Posey Island Marine State Park

A small one-acre island near Roche Harbor in the San Juans is the second smallest State Park in Washington. The island is mainly visited by kayak groups as there is no dock or moorage. All campsites are for the exclusive use of boaters arriving by human or wind-powered watercraft. The island makes for a great picnic spot, but be warned, camping requires a reservation, unlike most all other State Park islands in the San Juans that are first come, first serve. Reservations are from May 15 - September 30, and the two campsites are likely booked from commercial kayaking tours, so call nine months prior. There is no potable water on the island, but restrooms are available.

The most interesting paddle route from the island is to kayak around Spieden Island and its neighboring rock formations. While paddling around Spieden, look for antelopes and longhorn sheep on an island that was once a savannah-like game park. You cannot land on the privately owned island, but the wildlife is usually visible from the water. A paddle around the northwest side of Spieden Island should not be attempted during tidal shifts, as the waters are unpredictable and dangerous. Currents in the Spieden Channel can be fast.