Picking the best of anything is asking for an argument but I thought folks planning a visit would benefit from the discussion.
- 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
- Jones Island is my number one choice and here's why.
- 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
- crowds sometimes
- long ways back to the mainland
- open to north wind
- no bicycle trails
- 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