If you have plans to head to the San Juan Islands this summer, this local park is worth visiting. Lime Kiln Point is set on a rocky bluff of San Juan Island and is considered one of the best whale-watching spots in the world. From May to September, visitors have the chance to spot a variety of whales including orca, humpback, and minke whales.
The peak of whale watching season varies depending on salmon runs. Try your hand at seeing the whales from a historic 1919 lighthouse or from a nearby sea cliff. But even if you happen to visit and don’t see a lot of whales, you can view exhibits at the Lime Kiln Interpretive Center and learn about both resident and transient whale pods.
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The 41-acre day-use park has other things to do as well like hiking, diving, and bird watching. You can also take tours of the historic lighthouse and explore the namesake of the park – the 19th-century lime kiln.
As it is part of the Washington State Park system you will need to purchase a day ($11.50) or annual ($35) Discover Pass to access the park. That being said, the park is equipped with automated pay stations for you to purchase passes and also boat launch permits.
As for how to get there you’ll need to take a Washington State Ferry and either drive, walk, or bike on.
While the park is open year-round the Interpretive Center is seasonal, its hours are 11 AM to 4 PM daily between May 28th and September 11th.
Lime Kiln Point
Where: 1567 Westside Road, Friday Harbor, WA
Information on Lime Kiln Point is from Washington State Parks, and is accurate as of publication date.
