Matia Island Marine State Park

Matia Island Marine State Park: Wilderness Island Refuge in the San Juan Archipelago

Matia Island Marine State Park offers a rare glimpse into pristine San Juan Islands wilderness, where moss-covered cedar trees create a fairy forest atmosphere on a 145-acre National Wildlife Refuge accessible only by boat. Located in the northern San Juan Islands, this secluded marine park combines old-growth forest trails with protected saltwater camping at Rolfe Cove, providing visitors with an authentic wilderness experience just 2.5 miles from Orcas Island’s Deer Harbor.

Matia Island Marine State Park Fast Facts

Park Overview

Matia Island Marine State Park represents one of Washington’s most pristine wilderness experiences, where 143 of its 145 acres remain designated as wilderness under the Wilderness Act of 1964. Named “Isla de Mata” by Spanish explorer Francisco de Eliza in 1792, meaning “island of no protection,” Matia became a National Wildlife Refuge in 1940 to protect habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cooperatively manages the island with Washington State Parks, allowing public access only to the 2-acre camping area at Rolfe Cove and the wilderness loop trail.

The island’s unique history includes nearly 30 years as home to Civil War veteran Elvin H. Smith, dubbed “The Hermit of Matia Island,” who lived alone here from 1892 until his mysterious disappearance in 1921. Today, Matia Island Marine State Park offers visitors a chance to experience the same unspoiled wilderness that captivated Smith, with giant old-growth cedars creating a rainforest atmosphere and abundant wildlife thriving in protected habitat.

Activities & Recreation

Facilities & Amenities

Matia Island Marine State Park maintains minimal facilities to preserve its wilderness character, with all amenities concentrated at Rolfe Cove. Boating facilities include a 128-foot moorage dock, two seasonal mooring buoys, and phone registration available at buoy locations. The camping area features six primitive campsites with picnic tables plus one additional picnic site, all operating first-come, first-served with no reservations accepted. A single composting toilet serves visitors, while strict Leave No Trace principles apply throughout the island. The 1.2-mile wilderness loop trail provides the only approved access to interior areas, offering views of old-growth island forest habitat found in few other locations in the region.

Camping & Accommodations

Matia Island Marine State Park offers six primitive campsites at Rolfe Cove Campground, available exclusively first-come, first-served with no reservation system. Each campsite includes a picnic table, with one additional picnic site available for day use. No potable water or trash service is provided, requiring visitors to bring adequate water supplies and pack out all waste following Leave No Trace principles. Continuous moorage is limited to three consecutive nights, and liquid fuel camp stoves are permitted while all fires, wood collecting, and pets are strictly prohibited to protect the sensitive island ecosystem. The 680 feet of developed waterfront at Rolfe Cove provides the only approved boat landing area on the island.

Planning Your Visit

Matia Island Marine State Park requires boat or kayak access only, with no ferry service or land-based transportation available. The park operates summer hours from 6:30 a.m. to dusk and winter hours from 8 a.m. to dusk, with moorage fees charged year-round. Advanced boating or kayaking skills are recommended due to Strait of Georgia conditions and 14-foot tide variations. Nearest fuel and supplies are available at Gooseberry Point near the Lummi ferry dock or seasonally at West Beach Resort on Orcas Island. Popular launch points include Deer Harbor on Orcas Island (2.5 miles), Friday Harbor (5.75 miles), and Roche Harbor (5.5 miles). Winter visitors should prepare for limited services and challenging weather conditions affecting water access.

What to Bring & Know

• Adequate fresh water supplies as no potable water is available on the island
• All food, camping gear, and supplies with strict pack-in, pack-out requirements
• Advanced marine navigation skills and safety equipment for Strait of Georgia conditions
• Liquid fuel camp stoves only, as all fires and wood collecting are prohibited
• Respect for wilderness designation with access limited to Rolfe Cove and marked trail only

Final Word

Matia Island Marine State Park provides an unparalleled wilderness experience in the San Juan Islands, where visitors can camp among old-growth cedars and explore pristine habitat while helping protect one of Washington’s most important wildlife refuges.