About Patos Island
Welcome to the northwestern-most point in the lower 48 states! Patos Island is a wild and remote 200-acre island in the beautiful Salish Sea. The mountains of Canada and the spectacular Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges provide scenic backdrops to this special area. Recreational activities include hiking, camping, boating, sea kayaking, watching wildlife, and viewing wildflowers along the beaches, wooded areas, and at overlooks. The BLM cooperatively manages the area with Washington State Parks. Patos Island Lighthouse, built in 1893, stands on the western-most end of the island, providing light and reference to mariners.Know Before You GoPatos Island is open YEAR ROUND.Limited mooring buoys and campsites in Active Cove are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Patos Island is only accessible by watercraft.Patos Island is very primitive and there is no fresh water available on site.On October 7, 2014, San Juan County became the first County in the U.S. designated as a voluntary Leave No Trace Area.Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our public lands! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.Point of InterestKeepers of the Patos Light are a nonprofit partner group that operates a small interpretive museum during the summer weekends from June through September, based on weather and available volunteers.
How to Get There
Patos Island State Park is located five miles northwest of Orcas Island in San Juan County. It is accessible only by boat and there is no commercial ferry service to the park. The nearest launch sites are at Point Roberts Marina (13 miles north), Blaine Harbor (11 miles northeast), and Squallicum Harbor in Bellingham (24 miles east).
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Patos Island
Heading to Patos Island? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Patos Island?
No central reservation system listed for Patos Island. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/255186) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Patos Island?
Patos Island State Park is located five miles northwest of Orcas Island in San Juan County. It is accessible only by boat and there is no commercial ferry service to the park. The nearest launch sites are at Point Roberts Marina (13 miles north), Blaine Harbor (11 miles northeast), and Squallicum Harbor in Bellingham (24 miles east).
How do I contact Patos Island?
You can reach the park at phone: 509-220-5976 or email: blm_or_sanjuanislandsnm@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
