Sucia Island State Park — Friday, Sep. 2, 2016

Puget Sound and Islands > San Juan Islands

Kayaked in from Orcas for Labor Day weekend. Sucia was well worth the hard work paddling with beautiful panoramic views at every turn.I hiked around the entire island: there are several routes, and the main camp area has a map with information on which are easier v. more challenging. There are pirate caves on an unmarked trail that starts behind the restrooms at that main area- take care if you go, because the route involves scrambling. To see sea lions, take the trail going to the far northeast corner, and you'll see (and hear!) them on the rocky island just across the way. There were unfortunately a lot of people visiting the island, but take some of the trails less travelled, and there's no one around. If you wander the rocky beach line, watch out for the tides - there are some places it would be easy to get stranded. Saw eagles (keep dogs -especially small ones - on a leash!), orcas, otters, seals, sea lions, and all kinds of birds. Beautiful hike.