Last updated: November 19, 2022
Place
Patos Island Marine State Park
Quick Facts
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
6 listed
Beach/Water Access, Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch, Picnic Shelter/Pavilion, Primitive Campsites, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead
Patos Island is one of the largest of the Washington State Marine State Parks with over 207 acres under management. On this northernmost of the San Juan Islands, eagle-eyed visitors can spot the international boundary marker delineating the end of the United States. On the island, you can find and tour a lighthouse in the summertime, walk a 1.5 mile loop trail, and check out the ruins of an abandoned Coast Guard Station.
This island has been a Coast Salish homeland since time immemorial. Its name was bestowed by Spanish explorer Juan Arriaga and means "Island of Ducks" because he saw abundant bird life on the island. Euro-American habitation began with lighthouse keepers in 1893. The second lighthouse keeper raised 13 children on the island in the early 20th century and his wife's memoir "The Light on the Island" is an important resource for understanding life in the San Juans in the early 20th century.
Visitor facilities include seven campsites, 1 picnic area, 2 mooring buoys, and a vault toilet. There is no potable water or garbage service on the island so bring plenty of water and make sure to pack out anything you bring in.
This island has been a Coast Salish homeland since time immemorial. Its name was bestowed by Spanish explorer Juan Arriaga and means "Island of Ducks" because he saw abundant bird life on the island. Euro-American habitation began with lighthouse keepers in 1893. The second lighthouse keeper raised 13 children on the island in the early 20th century and his wife's memoir "The Light on the Island" is an important resource for understanding life in the San Juans in the early 20th century.
Visitor facilities include seven campsites, 1 picnic area, 2 mooring buoys, and a vault toilet. There is no potable water or garbage service on the island so bring plenty of water and make sure to pack out anything you bring in.