NEWS17-030
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OLYMPIA – May 16, 2017 – Fodor’s Travel has named Lime Kiln Point State Park one of America’s 10 Best State Parks. Fodors.com released the list earlier this month, highlighting the San Juan Island park as one of the best places in the world to view whales from a land-based site.
The well-known travel blog mentioned the Southern resident killer whale—or orca—pods that live in the Puget Sound. The J, K and L pods often form a “superpod” and travel and feed together. The blog also suggests May to September as the best times of year to view whales and other marine mammals.
Lime Kiln Point State Park, set on a bluff at the west end of San Juan Island, is known for the hundreds of marine mammals that pass by its shore every season, including orca, humpback, gray and minke whales and seals, sea lions, porpoises and otters. The day-use park, which is easily accessed by car or by bike from Friday Harbor, also features a historic lighthouse and lime kiln—and spectacular sunsets.
“Lime Kiln is amazing,” said Ranger Chris Guidotti, who once lived at the Washington state park and said he was happy to read the acknowledgement. “The Fodor’s listing lets people nationwide know what a cool place it is.”
Although whale sightings are not guaranteed, Guidotti said, “Spending an entire day at the park increases the odds.”
He encourages people to beat the crowds by visiting during quieter off hours, but he said the midday crowds are fun.
“If a whale comes close to the shore, the whole shoreline erupts into oohs and aahs.”
Lime Kiln Point State Park receives more than 350,000 visits a year. During migration season, volunteer interpreters and researchers are often on hand to identify the whales, and the park has an interpretive center and listening station where visitors can learn about and even hear the pods as they pass.
Fodor’s Travel offers information on approximately 7,500 destinations worldwide, through its print and online coverage. Fodors.com, its website, receives more than 4.5 million unique monthly visitors. More than one million subscribers receive the travel company’s daily and weekly newsletters.
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
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Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
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P.O. Box 42650
Olympia, WA 98504-2650
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