The trails on Jones Island offer quick access from one end to the other cutting across the narrow middle section of the island, but they also offer about 4 miles of easy terrain for hikers to explore the forested groves on this island. After breakfast, pack up and begin the day's paddle to Sucia Island. After packing all camping and personal gear, we'll have a thorough orientation covering the fitting of the kayak, paddling technique, safety … Campsites: We camped at Griffin Bay, San Juan County Park, and Jones Island. The west side of Jones Island (48.616154, -123.052007) is part of the Cascadia Marine Trail and is only for use by non-motorized beachable watercraft. They are incredibly friendly and will walk right up for a treat a good pet. Jones Island State park is a 188-acre marine camping park with 25,000 feet of saltwater shoreline on the San Jaun channel. Three centrally located bath … The south side camp area has a couple of sleeping shelters and one group camp with a covered eating area that may be reserved in advance. There are three landing areas available for camping. Lying in San Juan Channel between Orcas Island and San Juan Island, Jones Island draws a plethora of visitors in summer. This state park island encompasses 188 acres of woodland, grassy cleanings, and an orchard. They have learned how to open some kayak hatches, and they will certainly get into soft goods that are not hung appropriately. At the end of September, the state parks will remove the dock from the north end of the island so that it does not get destroyed by the winter storms that come in from the north; the dock is returned some time in the spring dependent on weather. Smith Point County Park, within the national seashore, is the only camping option reachable by car or RV. It is just the right distance for a leisurely crossing from the mainland, followed by exploring around James and the surrounding larger islands such as Decatur Island or Blakely Island. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! If you want to kayak, fish, and crab, this is the place for you. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. The north end of Jones Island (48.617498, -123.048114) provides a rounded gravel beach, moorage buoys, and a dock that allows non-beachable boats shore access to the island. Fees are payable with cash or check in the deposit boxes on the north and south end of the island. This state park island encompasses 188 acres of woodland, grassy cleanings, and an orchard. Since this is turning out to be the summer of the staycation, it's a great time to embark on a new adventure such as this. Tide swings can exceed 13 feet during springs tides, and some locations in the San Juan Islands have tidal currents that can exceed 5 knots. BEWARE OF RACOONS AND DEER: They will aggressively come searching food left unattended or unwatched by visitors. We had six deer living among our tents. It's close enough to the main islands that you can do it in a day, but it's far enough of a paddle to give you a great workout. Kayaking around Shaw Island has many highlights, including Friday Harbor, the Wasp Islands and three State Park islands with camping and hiking trails. The mainland portion of the park offers over 100 campsites, 49 of which are equipped with electrical hook-ups to accommodate tent or vehicle campers. Best of all, the entirety of Jones Island is a Marine State Park, with 188 acres of wildlife, primitive camping, trails, and shoreline. Be careful: the water can get pretty shallow in these parts and also watch out for the protected oyster beds around certain parts of the island. All rights reserved. ! While it doesn't have many amenities, it's a beautiful place to disconnect and enjoy nature. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. There are two campsites and one composting toilet here, though campers must take a short walk to the north end of the island to get fresh water. Among these locations, there are a total of 24 primitive campsites, each of which is equipped with a fire pit and picnic table. Returned to the islands this time on the kayak... and it was epic! All other campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Absolute bliss for us to get away from our computers and connect with nature. Park features Accessible only by boat, Jones Island Marine State park is a 188-acre marine camping park with 25,000 feet of saltwater shoreline on the San Juan channel. A motorboat, canoe, or kayak is required to get to these campsites. Jones Island is a great place to set as your initial destination for a kayak trip. Campers have several options. ... Return to Jones Island for some more island exploring and a gourmet campsite dinner. The remaining primitive campsites are located on either side of the dock, with great views of the north cove. Day 5: Today we cross San Juan Channel to Shaw Island and then continuing across to the shores of San Juan Island. This is our most popular multi-day kayaking tour option. The island itself is nearly impassable by foot. Within the mainland portion of the park are the campground, with 103 campsites, rental cabins, a lodge, picnic areas, pavilions, and the boat ramp and marina. Almost always done in a clockwise direction this route can include camping at Turn Island, Jones Island, Blind Island, Odlin Park on Lopez Island, and South Beach on Shaw Island. All camping at Canaveral National Seashore is done in the northern section of the park at fourteen campsites located on the islands of Mosquito Lagoon. The south end of Jones Island (48.612301, -123.045907) is home to mooring buoys for visitors arriving by non-beachable watercraft, and there is also a rounded-gravel beach for kayaks, canoes, dinghies, and other small vessels. The remainder of the campsites on the south end are in the clearing surrounding the apple and pear orchard. Three days offer the perfect amount of time to explore the islands and spend time paddling prime whale-watching territory. Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State. This summer, we highly recommend kayaking out to Jones Island, a more secluded spot with abundant wildlife and plenty of places to hike or camp. This campsite has an amazing sunset view looking out to the west over San Juan Island. If you’d rather leave the planning to someone else, check out this company. It’s about nourishment and learning. The 738-acre Johns Island County Park offers miles of wooded trails for equestrians, walkers, and runners; serves as host site for competitive horse shows at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center; is one of the most beautiful wedding venues in … But if you paddle to the southeast side, you'll be able to beach your boat only a few feet from the 4 wooden platforms that comprise the site (only one person/group can reserve the island at a time, despite the multiple sites). Beautiful little island one can only reach by boat. Sea kayak camping tours of 4 to 6 days in length are recommended for guests who have had substantial rustic camping … Here is what you need to know for kayak camping at Thousand Islands National Park. A kayak camp on a river island is an experience worth seeking out, (Tim Jones photo) I doubt I’ll ever forget the sight and sound of that spectacle. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! The park features a beautiful loop trail down the center of the island then around the western shore. Overview. Day 3: Go for an early morning walk in the woods on one of the many trails, before packing up camp to set out for our next destination, Jones Island. If you’re camped here, be sure to keep your eyes on the water as orca whales will occasionally pass through San Juan Channel. Plan B was to head north up the island for a few more miles to the second spot called Pelican Beach. This particular San Juan Islands kayak trip offers some of the safest waters available as you are generally protected from the stronger winds and currents. The entire island is a 188-acre primitive camping park with hiking trails and rugged shoreline. By previous arrangement with the Harbormaster they stored our kayak wheels for us. The southern cove has buoys, anchorage, and an easy beach to land on. A circumnavigation of Shaw Island is a classic for San Juan Islands kayak camping and wildlife viewing. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure. KAYAK CAMPING Jones Island Paddle off under your own power with a kayak loaded with food and camping supplies—destination Jones Island, an uninhabited 188-acre gem in the middle of the San Juans, just a 6-mile paddle from Friday Harbor. Jones Island State Park is centrally located in the San Juan archipelago and is accessible from a variety of launch points for adventurers utilizing a variety of modes of transportation. More time kayaking on the water means more opportunity to view diverse wildlife and enjoy gourmet, 3-course meals customized by your tour guide and chef. I head out with my buddy Jake to winter sea kayak and attempt to spend the night on an island in Lake Superior. Day 1: Friday Harbor to Griffin Bay WWTA site, 6nm. Stop for lunch at Point Doughty, then continue on to Sucia Island. The campsites are first-come, first-served, and many of them have gorgeous views like this. Would you go on a self-guided kayak tour of the beautiful San Juan Islands? All single campsites are first-come, first-served, and there is one group shelter available by reservation. There are two more isolated sites on the point just west of the primary landing cove and one on the point just east of the landing area. Apostle Islands Kayak Island Camping Sea Kayak, Camp, and Explore the Apostle Island Archipelago. Anacortes itself is about a 90 minute drive from Seattle, and the ferry takes approximately an hour. It was a wonderful paddle, riding the current like an escalator, and only a few feet off shore all the way there. It’s about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. The north end of Jones Island is ADA accessible with one of the camp areas specifically designed to be wheelchair friendly. Lying in San Juan Channel between Orcas Island and San Juan Island, Jones Island draws a plethora of If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: The entire island is a 188-acre primitive camping park with hiking trails and rugged shoreline. The 3 Day San Juan Island Kayak Camping Tour is perfect for those wanting to spend more time exploring the San Juan Islands. For us that meant 2 nights of kayak camping on 2 islands. 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