Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge
Rate this placeNearby: Bishop Park Sather Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful wildlife refuge located in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Washington State.
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Summary
The refuge is home to a variety of bird species including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, tufted puffins, and rhinoceros auklets. Visitors can take a boat tour to the island to watch the fascinating behavior of these birds.
The island is also home to seals, sea lions, and otters. It is an ideal place to observe marine life in their natural habitats. Visitors can observe these animals from the shoreline or take a boat tour around the island.
One of the main attractions of the island is the lighthouse that has been in operation since 1892. The lighthouse has been beautifully preserved and visitors can take a tour to learn about its history.
The island is a critical habitat for seabirds, and the best time to visit is between April and August when the birds are nesting. Visitors can take guided tours of the island during this time to learn more about the birds and their behavior.
Overall, Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to visit if you love nature and want to observe some unique wildlife in their natural habitats. The island is easily accessible with boat tours departing from nearby towns. It's a must-visit place for anyone visiting Washington State.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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