San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge

The San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge spans 83 small uninhabited islands covering roughly 184 acres scattered across the Salish Sea. The islands have rocky shorelines, forested areas, and diverse habitats supporting marine animals and birds.

The refuge was officially established in 1976, consolidating several already-protected areas including Smith Island National Wildlife Refuge from 1914. This merger created a comprehensive preservation zone for these fragile island ecosystems.

Native American peoples have long maintained a presence on these islands, shaping how they connect with the sea and its resources. The refuge today reflects this heritage through its protection of both land and marine life that sustained these communities.

Visitors must stay about 180 meters away from island shorelines to minimize disturbance and protect wildlife. Only Matia Island allows camping and walking on its natural trail, making it the sole island where landing is permitted.

Around 200 bird species use this location for nesting each year, including cormorants, puffins, and bald eagles that find undisturbed conditions here. The remote islands form one of the few breeding grounds where these species can safely maintain large populations.

Location: San Juan County

Inception: 1976

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/san_juan_islands

GPS coordinates: 48.64704,-123.08296

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:54