Cattle Point Lighthouse

Hike a small piece of the new San Juan Islands National Monument! This section of BLM land is one of 75 sections throughout the islands (most are on uninhabited islands) and the site of the Cattle Point Lighthouse. This lighthouse was erected in 1935, but a navigational lantern has stood here since 1888.

Park at the picnic area right after the abrupt curve in the road. This area is actually managed by the state Department of Natural Resources, so be sure to hang your Discover Pass.

At low tide it may be possible to hike to the lighthouse by way of the rocks along the water, but beware that there is private property between the two sites. We recommend walking a short distance along the road to the trailhead (watch for cars).

This is a lovely, windswept area of grassy dunes and birds. Look for a pair of golden eagles nesting in the trees and soaring on the wind currents. An interpretive sign describes how not long ago the dunes were denuded by rabbits, but how as the population of rabbits declined, the dune ecology came back.

A short trail takes hikers to the lighthouse and down to the glacier-carved rocks at water's edge. There is not a lot of wave action here, but be sure to watch for the tides.