Free whale watching from shore at Lime Kiln Lighthouse State Park on San Juan Island

June 16, 9:08 AMSan Juan Islands Travel ExaminerSheila Gaquin

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Two orcas just off-shore from Lime Kiln Stae Park on San Juan Is.

For many visitors to the San Juan Islands, seeing the orca whales is the highlight of their trip.  Whale watching tour boats offer a wonderful experience, but the expense can be prohibitive.   Land-based alternatives  provide great viewing and costs nothing.
 

Orca whales may pop up anywhere in the Puget Sound area, but they are frequently found in the same general areas summer after summer.  One of these areas is off the west side of San Juan Island, often straight out from the Lime Kiln Lighthouse State Park.  Cindy Hansen of the Friday Harbor Whale Museum says the park is one of the best shore-based whale viewing areas in the world.  

The lighthouse sits on a rocky outcrop over Haro Strait, and the whales often come within a hundred feet or so of the shore as they feed, interact, breech, spy hop and communicate with each other.  A hydrophone deployed in the water in front of the lighthouse allows visitors to hear the whales’ vocalizations.

In addition to seeing whales, visitors may also see otters, seals, porpoises, and occasionally, minke whales.   Park naturalists are on hand during the summer to provide information and answer questions.

To visit the park, pack a picnic lunch, and some binoculars, and head west out of Friday Harbor on Spring Street.  Spring Street quickly  turns into San Juan Valley Road.  Follow SJV Road for about a mile then turn left on to Douglas Road.  Bear to the right as the road becomes Bailer Hill Road.  Bailer Hill eventually becomes West Side Road and curves along the bluff over the water.  Follow West Side Road for about two miles to the Park entrance on the left.  The park is opened every day from dawn to dusk.