Blind Island State Park in Washington, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-30. Check linked official notices before travel.

Blind Island Marine State Park is a boat-only stop near Shaw Island in Washington's San Juan Islands. Primitive camping is reserved for visitors arriving by human- or wind-powered craft; motorboat visitors can land for day use. Bring drinking water and plan the rocky landing before treating this as an overnight destination.

Highlights

The small island offers saltwater views toward Shaw and Orcas islands, with shoreline exploration, and a primitive place to pause on a water journey. Kayakers can combine a daytime stop with eligible water-trail camping; motorboaters can use the moorage buoys without assuming they may camp ashore.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Review the state fee schedule before sailing or paddling; fees can change. A campsite and a mooring buoy serve different overnight plans.

Safety information

The landing is rocky and shallow. BLM identifies a small pocket cove on the southwest side, marked by State Parks and San Juan Islands National Monument signs, as the best island access. For the mooring buoys, approach from the northeast. A reef marker lies 200 yards east of Blind Island; do not approach from the northwest because of the extensive reef.

Neither the Shaw Island ferry dock nor the Orcas Island ferry dock has a kayak launch at or near it. Plan a separate launch point, and carry all the fresh water you need.

Visit responsibly

Keep dogs leashed, use only designated fire areas, and pack out all trash. There is no garbage collection or potable water. Obtain firewood near your destination rather than moving it between regions.

Reservations and permits

Campsites are first come, first served. Only people arriving by human- or wind-powered watercraft may camp; arriving by motorized boat does not qualify. Buoy registration is available by phone, with daily or annual moorage permits.

Maps, location, and access

Blind Island lies west of the Shaw Island ferry dock and south of the Orcas Island dock. There is no road arrival on the island. Use the BLM unit directions and map to distinguish the island landing from nearby ferry infrastructure.

Nearby parks

Moran State Park and Obstruction Pass State Park are options on Orcas Island after a separate water transfer; they are not connected to Blind Island by road. Moran's entrance address is 3572 Olga Road. Obstruction Pass has parking near Olga and a half-mile approach trail. At Moran, Mount Constitution's tower is closed for restoration expected to finish November 9, 2026, while the road and overlook remain open.

Things to do

Plan around a shoreline stop, a picnic, or eligible primitive camping. For a paddling visit, plan the approach around the shallow landing and nearby reefs. Views from the higher campsites take in the channel between Shaw and Orcas islands.

Facilities and accessibility

Expect fire pits, moorage buoys, and a composting toilet. Bring all supplies and remove your waste. The official warning about the rocky, shallow landing is a useful access constraint; do not assume the presence of a toilet means an accessible dock or smooth route ashore.

About the marine park

The Bureau of Land Management manages Blind Island cooperatively with Washington State Parks. The island is a designated stop on the Cascadia Marine Trail, so its overnight rules are tied to how campers reach it.

History

The official park history places Blind Island within Coast Salish traditional territory. BLM and the state parks commission signed a lease for park purposes in 1970, followed by development of a primitive campsite.

Wildlife and habitats

The island's rocky saltwater shore supports a visit focused on the marine setting and wildlife watching. Observe from your stopping place without expecting particular species to appear.

Contact

The Washington State Parks unit page carries current alerts. Call 360-378-2044 or email [email protected]. BLM also lists 509-220-5976 for the site.