Matia Island facts for kids
Matia Island (pronounced MAY-shə) is a beautiful island located in the San Juan Islands of Washington, U.S.A.. The entire island, which is about 145 acres (59 hectares) big, is a special protected area. It is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. Matia Island is also part of the San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge. A small part of the island, about 2 acres (0.8 hectares) around Rolfe Cove, is set aside for camping. This area is managed as a State Marine Park. To keep the island safe for wildlife, visitors are not allowed to bring pets, collect wood, or have campfires (except for small liquid fuel camp stoves). Most of the island is closed to the public, except for a special walking trail and the camping area.
Discover Matia Island: A Special Place
Matia Island is a unique place where nature is carefully protected. It is a home for many migratory birds and other wildlife. The island became a National Wildlife Refuge in 1940. This means it is a safe haven for animals. In 1959, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Washington State Parks decided to work together. They created the small State Marine Park for visitors. This helped manage the many people who started visiting the island after World War II.
In 1976, most of Matia Island became a "Wilderness" area. This means it is kept as natural as possible. Only the 2-acre State Marine Park is not part of this wilderness. This protection helps wildlife live without being disturbed.
The Island's Past: How Matia Got Its Name
Matia Island got its name in 1792 from a Spanish explorer named Francisco de Eliza. He called it Isla de Mata. This name can mean "island of no protection" or it might refer to the island's many plants.
The Hermit of Matia Island: A True Story
For nearly 30 years, a man named Elvin H. Smith lived alone on Matia Island. He was known as "The Hermit of Matia Island." His cabin was on a bay in the island's southeast corner.
Elvin Smith's Journey to the Island
Elvin Smith was born around 1835 in Wisconsin. He fought in the American Civil War in the 1860s. He started as a private and became a captain in the Union Army. However, the Army never officially recognized his captain rank. This made him very upset. He also had a sad love story. Because of these things, he left his home and traveled west. He worked as a newspaper writer for a while. Then, he worked for many years for the Northern Pacific Railroad. In 1890, he stopped working for the railroad and moved to Bellingham, Washington.
Life as the Hermit
In Bellingham, Smith teamed up with a lawyer. They wanted to make money by buying land. There were rumors that the government might open Matia Island for people to claim land. The lawyer paid money to buy the rights from some people who were already living on Matia. Elvin Smith moved to the island in April 1892. He stayed there to make sure their claim was strong so they could sell it later. He lived on the island until February 23, 1921. On that day, his rowboat, full of supplies, disappeared in a storm. He was coming back from nearby Orcas Island.
Visiting Matia Island: What You Need to Know
Only a small part of Matia Island is open for public use. This area is about 5 acres (2 hectares) with 680 feet (207 meters) of waterfront.
Exploring the Wilderness Trail
Visitors can walk on a 1.2-mile (1.9 km) loop trail through the wilderness part of the island. This trail offers a special chance to see an old-growth forest. This type of forest is rare in the area. It is very important for wildlife. Visitors must stay on the trail and cannot go into other areas. This rule helps protect the animals and plants.
Camping and Rules for Visitors
Matia Island has simple camping areas. There are 6 campsites, a picnic spot, and a special toilet. There is no drinking water available, so visitors must bring their own. Also, you must take all your garbage with you when you leave. Remember, pets, fires (except liquid fuel camp stoves), and collecting wood are not allowed on the island.
Boating facilities include a pier, a ramp, a floating dock, and two buoys for boats to tie up. These facilities are available first-come, first-served. You can stay for a maximum of three nights in a row. There are fees for using the facilities all year round.
You can enjoy activities like primitive camping, picnicking, saltwater fishing, scuba diving, hiking, and clam digging.
Matia Island's Weather: Cool and Mild
The weather on Matia Island is usually mild. This is because it is surrounded by a lot of water, like the rest of the Puget Sound area. The temperature rarely goes above 80°F (26°C) in summer. In winter, it rarely drops below 30°F (0°C). Snow sometimes falls, but it is usually not very much. Matia Island gets about 29 inches (730 mm) of rain each year. This is about 80% of the rain that Seattle gets. Late summer is usually the driest time of year.
