Burn Ban

No fires permitted at any time.

Construction

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Lighthouse tours are cancelled from September 5, 2024, throughout the rest of the year during building maintenance.  Tours are anticipated to resume in April 2025.  

Small lighthouse sides on the edge of a rock cliff shoreline as two cargo ships motors by in the distance. A cloudy, blue ski meets a distant mountain range behind the ships.
Two hikers walk the trail through bare trees. The lead hiker has a hiking stick and wearing a blue hat, white long sleeve shirt and dark pants, a red jacket is tied around their waist. The second hiker has short hair and wearing a green jacket with dark shorts, carrying a water bottle.
A group of six kayaks paddle along the shoreline of the rocky cliff as two hikers take a rest at a picnic table to watch the kayakers pass by. There are green trees and shrubs  around the onlookers.
A group of kayakers watch an orca breach the water. A hillside of trees lay in the background.
A small lighthouse, sitting on a rocky cliff, with the sun setting behind. An adult holds the hand of a child as they walk along the rocks to the left of the lighthouse.

Lime Kiln Point State Park

1567 Westside Rd, Friday Harbor, WA 98250

Set on a rocky cliff at the west end of San Juan Island, Lime Kiln Point is considered one of the best whale-watching spots on earth. Catch a glimpse from a viewpoint or the lighthouse.

Rules

  • Day-Use Only
  • Dogs Allowed on Leash
  • Fires not Allowed

Lime Kiln is a popular diving location, use caution when in the water as strong currents can be dangerous.

Ferry reservations

Washington State Ferries accept reservations for San Juan Island routes. Read more details and make a reservation online.

Activities

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Beach Exploration

Bird Watching

First Day Hike Events

Hiking, Walking, Rolling and Running

Interpretive and Visitor Centers

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Kayaking

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Paddleboarding

Scuba Diving

Amenities

Automated Pay Station

Accessible Restrooms

Drinking Water

Park Ranger Station

Restrooms

Trash Service

Picnic Tables

Accessible Parking

Parking

Concessions

Interpretive Opportunities

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Lighthouse

Accessible Trails

Hiking Trails

Park features

Forest

Island

Mountain View

Rocky Beach

Saltwater

Seasonal Wildflowers

Viewpoint

Wildlife Viewing

Rules

  • Day-Use Only
  • Dogs Allowed on Leash
  • Fires not Allowed

Lime Kiln is a popular diving location, use caution when in the water as strong currents can be dangerous.

Ferry reservations

Washington State Ferries accept reservations for San Juan Island routes. Read more details and make a reservation online.

Map & visitor guide

48.51625061, -123.1498947

Lime Kiln Point offers opportunities to view sea life, including orcas, gray whales, porpoises and more from spring through fall. Peak viewing times depend on salmon migration.

Enjoy a picnic along the rocky shoreline or around the vintage lighthouse built in 1919.

Fishing for bottom fish and salmon is excellent off the island. Kelp beds make shore fishing difficult.

Winter Schedule

Learn about seasonal closers and operational changes during the off-season on the Winter Schedule page.

Interpretive opportunities

Stop by the Lime Kiln Point Interpretive Center, a converted Coast Guard garage, to view interpretive displays and learn about resident and transient whale pods. The center is open 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily, from about Memorial Day to Labor Day.

The center also features the history of lime mining in the old lime kiln, where the park gets its name.

Take a walk on the self-guided interpretive trail, open all year. Interpreters are available for lighthouse tours, guided walks and marine mammal programs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The Lime Kiln Point Interpretive Center, lighthouse and special programs are operated by volunteers from the Friends of Lime Kiln Society (FOLKS). Please visit the FOLKS website for tour schedules and volunteer opportunities.

Snacks and beverages

Take a break at The Blowhole – Snacks with a Porpoise! Serving up a variety of food and beverages to enjoy while visiting the park. Open Wednesday - Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May through Sept. For more information, visit them online or on Facebook.