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Saturday

Ten Best Parks of the San Juan Islands


Ten best San Juan Island parks
      Picking the best of anything is asking for an argument but I thought folks planning a visit would benefit from the discussion.

     Let's start by listing my choices in order of best first, first because they have overnight docks,  followed by some pros and cons and a few real world comments.  (hopefully I haven't omitted your favorite)  Keep in mind, we go to all the parks and don't dislike any but  there is no doubt some parks are five star and some are not depending on what we are doing or the weather during that particular cruise.
     For a more detailed review of the San Juan area marine parks including maps try this post.  marine parks
    • parks with docks
      • Jones Island   
      • Matia
      • Fossil Bay on Sucia 
      • James Island
      • Stuart Island  (Prevost & Reid Harbor)
      • Sharpe Cove and Cornet Bay at Deception Pass
    • parks without docks
      • Saddlebag Island
      • Pelican Beach
      • Turn Island
      • Eagle Harbor
      • Cypress Head
      • Patos
      • Sucia   (Echo and Shallow bays)
      • Spencer Spit
      • Odlin County Park  (has 2 hr dock)
      • Clark Island
      • Doe Island
      • Obstruction Pass
      • Sidney Spit Marine Park (Canada) (has overnight dock)
      • Washington Park  (launching ramp only dock)
      • San Juan County Park
      • Shaw Island Park
    1. Jones Island is my number one choice and here's why.
                    Pros:
      • bigger but not biggest dock
      • protected bay 
      • great dinghy beach with a couple tidepools
      • anchor buoys and lots of room to anchor
      • running water and four nice nearby composters
      • hiking the many loop trails at Jones never gets boring
      • tiny deer, many tame, are unique to Jones
      • dock is very close to camp sites for evening fires
      • close to Deer Harbor for supplies
                    Cons:
      • crowds sometimes
      • long ways back to the mainland
      • open to north wind
      • no bicycle trails
         2.   Matia Island never disappoints us.

                 Pros:
      • very small intimate dock for four boats
      • usually room when we arrive
      • small protected bay holds about four more boats
      • great gravel beach
      • multiple coves for beachcombing
      • puffins, seals and eagles and great sunsets
      • unique rain forest one mile or less loop trail
      • somewhat close to Squalicum Harbor (2-3 hours)
      • restroom at top of gangplank
      • Matia is a peaceful quiet special place

    click here for the rest

    Beach Camping in the San Juan's

         Beach camping is alive and well in the San Juan island area but let's be clear,  it is not the same as camping in the dunes along the Oregon or Washington coast, it's much better. Except if you want to hear the surf lolling you to sleep or be mesmerized by endless rows of breaking waves or have your entire body sandblasted from nonstop winds.  Instead, in the islands you will find gentle winds or none at all, still and flat water unless the wind pipes up against the tide. Of course it is always warmer (not) with less clouds and no crowds in the San Juan's.

        There are no approved places that you may pull up your boat or park your car, or ride your bicycle to and then pitch a tent.  That leaves parks and resorts and there are plenty to choose from including those with waterfront or beach camping sites.

         County, City and State  Parks:
         These are the parks that are accessible by vehicle, bicycle or hiking, reservations are a good idea.

    • Washington Park in Anacortes
    • San Juan County Park on San Juan Island
    • Odlin County Park on Lopez Island
    • Shaw Island County Park on Shaw Island
    • Spencer Spit State Park on Lopez Island
    • Moran State Park on Orcas Island
    • Deception Pass State Park near Anacortes
    • Obstruction Pass State Park on Orcas island, (requires short hike)


    Moran State Park entrance arch, Orcas Island
    Moran Park entrance on Orcas Island

    Cornet Bay dock San Juan Islands Deception Pass
    Cornet Bay transient dock and launch ramp at Deception Pass park

           Washington State Marine Parks:
           These parks are only accessible by boat or kayak, most are entire island. All have campgrounds with beachfront sites. None may be reserved or provide garbage service.

    • James Island
    • Jones Island
    • Clark Island
    • Doe Island (possibly still closed)
    • Pelican Beach on Cypress Island
    • Cypress Head on Cypress Island
    • Eagle Harbor on Cypress Island (anchor buoy field only)
    • Matia
    • Patos
    • Sucia (campground reservations are availalbe)
    • Stuart Island  (Prevost & Reid Harbor)
    • Saddlebag Island
    • Sidney Spit Marine Park (Canada)

    Jones Island marine park dock and campground in the San Juan Islands
    Jones Island State Park
    For detailed descriptions, maps and charts and pictures for all the parks in the San Juan Island area, click here.  maps and charts and pictures