Public shore-based places to view orca whales on San Juan Island

June 17, 11:12 AMSan Juan Islands Travel ExaminerSheila Gaquin

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Whales on the west side of San Juan Island
Besides the well-known Limekiln State Park, off West Side Road on the western shore  of San Juan Island, there are three other public viewing areas along West Side Road where orcas can often been seen during the summer months.

Deadman Preserve
Just south of Limekiln State Park off Westside road is a property owned by the San Juan County Landbank.  The preserve has 1600 feet of public shoreline including a gravel beach.  When orcas are in the area this is also a good viewing area.

West side Scenic Preserve
A couple miles south of Deadman Preserve is another Landbank property.  The preserve has 15 acres of high bank bluffs overlooking Haro Strait.  The high vantage point is a good whale lookout spot, and also offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains.

San Juan County Park
About 3 miles north of Limekiln State Park is San Juan County Park.  The park has rocky bluffs, and a gravel beach. In addition to day use, there are  20 campsites, a group camping area, and an area set aside for hikers, bikers and kayakers.  All camp spots have water views, eat dinner, lean back and look for the whales.

Whales on the south end of the island
American Camp National Historic Park, and the adjacent South Beach overlook the Straits of Juan de Fuca and are both sites where whales can be spotted.  To reach American Camp, head south out of Friday Harbor on Argyle Road.  Where the road takes a sharp turn to the right, it becomes Mullis road.  After another sharp right, the road become Cattle Point Road.  Follow Cattle Point Road to the entrance of American camp.

To reach South Beach, go past the entrance for America Camp Visitor Center and turn right on Picket Land.  The first parking lot is about a half mile down Picket Lane.  It is located in the middle of South Beach, so you can head east or west to the beach.

San Juan Island offers many opportunities for shore-based whale watching.  Grab a pair of binoculars and head for the shore.