Turn Island Marine State Park
🏆🏆🏆🏆 Friday Harbor Island — 35-acre island just a 10-minute paddle from Friday Harbor — the most accessible island park in the San Juans
Turn Island Marine State Park is a 35-acre forested island just 200 yards off the east coast of San Juan Island — making it the most accessible island park in the San Juan archipelago. A quick 10-minute kayak paddle from Friday Harbor puts you on this undeveloped island with 2.5 miles of shoreline trails, old-growth forest, and wildlife. Bald eagles nest on the island, harbor seals lounge on the rocky shores, and the views of Mount Baker (10,781 feet — the most heavily glaciated volcano in the Cascades after Rainier) are spectacular.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | San Juan Island, WA (200 yards!) |
| Entry Fee | Discover Pass required |
| Size | 35 acres — 10min paddle! |
| Views | Mount Baker — 10,781ft! |
About Turn Island
Turn Island Marine State Park is a 35-acre island just off the coast of Friday Harbor on San Juan Island — close enough to kayak from town in 15 minutes. The island offers a 2-mile loop trail through old-growth madrone and Douglas fir forest with shoreline views. Despite its proximity to Friday Harbor, the island feels wild and remote.
Things to Do
Kayaking from Friday Harbor (rentals available in town), hiking the 2-mile shoreline loop trail, camping (primitive sites), birdwatching for bald eagles and great blue herons, and watching marine traffic in San Juan Channel. Excellent sunset views toward the Olympic Mountains.
Insider Tips
Friday Harbor’s backyard: Turn Island is a 35-acre island just 200 yards from San Juan Island’s Friday Harbor — an easy kayak paddle from town. Pro tip: The island trail (2.5 miles) circles the shore through old-growth madrona and fir forest. Madrona trees: Pacific madrona with its distinctive peeling red bark and smooth green trunk is one of the most beautiful native trees in the Pacific Northwest.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Easy paddling from Friday Harbor. Fall: Quiet island walks. Spring: Wildflowers and whale watching. Winter: Eagle perching in the madrona trees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a madrona tree?
Pacific madrona (Arbutus menziesii) is an evergreen hardwood with distinctive peeling cinnamon-red bark revealing smooth green wood beneath. It’s the only native broad-leaved evergreen tree in the Pacific Northwest. Madrona grows on rocky, sun-exposed shores — its sculptural forms against blue water make it an icon of the San Juan Islands landscape.
🚣 Visit Turn Island Marine SP
10-minute paddle from Friday Harbor — easiest San Juan island!
Wildlife & Nature
Turn Island Marine State Park — a 35-acre island in San Juan Channel just 0.5 miles from Friday Harbor — is the most accessible marine park in the San Juan Islands by kayak. The island’s 2-mile shoreline trail loops through madrone and Douglas fir forest. Harbor seals haul out on rocks. Bald eagles nest in the tall trees. Orca whales pass through San Juan Channel. River otters are frequently spotted. The island provides a quick wilderness escape from Friday Harbor.
Nearby Attractions
Friday Harbor — 0.5 miles west by kayak — has the Whale Museum, restaurants, and the San Juan Islands ferry terminal. Lime Kiln Point State Park — 7 miles west on San Juan Island — is the best land-based orca watching site. San Juan Island NHP — American and English Camps — preserves Pig War history.
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