San Juan Preservation Trust, Stuart Island

For dining options near Stuart Island, visitors often head to Friday Harbor, which offers a variety of restaurants. Downriggers is a popular spot for American cuisine with a focus on water views and innovative cocktails. Another notable restaurant is The Restaurant at Friday Harbor House, known for its upscale Pacific Northwest fare and panoramic views. Vinny's Ristorante offers Italian-accented seafood in a cozy setting. For a casual breakfast experience, The Market Chef is a great choice, though it's closed on weekends. Lastly, Coho Restaurant provides refined seafood dishes in an intimate setting.

Accommodations near Stuart Island are primarily located in Friday Harbor. The Snug Harbor Resort offers upscale suites and cabins with a private marina, ideal for those seeking a refined stay. Friday Harbor House provides chic rooms with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs, along with harbor views. Roche Harbor Resort is another luxurious option, featuring a spa and scenic gardens. For a more relaxed atmosphere, Discovery Inn offers a tranquil garden and seasonal hot tub. Lastly, The Orca Inn provides budget-friendly accommodations with free parking.

Stuart Island Marine State Park offers several amenities to enhance visitor experiences. The park includes primitive campsites, moorage facilities with buoys and docks, and a pumpout station. Composting toilets are available near the dock and at the head of Reid Harbor. Picnic tables are scattered throughout the park, allowing visitors to enjoy meals amidst the beautiful scenery. However, there are no garbage services on the island, so visitors must practice 'Leave No Trace' principles.

The park's remote nature means that some amenities, like drinking water, are only available seasonally. Visitors must bring their own water during off-season visits.

Despite its remote location, the park offers a serene and natural environment perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Stuart Island offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Boating and kayaking are popular ways to explore the island's harbors and surrounding waters. Fishing and crabbing are also favored pastimes, with the clear waters providing ample opportunities to catch local seafood. For those interested in exploring on foot, the island features hiking trails, including the path to the historic Turn Point Lighthouse, which offers breathtaking views of Haro Strait and Mount Baker.

The park is part of the Cascadia Marine Trail, making it an ideal stop for those traveling by human- or wind-powered watercraft. Additionally, paddleboarding and windsurfing are available for those looking for more adventurous activities.

Wildlife viewing is another attraction, with the island being home to a variety of marine and terrestrial species.

Stuart Island Marine State Park offers limited disability access due to its remote and natural environment. While there are no specific facilities like ramps or wheelchair rentals available on the island, some areas may be accessible with assistance. The park's primitive nature means that visitors with mobility issues may face challenges navigating the terrain.

For those planning to visit, it is advisable to contact park authorities in advance to discuss any specific needs or requirements. Nearby towns like Friday Harbor may offer more accessible amenities and services.

Despite these limitations, the park's serene environment and stunning natural beauty make it a worthwhile destination for those who can navigate its challenges.

Parking on Stuart Island is limited, as the island is accessible only by watercraft. Visitors typically moor their boats at the park's docks or anchor in designated areas. Moorage fees apply from 1 p.m. to 8 a.m. year-round, and all boaters must register upon arrival. The park does not offer traditional parking facilities for cars, so visitors must plan accordingly and arrive by boat.

For those without boats, planning ahead to secure moorage or transportation is essential. The park's remote location adds to its charm but requires careful planning for access.

Stuart Island has a rich history, having been a Coast Salish homeland for centuries. The island's name is derived from its strategic location, where large vessels must make a significant course change when navigating between the Port of Vancouver and other destinations. The Turn Point Lighthouse, constructed in 1893, is a notable landmark and was once an important aid to navigation before being automated in 1974.

The island's natural beauty and remote location make it a haven for wildlife, including marine species and birds. Visitors can enjoy stunning sunsets and explore the island's forests and rocky beaches.

The San Juan Preservation Trust has played a crucial role in preserving parts of the island, ensuring its natural state is maintained for future generations.

One of the main attractions on Stuart Island is the historic Turn Point Lighthouse, built in 1893. This lighthouse is now automated but still offers tours during the summer months. The views from the lighthouse are spectacular, overlooking Haro Strait and Mount Baker. The island also features beautiful hiking trails, including a short but rewarding hike to the top of a ridge offering panoramic views of the surrounding waters.

The island's natural beauty, with its forests of fir, maple, and arbutus, provides a serene backdrop for exploration. The nearby Prevost and Reid harbors offer peaceful anchorages and opportunities for kayaking and fishing.

For those interested in history, the island was once home to a permanent Saanich Tribe village and later became a site for early European settlers.