Lime Kiln Point at a glance
Lime Kiln Point State Park is a day-use park at 1567 Westside Rd, Friday Harbor, on the west side of San Juan Island. A lighthouse stands on the point, and visitors sit on the rocks above the water to watch for whales. It is the shore alternative to a boat tour.
Whales pass by in spring to fall, depending on the salmon runs, according to the state park page. That is not a daily guarantee. Some days bring orcas close to the rocks, and many days bring none. Treat any sighting as a bonus on a pleasant walk.
Watching whales from the rocks
Pick a spot on the rocks, settle in and give the water time. Orcas move along the shoreline, and the point gives a close view when they do. Binoculars help you tell what you are looking at, because not every orca is a Southern Resident and other whales pass through as well.
The distance rules apply to boats, not to you on the rocks, but they explain why boats stay far off. Washington requires vessels to keep at least 1,000 yards (about 900 m) from Southern Resident orcas. Read the details on the whale watching page.
The state park lists no entry charge for the lookout itself. You pay for parking with the pass below.
Whale watching and tours on San Juan Island
Boat tours, kayaking and day trips on the water, with current prices and availability. Choose one if you want a closer look than the shore gives.
Hours and what is open when
The park itself is open all year. The buildings have shorter seasons, and the sources give slightly different dates, so check before you go.
| Part of the park | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Park grounds | 8 a.m. to dusk | Year-round |
| Interpretive Center | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily | About Memorial Day to Labor Day. A winter schedule lists late May to mid-September |
| Lighthouse access | Thursday to Sunday, 12 to 4 p.m. | Season not clearly stated, so do not count on it in the off season |
If you visit in October or later, do not plan around the Interpretive Center or the lighthouse interior. The grounds and the shore are the reason to go. The state also notes that dogs must be on a leash and that fires are not allowed.
Discover Pass and parking
Parking at Lime Kiln Point needs a Discover Pass. The day pass costs $10 and the annual pass costs $45. The annual price rose from $30 on Oct. 1, 2025. A transaction fee can be added when you buy. If you stay in a state park campsite, you do not need a second pass to park at that park, but you may need one for another pass-required site.
The national historical park sites on the island, American Camp and English Camp, work differently. They charge no entrance fee and do not require the Discover Pass. See the Friday Harbor page for the hours there.
What to wear
The rocks are open to the wind and the weather. The long-term averages for the Friday Harbor airport station (1991 to 2020) give a feel for the season. In July the average daily high is 72 °F (22.4 °C) and the month averages 0.5 in (12 mm) of rain. In October the average high is 59 °F (14.7 °C), the average low 44 °F (6.7 °C), and the month brings about 2.3 in (59 mm) of rain. The weather page has all twelve months.
These are climate averages, not a forecast, and conditions on the exposed west side can differ from the airport. Bring layers and shoes with grip for wet rock, and keep a safe distance from the edge.
Getting there
The park is on the west side of the island, a drive from the ferry town.
Take the ferry to Friday Harbor
The crossing from Anacortes takes 70 minutes in the fall 2026 timetable example. Book a vehicle space in advance if you bring a car. See the ferry page.
Rent wheels in town
Rental cars, taxis and a shuttle are listed at Friday Harbor Airport. Bike and moped rentals run in season, and one bike operator has ended its 2026 season.
Drive out to Westside Rd
Use the address 1567 Westside Rd in your navigation and buy your Discover Pass before you arrive.
Combine with another stop
Roche Harbor and Friday Harbor are on the same island. See the Roche Harbor page for a second stop.
Lime Kiln Point State Park: frequently asked questions
Will I see orcas at Lime Kiln Point?
Maybe, but never for sure. The state park page describes whale sightings from spring to fall, depending on the salmon runs. There is no daily guarantee.
What does it cost to visit Lime Kiln Point?
You need a Discover Pass for parking: $10 per day or $45 per year in 2026. A fee can be added at purchase.
When is Lime Kiln Point State Park open?
Every day of the year from 8 a.m. to dusk.
Is the Interpretive Center open in October?
Do not count on it. The state lists it from about Memorial Day to Labor Day, and a winter schedule gives late May to mid-September. Check the current hours before you go.
Can I go inside the lighthouse?
Lighthouse access is listed for Thursday to Sunday, 12 to 4 p.m., without a clear season. Do not plan on going inside outside the summer months.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on a leash. Fires are not allowed.