Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Washington
12

Washington State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Washington
The Islands Region
Turn Island State Park
Spring Hike © stateparks.com
Keep On Leash © stateparks.com
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
TURN ISLAND STATE PARK
Turn Island State Park is a 35-acre marine park with 16,000 feet of shoreline. The island is part of the San Juan National Wildlife Refuge.

Park hours/updates:

The park is open year round for camping, day use and moorage.

Summer hours: 6:30 a.m. to dusk.Winter hours: 8 a.m. to dusk.Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. No generators in use from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Nature of the Area
Birds ? Owls
History of the Area
The island was originally mapped as a point of land on San Juan Island by the Wilkes Expedition in 1841 and was named Point Salsbury. It was later found to be an island at a turn in San Juan Channel and was named Turn Island on British Admiralty charts of 1858-59. The island is part of the San Juan National Wildlife Refuge.
Passes
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.
Camping
Turn Island is a wildlife refuge. Visitors should stay on designated hiking trails, and please do not disturb the wildlife.

Check-in time is 2:30 p.m., and check-out time is 1 p.m.Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.Engine-driven electric generators may be operated only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.Length of stay: You may stay up to ten consecutive days in any one park during the summer; the stay limit is extended to 20 days between Oct. 1 and March 31.
Boating
The park offers three mooring buoys.

The main area to access the island is on the cove on the northwest harbor, near the mooring buoys. The cove to the west has a reef that extends out from the small island. It is not recommended to use this beach.

Moorage fees are charge year round from 1 p.m. to 8 a.m. All boaters must register and pay upon arrival. Boaters must also pay a fee for boats rafted to another boat.



Trails
1. Perimeter Trail: This is the longest trail in Turn Island State Park, circling around the entire island and offering stunning views of surrounding waters.

2. Interior Trails: These trails crisscross through the heart of the park, allowing hikers to explore dense forests filled with a variety of flora and fauna native to Washington state.

3. Beach Access Trails: Shorter paths that lead directly from camping areas down towards sandy beaches where visitors can enjoy picnics or simply relax by water's edge.

4. Wildlife Viewing Pathways: Certain sections are specifically designed for wildlife viewing opportunities such as bird watching spots along these pathways which offer glimpses into local ecosystems without disturbing natural habitats too much.

5. Picnic Area Paths: There are several short walking routes leading up to picnic tables scattered throughout park providing easy access even if carrying food items or other supplies needed for outdoor dining experiences on sunny days out at this beautiful location.

6. Tidal Pool Exploration Routes: For those interested in marine life there exist specific low-tide only accessible tracks enabling exploration during certain times when tide recedes revealing fascinating tidal pools teeming with sea creatures like starfish, anemones etc.,.

7. Viewpoint Hikes: A few uphill hikes take you higher ground points giving panoramic vistas over San Juan Islands making them perfect sunset/sunrise observation locations within park premises itself,.

8. Campsite Connector Tracks: To facilitate movement between different campsites spread across island some well:marked connector footpaths have been laid out ensuring campers don't lose their way especially after dark hours while moving about inside forest area covered part hereof,.

9. Kayak Launching Point Route: One particular path leads straight down beach side meant exclusively kayakers who wish launch off shore exploring nearby islands via water route instead land based hiking options available otherwise hereinabove mentioned list above all else besides aforementioned ones already listed heretofore therein below thus far henceforth hereinafter.
Area Attractions
Water Activities ? Boating (saltwater)? Crabbing

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
August 23 Lovely little island & easy to reach by Island Girl
park review stars; one to five This island is within easy kayaking distance from San Juan Island and has lovely camping spots. There is a trail that goes around the perimeter affording a 360 degree scenic view of the area. There are also several mooring bouys for boats.
August 1 No longer a campers paradise
park review stars; one to five Due to new no campfire rules, camping on Turn Island is no longer a paradise. This island used to be an annual must stay for our family. The view of the sunset is spectacular from this little oasis. The short hike a fun one for all ages. So, if you like camping without a fire, enjoy!
write a review
Share On

Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
The park is located 1.75 miles southeast of Friday Harbor in San Juan County.

The park is accessible only by boat. The closest access point is Jackson Beach on San Juan Island. The closest "mainland" access is Washington Park in Anacortes.

state route ranger badge
Washington
12

Washington State Parks

X