Decatur Island Map

Description: This map shows roads, trails, beaches, lakes, buildings, airports, peaks, and parks on Decatur Island.

Maps of San Juan Islands

Decatur Island is located in the San Juan Islands archipelago between Lopez Island and Blakely Island, covering approximately 3,000 acres. The island is privately owned and not served by Washington State Ferries, making it one of the more secluded inhabited islands in the group. Access is limited to private boats and small aircraft landing at the island's private airstrip.

The island is divided into two main sections connected by a narrow isthmus, with Brigantine Bay and Sylvan Cove providing protected anchorages. Decatur Island supports a small residential community of approximately 60-75 permanent residents, with additional seasonal occupancy during summer months. The island maintains a rural character with minimal development and extensive forested areas.

Community and Environment

Decatur Island residents are served by a private water system and generate their own electricity, typically through solar panels, wind power, or generators. A small general store once operated on the island but has since closed, requiring residents to travel to nearby islands for supplies and services. The island has a community beach club and dock facilities for residents.

The island's natural environment features old-growth forest sections, varied topography, and diverse marine habitats along its shoreline. Harbor seals, river otters, and various seabird species are commonly observed. The surrounding waters are popular with recreational boaters and kayakers, though public access to the island itself is limited. Decatur Island's remote location and private ownership have helped preserve its natural character, offering residents a quiet lifestyle closely connected to the marine environment of the Salish Sea.

Main sights in Decatur Island

How to Get to Decatur Island

Decatur Island is a private island in the San Juan Islands archipelago in Washington State, USA. Since it's privately owned, access is restricted and requires special permission.

Transportation Options

By Private Boat:

• The most common way to reach Decatur Island
• Launch from nearby marinas in the San Juan Islands
• Requires navigation experience in Pacific Northwest waters
• Check weather conditions before departure

By Chartered Water Taxi:

• Available from Friday Harbor on San Juan Island
• Can be arranged from Anacortes or Bellingham
• Must be scheduled in advance
• More expensive but convenient option

Getting to the San Juan Islands First

Washington State Ferries:

• Take ferry from Anacortes, WA to Friday Harbor
• Reservations recommended, especially in summer
• Ferry runs multiple times daily
• Accepts vehicles and walk-on passengers

By Air:

• Fly to Friday Harbor Airport (FHR)
• Charter flights available from Seattle area
• Limited commercial service

Important Considerations

Access Restrictions:

• Decatur Island is privately owned
• Permission required from landowners
• No public facilities or services
• Respect private property boundaries

Planning Tips:

• Contact island owners well in advance
• Bring all necessary supplies
• Check marine weather forecasts
• Have emergency communication devices