San Juan Islands
Plan Your Visit
San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge is located in Northern Puget Sound. Best access to the islands is by boat from Anacortes or Friday Harbor. Several of the Refuge islands can be viewed from Washington State Ferries that traverse the area.
Matia Island is reachable only by boat. The closest launch sites are in Blaine, Obstruction Pass on Orcas Island, Squallicum Harbor in Bellingham, and in Anacortes.
Turn Island is also reachable only by boat. The closest access point is Jackson Beach on San Juan Island. The closest "mainland" access is Washington Park in Anacortes.
Public access to the San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge is very limited. Only Turn Island and a small portion of Matia Island are open to visitors. All other rocks, reefs, and islands in the Refuge are closed. Please keep 200 yards away from these wildlife sanctuaries to reduce disturbance.
The Refuge does not charge fees, however both State Parks (Turn and Matia Islands) charge moorage and camping fees.
Facilities at San Juan Islands
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Featured Species
Get Involved
From its start in 1903, the National Wildlife Refuge System has owed its very existence to concerned citizens eager to protect America's natural resources. More than 200 nonprofit Refuge Friends organizations support national wildlife refuges, whether they work with a single refuge, a refuge complex or an entire state.
Services
About
San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1960 and later consolidated with several other refuges to manage migratory birds and preserve native bird breeding grounds. In 1976, the San Juan Wilderness was established, designating 80 of the 83 refuge units as protected wilderness to secure enduring resources for future generations. These 353 acres of wilderness include numerous named rocks, reefs, and islands, while Turn and Matia Islands remain open for limited public use. The refuge also maintains navigation aids under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard.