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Washington
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Washington State Parks

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Washington
The Islands Region
Matia Island State Park
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MATIA ISLAND STATE PARK
MATIA ISLAND STATE PARK
Eastsound, Washington   98245
(lat:48.747 lon:-122.8387) map location

Phone: 360-902-8844
Matia Island State Park is a 145-acre marine park with 20,676 feet of saltwater shoreline on the Strait of Georgia. The island is part of the San Juan National Wildlife Refuge. Under a mutual agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, five acres at Rolfe Cove are available to boaters as a marine park. Matia Island is a federal wildlife refuge and has use restrictions different from most Washington state parks. With the exception of the campground area at Rolfe Cove and the loop trail and its beaches, the island is closed to public access and use to protect habitat and wildlife.

The park features good fishing and diving in waters around the island. There are interesting geological formations and an old-growth forest.
History of the Area
Captain Eliza of the 1792 Spanish Expedition named the island "Isle de Mata." Mata has many meanings in Spanish, most having to do with lush plant growth. Some believe Matia refers to a woman's name. The U.S. Coast Survey conffered the name Matia in 1954.
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
Camping is available on a first come, first served basis. Rolfe Cove on Matia Island offers six campsites, a sandy beach, one picnic site, and a composting toilet. There is no drinking water available on the island. The nearest potable water is on Sucia Island and available from April - September. There is no garbage service to the island. Visitors must pack-out what they pack-in.

Pets are not permitted.

Open fires are not permitted on the island, even in the campground. Gas stoves may be used for cooking. Please consult the campground bulletin board for current information.
Boating
Located in San Juan County on Puget Sound, Matia Island has two buoys and one dock at Rolfe Cove. The dock is 64-feet long and provides 128-feet of overnight moorage. The dock remains in place year-round.

Matia Island Moorage Thumbnail Opens in new windowBOAT MOORAGE
Moorage fees are charged year round from 100 PM to 800 AM on a first come, first served basis. All boaters must self-register and pay required fees upon arrival. Boaters must also pay for boats rafted to another boat. Boaters need to obey rafting limits posted on mooring buoys.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in the surrounding waters, home to salmon and rockfish. Crabbing is also popular here during certain seasons.



Picnicking
There is no potable water on Matia Island. The nearest potable water is on Sucia Island and is available from April to September.

There is no garbage service to the island. Visitors must pack-out what they pack-in.

Open fires are not permitted on the island, even in the campground. Charcoal fuel may be used in the barbecue grills in the campground, but not wood. Gas stoves may be used for cooking. Please consult the campground bulletin board for current information.
Trails
1. Matia Island Loop Trail: This is a 0.8-mile loop trail that offers scenic views of the surrounding waters and wildlife sightings, including eagles and seals.

2. Rolfe Cove Trail: A short but beautiful path leading to Rolfe Cove where visitors can enjoy beachcombing or picnicking with stunning oceanic vistas in sight.

3. Old Growth Forest Pathway: An easy walk through an ancient forest filled with towering trees, ferns, mosses; perfect for nature lovers who want to experience Washington's lush greenery up close.

4. Wildlife Observation Point Trails: These trails lead hikers towards various observation points from which they can spot local fauna such as deer, otters or even whales passing by offshore during certain seasons.

5. Wetland Walkways: Several boardwalk paths crisscrossing over marshy areas on the island providing unique opportunities for birdwatching especially waterfowl species like ducks and herons.

6. Campground Access Paths: Short pathways connecting different camping sites within park boundaries ensuring campers have quick access to amenities while being surrounded by natural beauty at all times.

7. Interpretive Nature Trails: Educational routes featuring informative signs about native flora & fauna making it ideal choice for families looking forward learning more about ecosystem of Pacific Northwest region.

8. Shoreline Stroll Route: Longest continuous pathway running along entire coastline offering panoramic sea views, chance encounter marine life washed ashore plus potential sunset viewing spots depending upon time visit.
Birding
Birding enthusiasts can spot species like the Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron and various waterfowl. The park is also home to songbirds such as Warblers, Sparrows and Swallows. Other bird types include Seabirds, Shorebirds and Raptors.

Area Attractions


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Area Campgrounds
The Cedars RV Resort
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360-384-2622
Sun Retreats Birch Bay
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Thousand Trails Birch Bay
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Nearby Hotels
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Directions
2.5 north of Orcas Island and 1.5 east of Sucia Island in San Juan County.

Matia Island State Park is reachable only by boat. It is located 2.5 miles north of Orcas Island and 1.5 miles east of Sucia Island. The closest launch sites are in Blaine, Obstruction Pass on Orcas Island, Squallicum Harbor in Bellingham, and in Anacortes.

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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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