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Lighthouse Marine Park

Address

http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us
811 Marine Drive
Point Roberts , WA 98281
945-4911

Hours

Every day Dawn - Dusk

Review

Jutting out like the prow of a ship into the Straight of Georgia, Lighthouse Marine Park offers an intimate maritime experience without leaving land. The park is open year-round for day use with camping and boat launching available from early May through Summer. Packed into 22 acres you’ll find plenty to do: view the Gulf and San Juan Islands, watch whales swim by, stroll on the extensive wooden boardwalk, climb the viewing tower, explore the rocky beaches, find shelter from the wind, learn about local wildlife, dig for clams, or find peace in the spectacular sunsets.

Want to whale watch but don’t have a boat? Then this is the place. Local Orca Pods J, K, and L, with more than 80 family members, pass the point at least once per week from May to September but increase their visits to daily in July and early August. Despite standing on U.S. soil, looking south you’ll see Saturna Island, one of the Canadian Gulf Islands. Sucia in the U.S.' San Juan Islands is only 12 miles away. Summertime boaters launch from here to explore islands or fish the international waters. When the tide falls and the pounding surf recedes, it's time to dig for steamer clams. Sharing the tidal areas are many birds including the greatest number of nesting herons in Washington. The upland areas of the park offer interesting wildlife contrast. Located in the "banana belt" rain shadow of Vancouver Island, there is less rainfall here, and shore pines dominate an open and drier setting. This creates wonderful picnic opportunities. Though on windy days, the sheltered areas are most desirable.

Years ago, the lighthouse was replaced with a navigational beacon. It is hoped that with enough public support a new lighthouse can be built. This would not only provide visitors with an enhanced whale watching experience but with the aid of video-cams ground level visitors and even Internet users could enjoy live views from the lighthouse.

Part of the charm of visiting Point Roberts is the two border crossing each way. While not a great burden, visitors should be aware of some considerations. Certain picnic foods may be restricted , children traveling as guests should have birth certificates and letters of permission from parents, and delays at the border on weekends and holidays (don’t forget Canadian holidays) can be considerable, especially in the summer. Despite any inconvenience many Whatcom County residents know how special Lighthouse Marine Park is and make it their favorite year-round park destination.
Written By: Bud Hardwick
On: 1/18/2000

Directions

Head north on I-5 to Peace Arch Park border crossing. Continue on Highway 99 for 18 miles to the Highway 17 exit - follow signs to Tsawwassen and Gulf Island Ferries. At 5 miles take the double left turn lanes for 56th Street which goes south directly through Tsawwassen. In 2 miles you will cross the border into Point Roberts. Continue on Tyee Drive, the road will wind south to the Park in about 2 more miles.

Features

Kid Friendly | Bathrooms | Picnic Area | Picnic Tables | Walking Trails | Wheelchair Accessible

Map

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