Turn Island facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Turn Island Marine State Park |
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 Turn Island Marine State Park
Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | San Juan County, Washington, United States |
| Nearest town | Friday Harbor, Washington |
| Area | 34 acres (14 ha) |
| Elevation | 69 ft (21 m) |
| Designation | Washington marine state park |
| Established | 1959 |
| Administrator | Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission |
| Website | Turn Island Marine State Park |
Turn Island, sometimes called Racoon Island, is a small island in the beautiful San Juan Islands. It is located in the Salish Sea, which is a large body of water near the coast of Washington in the United States. The island is about 34 acres in size.
Turn Island sits in the San Juan Channel, which is a narrow waterway. It is only about 900 feet away from the eastern side of San Juan Island. This special island is protected as Turn Island Marine State Park. It is also part of the San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, which helps protect animals and their homes.
The island has 12 campsites where people can stay overnight. You can only reach Turn Island by boat, as there are no roads or bridges connecting it to other land.
Contents
History of Turn Island
How Turn Island Got Its Name
In the years 1838 to 1842, a famous explorer named Charles Wilkes led a big trip called the United States Exploring Expedition. When he explored this area, he thought Turn Island was actually part of San Juan Island. He named it Point Salisbury after one of the officers on his team.
However, in 1858, British explorers found something different. They discovered that it was indeed a separate island. They also found dangerous rocks in the channel between Turn Island and San Juan Island. To help ships navigate safely, they named the island Turn Island and the rocks Turn Rocks. These names were given to show sailors where they needed to turn their ships to stay in the correct sailing path.
Becoming a Protected Area
Turn Island became a protected area in 1959. This means it is now a state park, managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. Being a marine state park helps keep the island's natural beauty and wildlife safe for everyone to enjoy.
Visiting Turn Island Marine State Park
Turn Island is a great place for outdoor adventures. Since it's a marine state park, it's perfect for activities like kayaking, boating, and camping. Remember, you need a boat to get there!
Things to Do at the Park
- Camping: The park has 12 campsites. These are simple spots where you can pitch a tent and enjoy nature.
- Boating and Kayaking: Many people visit the island by boat or kayak. It's a fun way to explore the calm waters around the island.
- Wildlife Viewing: Because it's part of a wildlife refuge, you might see many different animals. Keep an eye out for birds, seals, and maybe even raccoons!
- Exploring: You can walk around the island and enjoy the peaceful forest and shoreline.
