Park Overview:
Sucia Island State Park is a 564-acre marine park with 77,700 feet of shoreline. Sucia Island is considered the crown jewel of the state's marine park system. It is consistently ranked as one of the top boating destinations in the world. Sucia Island and several smaller islands comprise the "Sucia group." Sucia Island State Park is 2.5 miles north of Orcas Island, San Juan County.
Campsite Information:
The park has 60 campsites, three reservable group camps, three picnic shelters, potable drinking water and composting toilets.Visitors with disabilities may call the park at (360) 376-2073, for moorage and camping accommodation assistance.
Group Accommodations:
Three group camp areas may be reserved by calling (360) 376-2073.
Camping Fees:
Please note that the following general fee information is not customized for each individual park, so not all fees will apply to all parks (for example, primitive campsite and dump station fees listed apply only to parks that have primitive campsites and dump stations).
2010 Fees
Primitive campsite - $12 a night
Maximum eight people per campsite
Dump stations (if available): Year-round dump station fees are $5 per use. If you are camping, this fee is included in your campsite fee.
More about park hours
Check-in time is 2:30 p.m., and check-out time is 1 p.m.
Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Engine-driven electric generators may be operated only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Length of stay: You may stay up to ten consecutive days in any one park during the summer; the stay limit is extended to 20 days between Oct. 1 and March 31.Park hours/updates:
The park is open year round for camping, day use and moorage.
Summer hours: 6:30 a.m. to dusk.
Winter hours: 8 a.m. to dusk.
Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. No generators between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.
History
The coastal Salish tribes of North America occupied this area for thousands of years. There is evidence from archaeological surveys that Sucia Island was used by Native Americans for more than 2,500 years. Deer, shellfish, fish, marine mammals, plants and herbs were harvested seasonally. Europeans came to the island when the 1791 Elisa Expedition sailed into the area in search of the fabled Northwest Passage. The Spaniards named the island Sucia which meant foul or dirty in a nautical sense. This was in reference to the many rocks and reefs which "fouled" or "dirtied" the waters around the island. During the 1800s, white settlers homesteaded on the island, but their land claims were not legitimate because the island had been declared a Federal Lighthouse Reserve after the "Pig War" between England and the U.S.The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission acquired about one-third of the island in 1952. Later, developers wanted to parcel up the remainder of the island into vacation lots. Seattle yachtsman Everett (Ev) Henry spearheaded a drive to raise money to purchase the island from developers. The Interclub (now incarnated as the Recreational Boaters Association of Washington) was formed and $25,000 was raised to purchase the land. In 1960, that land was donated to State Parks for use as a marine park. State Parks acquired the remaining parcels of private property in 1972, and Sucia Island in its entirety was a state marine park.
Interpretive Opportunities
There are currently no interpretive opportunities at this park.
Services/Supplies
None - The nearest fuel and groceries are available seasonally at West Beach Resort on Orcas Island. Full service sites are located at Blaine, Deer, Roche and Friday harbors.
Activities
Primitive camping, picnicking, 10 miles of hiking trails, salt water related activities, clamming and crabbing. Of Special Note - Marine fossil deposits located at Fossil Bay.
Picnic and Day-use Facilities
The park offers 25 picnic sites, three picnic shelters, potable drinking water and composting toilets. Day-use areas may be reserved by calling the park at (360) 376-2073.
Wildlife
Minks, Otter, Ducks, Eagles, Clams, Crabs, Oyster, Seals
Environmental Features
Sucia Island's geological formations are stunning for both the casual visitor and the trained geologist. This horseshoe shaped island with long, finger-like peninsulas and islands is a classic example of a formation called a plunging marine syncline.
Climate
Washington's climate varies with each region. Stuart Island State Park is located in an area "protected" by surrounding ocean waters and mountain ranges. Temperatures are consistently moderate, rarely topping 80 degrees in the summer and rarely falling below 30 degrees in the winter.
Annual rainfall averages 29 inches, approximately half that of Seattle. In the summer months, and especially during September and early October, the islands may go for weeks without a cloud in the sky. Snowfalls occur once or twice a year and usually total only one or two inches. Northeast winds may cause temperature extremes.
*Information provided by Washington State Parks
