It is shorn annually
in late spring.
The less common Suri (pronounced
soo ree) breed comprises roughly 10
percent of the world’s alpacas. The long
and straight Suri fiber is typically shorn
every two years.
It’s the Haucaya breed which you’ll
find at Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm, home
to the largest alpaca heard in the San
Juans. Set among towering oak trees
and sprawling pasture land, this 60-acre
spread is open to the public year-round.
And while petting the alpacas is not
permitted, you can get a feel for these
creatures in the gift shop, where you’ll
find a large selection of alpaca wool
products.
3501 West Valley Rd.
Friday Harbor
krystalacres.com
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