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Lime Kiln Point State Park

(5 stars from 1 rating)
Lime Kiln Point State Park 0:5

Address

West Side Road
Friday Harbor , WA 98250

Hours

Every day Dawn - Dusk

Review

Lime Kiln Point State Park is the place on San Juan Island to watch sunsets and hopefully spot some of the 80-plus Orcas who make the waters of Haro Strait their summer home. Half the fun of Lime Kiln is getting there. West Side Road, which leads to the park, winds along rocky coastline and cliffs and is worth the trip in itself.

The park has two trails, Shoreline and Upland. They can be combined to make a loop from the marine animal viewing area to the lighthouse and then on to the lime kilns. NOTE: As of fall 2000, new facilities were being built and the parks department does not anticipate running water until at least Spring 2001, so bring your own.

The pathway to the marine viewing area is wide and well-maintained. Besides possibly seeing Orcas, porpoises, otters, seals and Minke Whales (from May to October), you might spot deer and fox on the trail. One daring fox followed a group of whale watchers down the trail and stayed within three feet of them during their entire visit. From the marine viewing area, a short trail leads north to the lighthouse. Lighthouse tours are offered in summer on Saturday evenings.

A further trail from the lighthouse to the lime kilns passes through Madrona and Douglas fir trees. It is narrow and a little steep in spots, especially if you take the stairs down to one of the lime kilns to get a better look. Built in 1860, the kilns were used for most 90 years to produce lime used in the production of steel, plaster, cement and paper. "Unstable" and "Danger" signs are posted in spots, so venturing toward some of the kilns might not be a good idea. However, you can come to the park just to see the sunset, wildlife and get some exercise on the trial. Dogs on a leash are allowed.
Written By: Diana Wurn
On: 7/31/2000

Directions

From Friday Harbor, follow Spring Street west as it becomes San Juan Valley Road. After about 1 mile, turn left onto Douglas Road, and follow to the right as it becomes Bailer Hill Road. After about 3 miles, Bailer Hill becomes West Side Road and winds above the water. The park is on the left, about 2 miles north of where West Side Road first offers water views.

Features

Bathrooms | Walking Trails | Picnic Tables | Kid Friendly

User Reviews

brendan grubb
fort lauderdale, FL
40rating
(1)
(1)
3/18/2003
First To Review
Best land based location to observe the orca whales
(1)
(0)
J.J. Croft
30rating
(1)
(0)
7/2/2007
Last week, my 20 biking classmates and I were kayaking near the lighthouse when J and L pods came through the area right in our path. The whales
breached, rolled and slapped their fins, poprpoised, and breached in among our group. A whale popped up within 15 feet of the tip of my kayak! We were told that 40 some whales passed us. The experience was a gift from God. I will never forget it! J.J.
(1)
(0)
kara matthews
30rating
(1)
(0)
4/6/2007
i came here for the first time over the summer and sat at the edge and watched the orcas. i could almost touch them! it was so amazing. they are my favorite animal in the world its why i live here in washington. its is now my favorite place and i go every year to see them.
(1)
(0)
Isabel C Rodriguez
30rating
(1)
(0)
3/19/2006
Our first visit to the San Juan Islands, was fantastic. We cannot wait to go back. This park and lighthouse holds the most beautiful scenery and picturesque views in the San Juan Islands. However, we loved them all!! The scenic walk along the rocky coast is just breathtaking, picnic tables and WHALE- overlook, where YES the Orcas were spotted (though we were on a boat that day, Thank you ECLIPSE charters). The trail ends at this beautiful lighthouse where the volunteers are full of information and very glad to share!
(1)
(0)
Wayne B.
Bellingham, WA
1038rating
(44)
(9)
6/22/2009
This might be one of the most amazing parks in Washington State.
(0)
(0)
Heather
5rating
(1)
(0)
3/3/2009
Can anyone tell me the best time to come and have a high chance of seeing orcas from the park? I know some months have a higher chance than others but I am having the hardest time finding this information! Thank you!
(0)
(1)
john hicks
5rating
(1)
(0)
11/7/2006
My father was the lighthouse keeper here, in the mid sixties. Nice to see it has become a park. We lived in a house behind the lighthouse, I still have some old photo's of when we lived there.
(0)
(1)
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