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Best Land-Based Whale Watching Destination Turns 100!
Along the western side of San Juan Island, where the rocky shore descends into Haro Strait’s
deep channel, rests the Lime Kiln Lighthouse. Built in 1919, this historic landmark still serves
as a navigational beacon for sailors. Today, it’s renowned as one of the best land-based whale
watching destinations in the world.
A pod of orcas swim close to the rocky shore-
line near Lime Kiln Lighthouse where an
excited crowd watches.
FONDLY DUBBED ‘WHALE WATCH
PARK,’ the Lime Kiln State Park’s
website reports that you can often see
Orcas, humpbacks, and minke whales
from its rocky bluffs. The gentle giants
have even been said to breach as close
as 20-feet from shore!
While whales are primarily seen in
the area from May through September,
wildlife abounds year-round. Seals, sea
lions, and otters are frequent visitors.
And, bald eagles occasionally cruise by.
Throughout the roughly 40-acre
day-use park you’ll also find 1.6 miles
of hiking trails. Particularly interesting
is the set of steep stairs that leads to an
original lime kiln furnace — the park
and lighthouse’s namesake. When in
22
explore: NW | The Official Magazine for kenmore air | Spring 2019
operation, the wood-fired kiln was heat-
ed to 2,000 degrees in order to cook the
naturally occurring limestone.
100 Year Celebration: June 30, 2019
The iconic lighthouse celebrates its
100th anniversary June 30. Friends of
Lime Kiln Society (FOLKS) have a vari-
ety of festivities planned, including key-
note speeches from the Coast Guard and
Washington State Parks, a lighthouse
cake walk, silent auction, and more! A
group photo of all attendees will also be
taken. There may even be a few whales
in the background!
Insider Tip
Whales don’t arrive on command.
Consider bringing a picnic lunch and
spending the afternoon at one of the
picnic tables on the bluff. You’ll find a
large selection of sandwiches, salads,
and freshly baked cookies at Market
Chef (225 A St.), just two blocks from
the Port of Friday Harbor. The newly
opened San Juan Bistro (155 Nichols St.)
also offers a quick on-the-go selection of
sandwiches.
How to Get There
Located nine miles from Friday Harbor,
the park is accessible by car, bike or mo-
ped. For an unusual ride, stop by Susie’s
Mopeds in downtown Friday Harbor
(125 Nichols St.), where you can rent
mopeds and two-person scoot coupes.