Turn Island is a kayaker's dream. With its pebble beaches and shoreside campsites, this marine state park is a social destination for the paddling crowd, or a quiet place in the off-season.
After beaching your kayak (or tying up to a mooring buoy and bringing your dinghy ashore), take some time to discover this interesting park.
The island's perimeter trail, best taken counterclockwise, starts in a stand of madrone trees above a rocky beach, where blue herons share space with raccoons. The path goes up and down (trekking poles are recommended), boasting water views around every turn. A field of fuzzy mosses and lichens makes an excellent rest stop before rounding the final bend.
Set up camp on a small butte above the beach (first come, first served), or enjoy some chill time before paddling through the islands. You also can head across the water to the shops and eateries of nearby Friday Harbor.
Park features
Turn Island is a 35-acre marine state park in the heart of the San Juan Island chain. The island is part of the San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
Accessible only by boat, Turn Island is best reached via Jackson Beach on San Juan Island, or via Anacortes.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service owns the land, and Washington State Parks manages campsites and restrooms. Therefore, pets or fires are not allowed on this island.
There is no potable water on the island and visitors must pack out what they pack in.
