Jones Island Marine State Park

Jones Island Marine State Park: Entire Island Adventure in the San Juan Archipelago

Jones Island Marine State Park in Eastsound offers the extraordinary experience of having an entire 188-acre island as your wilderness playground, where dramatic cliffs rise nearly 200 feet above protected coves and four miles of hiking trails reveal endless water views at every turn. Located one mile west of Orcas Island’s southwestern corner, this boat-access-only sanctuary provides primitive camping, diverse wildlife encounters, and the rare opportunity to explore a complete island ecosystem that has been shaped by glacial ice, tectonic forces, and centuries of human stewardship.

Jones Island Marine State Park Fast Facts

Park Overview

Jones Island Marine State Park delivers one of Washington’s most comprehensive island wilderness experiences, where visitors essentially rent an entire island for their outdoor adventures. The island’s dramatic topography features rugged shores with rock outcrops revealing ancient ocean floor bedrock uplifted by tectonic forces, while nearly 157 acres are designated as a Natural Forest Area to maintain biodiversity and expand understanding of natural values. This unique geological and ecological setting creates diverse habitats supporting everything from tame black-tail deer to marine wildlife.

The island’s rich human history adds depth to natural beauty, from Coast Salish Indigenous peoples who called this home since time immemorial to Euro-American homesteaders like Robert Kittles and his Lummi wife who established orchards that visitors can still explore today. The transition from National Wildlife Refuge to state park in 1982 preserved both natural ecosystems and historical significance while opening remarkable recreation opportunities to the public.

Activities & Recreation

Facilities & Amenities

Jones Island Marine State Park provides essential facilities while maintaining its wilderness character. North Cove features 128 linear feet of dock moorage (removed in October, reinstalled end of March) and seven mooring buoys available year-round. Navigational hazards include a marked reef at the northeast entrance to North Cove and several unmarked, charted rocks along the southeastern shore. Weather conditions significantly affect mooring, with strong northerly winds during high pressure creating rough North Cove waters, while low pressure brings strong southerly winds to South Cove.

Facilities include 24 primitive campsites with composting toilets, group camps and Adirondack shelters available for reservation. Water is available seasonally (May through September), but visitors must pack in their own water during other months. No garbage service is provided, requiring pack-in, pack-out practices. Fire restrictions limit use to gas/propane self-contained camping stoves and portable gas/propane fire pits only.

Camping & Accommodations

Jones Island Marine State Park offers 24 primitive campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis, strategically located to provide diverse island experiences. Cascadia Marine Trail sites on the west side are reserved exclusively for travelers arriving by human-powered vessels. Group camps and Adirondack shelters provide reservable options for organized groups seeking structured accommodations.

All camping operates under wilderness conditions with composting toilets, seasonal water availability, and no electrical services. The island’s tame deer population, while charming, requires secure food storage as feeding wildlife is illegal. Raccoons also present food storage challenges, demanding wildlife-proof containers for all provisions.

Planning Your Visit

Jones Island Marine State Park operates with seasonal hours: summer (6:30 a.m. to dusk) and winter (8:00 a.m. to dusk). Access requires personal watercraft only, with no ferry service available. The park sits one mile west of Orcas Island’s southwestern corner in the challenging waters of the San Juan Archipelago, demanding skilled navigation due to tidal exchanges, weather conditions, and underwater hazards.

Water is available May through September, but visitors must pack their own supply during other months. No garbage service requires complete pack-in, pack-out planning. Seasonal dock removal (October through March) means winter visitors must rely on mooring buoys or South Cove anchorage points. Tour groups may book out campsites during peak season, making advance scouting advisable.

What to Bring & Know

• Pack all water supplies if visiting October through April when seasonal water is unavailable
• Bring wildlife-proof food containers to protect against persistent deer and raccoons
• Plan for skilled marine navigation due to marked reefs, unmarked rocks, and challenging currents
• Consider weather impacts on mooring choice between North and South Coves
• Pack complete camping supplies including gas/propane cooking equipment only
• Prepare for pack-in, pack-out waste management with no garbage services available

Final Word

Jones Island Marine State Park offers the ultimate San Juan Islands adventure where an entire island becomes your personal wilderness retreat, combining dramatic natural beauty with rich human history in one of Washington’s most extraordinary marine destinations.

This park is part of the Explore Washington State Parks Directory—showcasing all of Washington’s State Parks from the rugged Pacific coast to the Cascade peaks. Whether you’re camping under old-growth forests, hiking scenic trails, or discovering local history, we’re highlighting the places where people connect with the state’s incredible natural and cultural heritage—all year long.