Patos Island
Kayaks at Patos Island Recreation Site
Patos Island
Kayaking off Patos Island
Patos Island

About Patos Island

Welcome to the northwestern-most point in the lower 48 states! Patos Island is a wild and remote 200-acre island in the beautiful Salish Sea. The mountains of Canada and the spectacular Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges provide scenic backdrops to this special area. Recreational activities include hiking, camping, boating, sea kayaking, watching wildlife, and viewing wildflowers along the beaches, wooded areas, and at overlooks. The BLM cooperatively manages the area with Washington State Parks. Patos Island Lighthouse, built in 1893, stands on the western-most end of the island, providing light and reference to mariners.Know Before You GoPatos Island is open YEAR ROUND.Limited mooring buoys and campsites in Active Cove are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Patos Island is only accessible by watercraft.Patos Island is very primitive and there is no fresh water available on site.On October 7, 2014, San Juan County became the first County in the U.S. designated as a voluntary Leave No Trace Area.Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our public lands! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.Point of InterestKeepers of the Patos Light are a nonprofit partner group that operates a small interpretive museum during the summer weekends from June through September, based on weather and available volunteers.

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Boating

Boating

Spring Summer Fall
Hiking

Hiking

Year-round
Kayaking

Kayaking

Spring Summer Fall

Campground Amenities

Water Access

Water Access

  • Beach Access
Missing information?

Reviews

5 reviews

Summary

AI generated

Patos Island is a charming destination with delightful shops and a picturesque harbor. Visitors appreciate its beauty, even in less favorable weather. Overall, it offers a lovely experience for those exploring the area.

Based on guest feedback

4.8

Overall rating

Based on 5 reviews

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5 stars 80.0% (4)
4 stars 20.0% (1)
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Liz Pearson

Liz Pearson

February 16, 2025 Google Maps

What a lovely place. Super cute shops and a beautiful harbor, even on a cold and rainy day.

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Celena Westlund

Celena Westlund

September 9, 2018 Google Maps

If you haven’t been to the San Juan Islands you are missing out! The beauty is impossible to describe. There are so many options to stay and play. Be sure to do some research and then get up there next summer!!

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Joshua Merry

Joshua Merry

May 28, 2018 Google Maps

Such a fun island! Great walks, cute town (Friday harbor) with great shops. Many walks through beautiful Forrest and then great views of water and other islands.

I loved the cozy, close feeling of everything while still not being too crowded or busy.

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Susan Ng

Susan Ng

April 28, 2018 Google Maps

I love this island except for the ferry schedule. We’ve been waiting for 2 hours for the ferry delay due to a mechanical issue. I then heard from my friend that the delay happens very often. But in general, this is a beautiful island. Will definitely consider to visit again. However, have to mention that the food is fairly expensive comparing to other tourism places.

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David Hassoun

David Hassoun

April 22, 2018 Google Maps

Amazing hikes and foliage. We did the jakels lagoon and up the hill from there and was super beautiful. Not too long but lush and great mix of scenery. Highly recommend it.

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Location & Directions for Patos Island

San Juan Islands National Monument Office, 650 Mullis Street Suite 100, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 United States

Elevation: 43 ft

Nearest town

Friday Harbor, WA - 91 mi

About over 4 hr (264 min) to downtown

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 7, 2026

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Explore Friday Harbor, WA

Friday Harbor, Washington

Population: 2,728

Nearby city: Bellingham, WA

Approx. 22 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 56 ft

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