Lime Kiln Point State Park, Marine observation state park on San Juan Island, US
Lime Kiln Point State Park is a state-protected area on San Juan Island covering about 42 acres with a lighthouse, hiking trails, and rocky shores facing the open water. The grounds include viewing areas for marine observation and signs explaining the local ocean ecosystem.
Starting in 1860, this site operated as a lime production facility where limestone was burned for building materials. One of the original kilns survives today and stands as evidence of the area's industrial past.
The park draws people interested in marine life, and local programs teach visitors about orcas and ocean ecosystems through guided observations. This connection to sea life shapes how the place is used and valued by the community.
The park is accessible by road and has parking near the entrance, with trails along the shore suitable for walking. A valid Washington state park pass is needed to enter, and visits are most rewarding during the warmer months when marine activity increases.
The underwater shape of the seafloor near the shore allows whales to come very close to land, sometimes within just a few meters of the beach. This geography makes the park one of the best spots on the west coast to watch these animals from solid ground without needing a boat.
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