Destination James Island

The San Juan Islands have so many places to go by boat that it is often hard to visit all the ones we want to every year.  One of the islands that should be on the list of destinations to visit is James Island.  Located on Rosario Strait about 3 miles west of Anacortes and a half mile east of Decatur it is accessible only by boat. 

The island was named to honor the heroism of an American sailor, Rueben James, in 1841.  In 1964 the federal government acquired the island and transferred it to the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.

Much of the 113 acre island has been designated as a Natural Forest Area and is closed to public access except for designated recreational areas and trails.  The island offers about 1 1/2 miles of hiking trails on the central and southwest part of the island.  The short hikes offer amazing views of the San Juan Islands and Anacortes from the bluffs and a small bench offers a great place to sit down and enjoy the view.

There are 5 mooring buoys shown on maps and on the Washington State Parks website but currently there are only 3 in East Cove and not any currently in West Cove.  The buoy on the port side when entering East Cove is a bit shallower than the other buoys so boats with a draft over 6 feet may want to pick one of the other buoys during lower tides.  Boats over 45 feet are not permitted on the buoys and there are rafting limits based on boat size. The overnight mooring buoy fee is $10 and boaters will want to try and get to the island in the morning to try and get a buoy.   Anchoring is not recommended in East Cove since it can be a bit choppy from boat traffic in Rosario Strait and the bottom isn't very suitable for holding an anchor. 

West Cove has a 44 foot moorage float available April through September as it is removed during the rest of the year.  The entrance to the dock is relatively deep going into the Cove.  Again the dock fills up quickly primarily with smaller boats.  There are plenty of places to bring in kayaks and other small dinghies onto the beaches and tie up while you go ashore and explore.

James Island has 13 campsites in three different locations throughout the island.  There is not potable water on the island and visitors will need to pack out what they bring in.  There is a composting toilet and a pit toilet on the island. 

For those who want to catch their dinner crabbing is good by Decatur Island just past the Coast Guard buoy by Decatur Head.  Salmon and bottom fishing is also good just off the waters of James Island - most fishing boats are seen in the area between James and Decatur Island. 

If you are lucky enough to grab a mooring buoy or spot at the dock or even anchor out James Island will be a restful beautiful place to spend a day relaxing, hiking, exploring, fishing, or sitting around a camp fire.  With limited space it may take several attempts to snag a buoy but it is worth trying.