Turn Island
Located just east of Friday Harbor, Turn Island has a lovely 0.9 mile trail looping around its perimeter. Hikers wander through Douglas-fir and Pacific madrone as they catch glimpses of the Salish Sea through the forest. To protect the fragile environment visitors are required to stay on the trail.
Island Map
Pets: Pets are not allowed anywhere on the island.
Boat Landing: The southwest beach in the vicinity of the campground and the north beach adjacent to the picnic area are open to boat landing. All other shoreline on the island is closed to public use.
Beach Use: The southwest portion of the island has an extensive open beach area suitable for observing aquatic species and landing small craft. The shoreline outside of the beach areas is available for wildlife viewing and photography from the water but is not open to the public.
Hiking: A short 0.9 mile trail encircles the island, passing through a variety habitats from rocky shorelines to meadows to mixed forests and allows for many opportunities to view wildlife. Stay on the trail to prevent degradation of the fragile island environment.
Fishing: Shoreline fishing is now allowed from the public use area of Turn Island. Turn Island is the only island within San Juan Islands NWR open for fishing and is accessible only by boat. To reduce impacts to wildlife from disturbance, please stay within the areas open to public use, and please remember to Leave No Trace by disposing of fishing line and other waste appropriately. Help wildlife thrive by remaining 200 yards from closed Refuge islands. Washington State fishing regulations apply.
Camping: Turn has eight primitive campsites and a picnic site, all with picnic tables. In addition, Turn has two composting toilets and three seasonal mooring buoys. Consult the Washington State Parks website for more information on campground regulations. Camping is not allowed outside of the designated sites.
Campfires: Open fire as well as wood gathering is not allowed any place on the island. Only liquid fuel or gel camp stoves are allowed in the campground.
Food Storage: Raccoons have been known to open coolers and other containers. All food should be stored in animal-proof containers. Raccoons, crows and jays on the island can be aggressive. Feeding wildlife, either purposefully or through neglectful food storage, is not allowed.
Marine Mammals: Harbor seals and their pups rest on Refuge shores and should not be approached or disturbed. They are protected by the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act.