Map of James Island State Park

Description:
This map shows hiking, sailing, fishing, restrooms, picnic areas, camping, mooring buoy, and trails in James Island State Park.

About James Island State Park

James Island State Park is a 113-acre marine state park located in the San Juan Islands, positioned between Decatur Island and Sidney Island. The entire island comprises the park, which is accessible only by private boat, making it a popular destination for kayakers and boaters exploring the archipelago. The park offers primitive camping facilities with thirteen campsites spread across the island, providing visitors with a wilderness camping experience in a marine environment.

The island features approximately three miles of shoreline with several coves providing protected anchorage for visiting boats. Trails traverse the island, passing through forested areas and leading to scenic viewpoints overlooking surrounding islands and waters. The park maintains vault toilets and picnic facilities but has no potable water, requiring visitors to bring their own or treat available water sources. The primitive nature of the facilities emphasizes low-impact recreation and self-sufficiency.

Natural Features and Wildlife

James Island's ecosystem includes mixed conifer and deciduous forests, rocky beaches, and intertidal zones. The island provides habitat for black-tailed deer, bald eagles, various songbirds, and numerous marine species. Harbor seals frequently haul out on nearby rocks, and orcas, porpoises, and sea lions may be observed in surrounding waters. The intertidal areas support diverse marine life including sea stars, anemones, crabs, and various shellfish species.

The park is particularly popular during summer months when calm weather and longer days facilitate kayaking and small boat travel. Visitors often use James Island as a base for exploring nearby islands or as a stopover during multi-day kayaking trips through the San Juan archipelago. The island's forested interior provides shade and wind protection, while its beaches offer opportunities for beachcombing, tidepool exploration, and observing marine wildlife. Park regulations prohibit fires except in designated areas, and visitors are expected to practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the island's natural character for future users.