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 Go
- Patos 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 Interest
Keepers 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.