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Washington
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Washington State Parks

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USA Parks
Washington
The Islands Region
Blind Island Marine State Park
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Blind Island Marine State Park © Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Blind Island Marine State Park © Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Blind Island Marine State Park © Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Blind Island Marine State Park © Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington from Portland, America / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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BLIND ISLAND MARINE STATE PARK
BLIND ISLAND MARINE STATE PARK
Eastsound, Washington   98245
(lat:48.585 lon:-122.9371) map location

Phone: 360-378-2044
Blind Island is a small, three-acre marine camping park located near the entrance of Blind Bay, Shaw Island. This natural area includes 1,280 feet of saltwater and rocky shoreline, with year-round moorage available. This park is part of the Cascadia Marine Trail. All of the onshore campsites are for the exclusive use of boaters arriving by human- or wind-powered watercraft. The park's onshore camping is a perfect resting spot for kayakers and boaters in human- or wind-powered watercraft. Be sure to set your crab traps in Blind Bay, an area closed to commercial crabbing. Results can be spectacular. Be aware of shellfish regulations and have your shellfish permits and catch record displayed on your person while harvesting shellfish.
History of the Area
In the early part of the century, a "squatter" set up housekeeping to the point of building a small house and storage sheds. His lifestyle was mostly that of a hermit, living off his work as a fisherman and tilling a small garden spot, evidence of which stil remains today. This man dug several holes into the rock, evidently to be used as cisterns. There is a small spring, around which he built a concrete retainer that still is in place. The water is unsafe to drink. All buildings were removed in 1972 due to their unsafe conditions.
Passes
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.
Camping
This first-come, first-served camping park has four primitive campsites. All sites are part of the Cascadia Marine Trail and use of the sites is restricted to those arriving by human- or wind-powered watercraft. Visitors arriving by vessels with motors are not allowed to camp at this park, but may use the island for day use.

There is one composting toilet.
Swimming
- Blind Island Marine State Park does not have designated swimming areas.
- Swimming is possible but at your own risk due to strong currents and cold water temperatures.
- There are no lifeguards on duty, so swimmers should be experienced and cautious.
- The park's rocky shoreline may make entering the water difficult for some visitors.
- Wearing a life jacket while swimming or wading in the waters around Blind Island is recommended.
Boating
There are four moorage buoys available year round. Moorage fees are charged year round for mooring at docks, floats and buoys from 1 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing for salmon, lingcod and rockfish off the shores of this marine park. A valid license is required.

The area offers opportunities to fish from both boat or shore with a variety of bait options available.

Crabbing season also attracts many visitors looking to catch Dungeness crabs in designated areas within the park's boundaries.

Remember that all state regulations apply when fishing here, including size limits and seasonal restrictions on certain species.



Day Use Area
Visitors arriving by vessels with motors are not allowed to camp at this park, but may use the island for day use. No potable water is available on the island.
Picnicking
Blind Island Marine State Park offers picnic tables and grills for visitors. There are no covered areas or shelters available.
Trails
1. Blind Island Trail: This is the main trail that circles around the entire island, offering stunning views of surrounding waters and neighboring islands.

2. Beach Access Trails: These are short trails leading from various points on the main trail down to small pebble beaches where visitors can enjoy picnics or simply relax by water's edge.

3. Wildlife Observation Pathway: A quiet pathway designed for wildlife observation; it winds through dense vegetation providing opportunities to spot local fauna like deer, raccoons and a variety of birds.

4. Sunset Viewpoint Trail: As its name suggests, this west-facing path leads hikers towards an open area perfect for watching sunsets over Puget Sound with Mount Baker in distance as backdrop.

5. East Shoreline Walkway: An easy walk along eastern shoreline which offers beautiful sunrise view spots and occasional sightings of seals basking on rocks offshore.

6. Interpretive Nature Loop: It's not just about hiking but also learning here! The interpretive nature loop has several informational signs detailing flora & fauna found within park boundaries making hike both fun & educational experience.

7. Campsite Connector Paths: Short paths connecting different campsites together allowing campers quick access between sites without having to use longer perimeter route.

8. Picnic Area Link: Small pathways linking picnic areas with restrooms facilities ensuring convenience during meal times.

9. Woodland Wanderer Route: For those who prefer solitude while exploring natural beauty,this less-traveled woodland wanderer route takes you deep into heart of forested part blind island away from usual crowd.

10. South End Lookout Point Track: Another scenic track ending at south end lookout point giving panoramic vistas across Rosario Strait.

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Directions
Blind Island is located west of the Shaw Island ferry dock and one mile south of the Orcas Island ferry dock in San Juan County.

Marine access, reachable only by boat. Located west of the Shaw Island ferry dock and one mile south of the Orcas Island ferry dock in San Juan County.

Kayakers should note that there are no kayak launch sites at or near the ferry docks for Orcas and Shaw islands.

Boaters should approach the park from the northeast (Shaw Island ferry terminal) to access the four mooring buoys located on the south side of Blind Bay. Note the reef marker 200 yards east of Blind Island. Do not approach from the northwest as there is an extensive reef in that area. State park buoys are marked, and all other buoys in Blind Bay are private. Best access to the island is at a small pocket cove at the southwest side of Blind Island (look for the State Parks logo sign onshore).

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Washington
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Washington State Parks

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