The Lime Kiln Lighthouse, a small but still operating navigation aid overlooking Dead Man’s Bay, is an iconic landmark on San Juan Island. Located on the island’s western side, the Lime Kiln Lighthouse, which is located at Lime Kiln Point State Park, has directed vessels through the rocky Haro Strait for more than a century. Visiting the lighthouse isn’t the only thing to do at Lime Kiln Point State Park, though. This remarkable park is one of the leading things to do on San Juan Island.
The Park, which has earned the friendly nickname of Whale Watch Park, is the leading land-based spot from which to see orcas and other whales as they swim off the wildlife-rich waters of the San Juans. If you’re not taking in the majestic view from the lighthouse, you can hike, beach comb, picnic, and hopefully spot a pod or two of whales! Of course, this is just the start of your adventures on the San Juans this year. The Lime Kiln Point Lighthouse isn’t even the only lighthouse on San Juan Island worth seeing!
You can see everything you want to see and more when you stay with us at our top-rated Bed and Breakfast in Friday Harbor. Our cozy Inn is walkable from the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal, and we’re only a 15-minute drive (or hour bike ride!) from Lime Kiln Point State Park & lighthouse! We offer a diverse selection of lodging options at the Tucker House Inn and the Harrison House Suites. You’ll find cozy suites for two, perfect for a romantic island getaway, and larger multi-room layouts for family or pet-friendly vacations. We offer many lovely amenities, including a scratch-made breakfast delivered to your door each morning of your stay.
Are you ready for an unforgettable trip to Washington’s scenic San Juan Islands this year? Book your stay at our Bed and Breakfast today!
Spend the Day at Lime Kiln Lighthouse & State Park
Lime Kiln Point State Park encompasses 41-acres along the western side of the island, where the terrain is made up of rocky cliffs, wooded trails in the shade of windblown trees, and grassy outlooks with picnic benches. According to the Washington State Parks Department, this location is considered “one of the best places in the world to view whales from a land-based facility.”
The most notable attraction at this coastal park is the Lime Kiln Lighthouse, which is located atop a rocky outcropping. This San Juan Island lighthouse was built in 1919. It was named for the historic lime kilns that were once everywhere on this part of the island. In fact, one of them is still visible and has been renovated and interpreted for the public. The Lime Kiln Lighthouse sits at the entrance to Haro Strait, which is a major shipping route that links Puget Sound to the Strait of Georgia.
The lighthouse was declared a state historic site in December of 1978, and then in 1985, the Lime Kiln Point Lighthouse and surrounding area were dedicated as a whale sanctuary and research station for marine mammal scientists. Webcams and a hydrophone are located at the lighthouse to aid researches in tracking marine mammals. Lime Kiln Lighthouse is open for tours during the summer months. In addition to being a great spot to take a few photos and maybe even see a few whales, it’s a great spot to get that bird’s eye view of the Salish Sea.
Beyond exploring the lighthouse, here are other things you can do at Lime Kiln Point State Park.
- Hike! The Upland Trail begins at the north end of the main parking lot. This 1.6-mile trail leads you to the historic Lime Kiln, and here, you can learn more about the lime quarry operations of the area. You’ll then follow the path to the Lime Kiln Lighthouse and continue towards the rocky shoreline.
- Explore the beach. The rocky cliffs lead visitors to a diverse landscape of sea life in tide pools and along the shoreline. You’ll most likely see kayakers paddling, hoping to catch a glimpse of the pods in migration.
- Pack a Picnic! The view of the Lime Kiln Lighthouse on its rocky perch and beautiful sparkling water is a delight, especially as a backdrop for lunch. You’ll find 12 picnic tables and benches with these views peppered along the shores of Lime Kiln Point State Park. Lucky for our guests, we can also prepare a gourmet picnic lunch for you to take along on your excursion.
