Griffin Bay
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 San Juan Islands — Protected bay on San Juan Island — in the heart of Washington’s stunning San Juan Islands archipelago, prime orca whale watching territory
Griffin Bay is a protected anchorage on the southern end of San Juan Island — in the heart of the San Juan Islands archipelago, one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest. The San Juan Islands (172 named islands!) sit in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, creating an unusually sunny and dry microclimate. Griffin Bay offers some of the best orca whale watching in the world — the Southern Resident Killer Whales (currently ~75 individuals) pass through these waters regularly. The bay was named by the Wilkes Expedition (1841) and played a role in the “Pig War” boundary dispute between the US and Britain.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | San Juan Island, WA |
| Entry Fee | Discover Pass required |
| Islands | 172 named islands! |
| Orcas | Southern Resident Killer Whales! |
About Griffin Bay
Griffin Bay is a marine state park on the southeast shore of San Juan Island — part of the spectacular San Juan Islands archipelago in the Salish Sea. The bay offers protected anchorage for boaters with views of the Olympic Mountains and passing orca whale pods. The area is rich in maritime history and marine wildlife.
Things to Do
Boating and anchoring in the protected bay, kayaking, whale watching (resident orca pods frequent these waters), fishing for salmon and halibut, and birdwatching. San Juan Island’s historic sites — American Camp and English Camp from the Pig War — are nearby.
Insider Tips
San Juan Islands: Griffin Bay is on San Juan Island — part of the San Juan Islands archipelago, one of the most beautiful island chains in the US. Pro tip: San Juan Island is famous for the Pig War (1859) — a boundary dispute between the US and Britain that nearly started a war over a shot pig. Orca habitat: The waters around San Juan Island are the best place in the US to see orcas from shore.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Best orca watching (May-September). Fall: Quiet island season. Spring: Wildflowers and whale watching begins. Winter: Bald eagles and dramatic weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Pig War?
In 1859, an American settler on San Juan Island shot a British-owned pig that was eating his potatoes — nearly triggering a war between the US and Britain over the disputed Oregon Territory boundary. Both nations sent troops. For 12 years, American and British soldiers occupied opposite ends of San Juan Island in a tense but peaceful standoff. Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany arbitrated in 1872, awarding the islands to the US.
Wildlife & Nature
Griffin Bay — a marine camping area on the south coast of San Juan Island — provides mooring buoys and primitive camping for boaters exploring the San Juan Islands. The bay’s kelp beds support a rich marine food web — harbor seals, river otters, and Dungeness crab inhabit the waters. Bald eagles patrol from the shoreline trees. The bay faces south toward the Strait of Juan de Fuca — orca whales (Bigg’s transient pods) travel through these waters year-round. The anchorage is protected from prevailing northwest winds.
Nearby Attractions
American Camp (San Juan Island National Historical Park) — 1 mile south — preserves the “Pig War” encampment and has excellent prairie hiking. Friday Harbor — 5 miles north — has the Whale Museum and shops. Lime Kiln Point State Park — 5 miles west — is the best land-based orca watching site in the US. English Camp is on the north end of the island.
Park Location
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