San Juan Island has remarkably diverse public lands for a 55 square mile island. San Juan Island National Historical Park showcases the historic landscape of the Pig War at English and American Camps. Lime Kiln Point State Park is one of the best places in the world to view orcas from land. San Juan County Park provides camping, picnicking, and kayak launching on the island’s West Side.

Cattle Point Natural Resources Conservation Area and San Juan Islands National Monument preserve the coastal scenery and light house at Cattle Point. And these are just some of the county, state, and federal lands preserved for outdoor recreation on San Juan Island. Island residents and visitors have an unparalleled wealth of natural beauty to use and enjoy. Each of these areas is unique and valuable and contributes to the quality of life in the islands.

Two other important partners in land preservation in the San Juan Islands are the San Juan County Land Bank and the private, non-profit San Juan Preservation Trust. The Land Bank holds more than 3,000 acres of land in preserves across the county. On San Juan Island preserves from Third Lagoon to Cady Mountain provide rustic trails, shoreline access, or wildlife viewing areas.

The most recent addition to the system of public lands on San Juan Island is the Mt. Grant Preserve. The San Juan Preservation Trust is working with the San Juan County Land Bank on a fundraising campaign to permanently protect this spectacular property. Located between Mt. Dallas and Cady Mountain, the preserve protects and provides access to 141 acres of native forest and meadow. If you haven’t been up to see this property, take a drive up on a Sunday when the road is open and take in the sweeping vistas in all directions.

Although the public lands on San Juan Island are managed by a wide array of agencies, we share the same goal: preservation of the precious landscape and resources of this island for enjoyment by the public.  We work together to accomplish those aims, and view the preservation of Mount Grant as a benefit to all.

Lee Taylor, Superintendent,

San Juan Island National Historical Park

Dona Wuthnow, Superintendent,

San Juan County Parks

Ted Schlund, Manager,

San Juan State Parks Area, Washington State Parks and Recreation