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

Features
Kid Friendly  |  Bathrooms  |  Walking Trails  |  Picnic Tables

Comments
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.
- J.J. Croft on Mon, July 2, 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.
- kara matthews on Fri, April 6, 2007

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.
- john hicks on Tue, November 7, 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!
- Isabel C Rodriguez on Sun, March 19, 2006

Best land based location to observe the orca whales
- brendan grubb on Tue, March 18, 2003

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