Orca Watching 101 – See orcas from the shore free!

July 20, 5:22 PMPuget Sound Marine Life ExaminerCarole May

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Lime Kiln State Park Lighthouse
©2009 Carole May

When I visited Seattle, Washington for the first time back in 2002, my friends asked me if there was anything I wanted to do while I was there. My one request was to see orcas in their natural home of Puget Sound. We went to Orcas Island for a few days, and while there, we went out on a whale watch boat. That is, of course, the way most people go to see our orcas.  However, the cost can be quite prohibitive, especially for families.  There is another way!

Whale Watch Park
On San Juan Island, there is a wonderful park called Lime Kiln Point State Park. It is also known as “Whale Watch Park”.  There, you can sit and watch the orcas for as long as they are there, for free.  The park is on the west side of the island on Haro Strait, where the orcas can often be seen.  They may be just passing by following the salmon, or they may stay for a while.   

Hydrophone at Lime Kiln State Park-©2009 Carole May

Arriving at the park
When you arrive, there is an Interpretive Center, where you can get information and ask questions. There are also park personnel around the park and you will often find regulars down by the lighthouse, who will happily answer your questions. 

Whale Watching Areas
There are two main watching areas. The path closest to the restrooms will lead you to one of the areas. If you take the path behind the Interpretive Center, you will end up by the lighthouse.

The Hydrophone
There is a hydrophone at the lighthouse and if the orcas are in the area and vocalizing, you can not only see them, you can hear them! It is powered by solar power, and anyone can switch it on and have a listen.  You can also listen to the hydrophone from any computer by clicking this link. 

What to bring
When you go, pack light jacket (it can get chilly by the water), sun hat, sunscreen, a picnic lunch and water. Camera and binoculars are also a good idea! And, if you are bringing children, pack activities for them to do. Waiting for the orcas takes quite a bit of patience at times and I frequently see children getting quite bored with the whole thing.

When are the whales coming?
I am often asked when the whales are coming. Although sometimes we get reports of where they are, no one really knows since it’s a large sea and the orcas go where they please. But if you are there on a day when they are there, I guarantee it will be one of the most amazing sights you will ever see!

Lime Kiln State Park   ©2009 Carole May

 How to get there
The park is accessible in a couple of different ways, You can park your car in Anacortes ($10 for the day) and walk on the ferry. Take the ferry to Friday Harbor and then hop on the San Juan shuttle bus. The second stop on the shuttle is the park. The shuttle schedule and rates are available here.  

Or you can drive your car on the ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor, and then drive to the park. From Friday Harbor, follow Spring Street west as it becomes San Juan Valley Road. After about 1 mile, turn left onto Douglas Road, and follow to the right as it becomes Bailer Hill Road. After about 3 miles, Bailer Hill becomes West Side Road. You will end up at the park. There is disabled parking in front of the building with the restrooms, just to the left of the Interpretive Center.

Mother and Child - ©2009 Carole May - Taken May 24th