Stuart Island State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Stuart Island State Park is a captivating destination located in the state of Washington, offering an array of attractions and natural beauty to explore.
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Summary
Situated in San Juan County, this 433-acre park can only be accessed by boat or seaplane, adding to its remote and tranquil appeal. Here is a summary of the park, its points of interest, interesting facts, and the best time of year to visit, based on information from multiple independent sources.
Reasons to Visit:
1. Natural Beauty: Stuart Island State Park is renowned for its unspoiled natural scenery. Visitors can marvel at stunning forested areas, rocky shorelines, and pristine beaches.
2. Wildlife Watching: The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, bald eagles, seals, and various marine species. Birdwatchers will also enjoy spotting migratory birds passing through the area.
3. Recreational Activities: Visitors can engage in a variety of outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, picnicking, kayaking, fishing, and boating. The park offers a picturesque backdrop for these pursuits.
Points of Interest:
1. Turn Point Lighthouse: This historic lighthouse, built in 1893, stands on the park's northern tip. It offers panoramic views and is a great spot for watching sunsets.
2. Prevost Harbor: A well-protected anchorage, Prevost Harbor provides opportunities for boating, swimming, and beachcombing. It also features a dock and moorage facilities.
3. Reid Harbor: Located on the east side of the island, Reid Harbor offers stunning views and ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping.
Interesting Facts:
1. Stuart Island State Park is part of the San Juan Islands, which lie along the Salish Sea between Washington State and Vancouver Island, Canada.
2. The island was named after Frederick D. Stuart, who explored the area in the 1840s and later became the first customs collector of Puget Sound.
3. The park was officially established in 1954 as a state park and is managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Stuart Island State Park is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is generally pleasant and conducive to outdoor activities. The park tends to be less crowded during weekdays, providing a quieter experience. However, it's important to check weather conditions and plan ahead, as the region can experience rain and fog at any time of year.
Sources:
- Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission: https://parks.state.wa.us/677/Stuart-Island
- San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau: https://www.visitsanjuans.com/destinations/stuart-island
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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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