Burn Ban - Level 1

Fires allowed in all designated fire pits and grills. Propane and gas grills allowed.

The foreground shows the water surrounding the island with a green hue that is likely due to the reflection of the green trees along the rocky outcropping of the shoreline. The trees are dense and the orangish-brown rock outcroppings serve as immediate boundaries for the forest against the water. The outcroppings are steep, with a nearly vertical ledge. There are some visible tocks and driftwood along a small unsubmerged portion of shoreline below the rock outcroppings.
Lighthouse with white siding and a red roof centered in the photo with a trail leading up to the entrance. The ground cover is dormant, likely in early spring, and the sky is a brilliant baby blue with fluffy white clouds.
Rocky shoreline of Patos Island with orangish-brown colored rocks along the left side of the image with yellow-green lichen growing on them. To the right  the water is visible though is far enough away it's difficult to make out any detail. The water is reflecting the white, cloudy sky. In te background more landmass of Patos Island is visible with tall trees and what appears to be similar orangish-brown rocks.
The foreground shows the water surrounding the island with a green hue that is likely due to the reflection of the green trees along the rocky outcropping of the shoreline. The trees are dense and the orangish-brown rock outcroppings serve as immediate boundaries for the forest against the water. The outcroppings are steep, with a nearly vertical ledge. There are some visible tocks and driftwood along a small unsubmerged portion of shoreline below the rock outcroppings.
Turquoise blue water is visible in the midground of this photo framed by rocky shoreline, trees, and what appears to be a trail in the foreground and the rocky shoreline and forested strip in the background.

Patos Island Marine State Park

Eastsound, WA 98245

Patos Island is a 207-acre marine park that features dramatic rock formations, a landscape of madrone trees and a working lighthouse. Boat in and stay overnight at a primitive campsite and immerse yourself in the remote beauty of the San Juan Islands.

Rules

  • Dogs Allowed on Leash
  • Fires Allowed in Designated Areas
  • Horses not Allowed
  • Boat-in Only

There is no drinking water, trash, or recycling services on the island. Make sure you bring all your essentials and be prepared to pack everything out when you leave.

A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington State Parks. For regulations, fishing season information, or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Activities

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Beach Exploration

Winter Camping

Bird Watching

Boating

Camping

Crabbing

Fishing

Hiking, Walking, Rolling and Running

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Kayaking

Scuba Diving

Amenities

Restrooms

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Buoys

Moorage

Picnic Tables

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Lighthouse

Park features

Forest

Island

Rocky Beach

Saltwater

Viewpoint

Wildlife Viewing

Rules

  • Dogs Allowed on Leash
  • Fires Allowed in Designated Areas
  • Horses not Allowed
  • Boat-in Only

There is no drinking water, trash, or recycling services on the island. Make sure you bring all your essentials and be prepared to pack everything out when you leave.

A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington State Parks. For regulations, fishing season information, or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Map & visitor guide

48.78467178, -122.9558868

Picnic and day use 

One picnic site is available on a first-come, first-served basis. One composting toilet is available nearby.

Camping

Seven primitive campsites are available first-come, first-served. One vault toilet is located nearby. 

Trails

Walk from the beach, through a madrone forest and up to the top of the rock outcropping for spectacular views. A half-mile hiking trail takes you to the U.S. Coast Guard Lighthouse located on the west end of the island.

Boating

Two mooring buoys are available first-come, first-served.  Moorage fees are charged year round from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Be sure to check out weather reports and avoid anchoring here if the forecast indicates high pressure systems or wind speeds greater than 12 knots. The strong currents and winds may cause your boat to drag anchor and run aground.

Patos Island Moorage Thumbnail Opens in new window

Buoys are located at Latitude: 48º 47' 6" N (48.785) Longitude: 122º 57' 58.96" W (-122.9663).

Interpretive opportunities

Take a lighthouse tour to explore inside the lighthouse and learn more about its operation. Tours are offered most weekends Memorial Day through Labor Day (weather permitting). For more information, call Sucia Island State Park at (360) 376-2073.

Scavenger hunt

Patos Island is the northernmost San Juan island and only a couple miles from Canadian waters.