Last updated: August 11, 2022
Place
LaFarge Open Space
Kim Karu
Quick Facts
This 1 mile loop trail circles the site of an old gravel quarry operated by the LaFarge Gravel Company. Over the course of decades, a 300 foot hill was broken up into small rocks and barged from the nearby waterfront to Canada where the gravel was sold to consumers.The LaFarge company's operations were part of a period of time in which extractive industry was far more prominent on San Juan Island. From the commercial fisheries found at South Beach, to the numerouslimestone mining sites on our island, San Juan was a place whose natural resources were exported to consumers throughout our region.
By 2007, when this area became public land there was a deep pit where the hill once stood.Now a part of the San Juan Island Recreation Department, the Lafarge Open Space is now a special place for San Juan Islanders. On rare snowy days locals bring their skis and snowboards to grab turns on their way into the bottom of the pit. Throughout the year, pet owners bring their dogs to romp in this rare public space that allows off leash dogs. If you visit on a clear day, you can enjoy excellent views from the high point that look down upon Jackson Beach and out to the North Cascades.
By 2007, when this area became public land there was a deep pit where the hill once stood.Now a part of the San Juan Island Recreation Department, the Lafarge Open Space is now a special place for San Juan Islanders. On rare snowy days locals bring their skis and snowboards to grab turns on their way into the bottom of the pit. Throughout the year, pet owners bring their dogs to romp in this rare public space that allows off leash dogs. If you visit on a clear day, you can enjoy excellent views from the high point that look down upon Jackson Beach and out to the North Cascades.