Place

Turn Island Marine State Park

Photograph of a waterfront beach
Turn Island is a quiet nature preserve just off the shores of San Juan Island

Quick Facts
Location:
Friday harbor, WA

Beach/Water Access, Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch, Tent Campsites

Turn Island State Marine Park is a 35 acre park that is part of the San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge. The only way to reach this state park is by dinghy or kayak, so make sure to have a watercraft at hand if you are planning to hike or camp in this special place. At night, the waters surrounding Turn Island are often filled with bioluminescent algae, making an overnight visit especially attractive. During the daytime, kayak groups often stop at Turn Island for lunch and hiking.

To get to Turn Island, you can put your kayak in at nearby Turn Point County Park or slightly further away Jackson Beach. If headed there from Jackson Beach, make sure you know the tides and currents to avoid any accidents on the aptly named Danger Rocks that separate Turn Island from Jackson Beach. The twelve campsites are available on a first come first serve basis and no water is available on Turn Island, so bring all drinking water with you before you visit.

San Juan Island National Historical Park

Last updated: August 24, 2022