Waldron Island Map

Description: This map shows roads, trails, coves, peaks, lakes, buildings, airport, farms, and parks on Waldron Island.

Description: This map shows where Waldron Island is located on the Washington State Map.

Maps of San Juan Islands

Waldron Island is a privately owned island in the San Juan Islands archipelago, covering approximately 4.6 square miles (11.9 km²). Located north of Orcas Island, Waldron is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the group and is not served by Washington State Ferries. The island maintains a population of approximately 90 permanent residents who rely on private boats and small aircraft for transportation to and from the mainland.

Access to Waldron Island is primarily through private boat or seaplane, as the island has no public ferry service. A small airstrip serves residents and occasional visitors. The island's isolation has fostered a tight-knit community that manages its own infrastructure, including a community-run general store, post office, and school. The one-room schoolhouse serves the island's small student population, continuing a tradition of rural education.

Community and Infrastructure

Waldron Island operates largely as a private community with limited facilities for visitors. The island has no commercial tourist services, and most of the land is privately owned. Residents generate their own electricity through solar panels, wind turbines, or generators, and rely on wells for freshwater. The community maintains shared facilities through cooperative agreements and volunteer efforts.

The island's economy is primarily residential, with some residents commuting to other islands or the mainland for work. Agriculture on a small scale and remote work arrangements support some families. The island's natural environment remains largely undisturbed due to its small population and limited development, providing habitat for various wildlife species including deer, eagles, and marine mammals in surrounding waters. Waldron's remoteness and self-sufficient character make it unique among the San Juan Islands, representing a lifestyle increasingly rare in the modern Pacific Northwest.

Main sights in Waldron Island

How to Get to Waldron Island

Waldron Island is a private island located in the San Juan Islands archipelago in Washington State. Access is extremely limited and requires special permission.

Transportation Options

Important: Waldron Island is privately owned and has no public facilities or regular ferry service.

• Private boat: The only practical way to reach the island if you have permission
• Charter boat: Can be arranged from nearby islands like San Juan Island or Orcas Island
• Private aircraft: Small planes can land on the island's airstrip with prior arrangement

Access Requirements

• Written permission from the island owners is required
• Contact the Waldron Island Preserve organization in advance
• Visits are typically limited to educational or research purposes
• No camping or overnight stays are permitted

Nearest Public Access Points

• Friday Harbor (San Juan Island) - closest ferry terminal and marina
• Orcas Island - alternative departure point for boat charters
• Anacortes - mainland ferry terminal to reach the San Juan Islands

Note: Always verify current access policies and make arrangements well in advance of any planned visit.