Jackson Beach
Jackson Beach is an ideal place for a picnic or beach combing just 2 miles from the ferry landing.
Amenities
- Beach volleyball courts
- Picnic shelter with large BBQ pit
- 3 picnic sites complete with fire rings and BBQ grills
- Restrooms
- Plenty of parking
- Free boat launch
- Complimentary Muttmitts available for our 4-legged friends
Normal park hours are dawn to dusk, however if you wish to host an event at the Jackson Beach Picnic Shelter it can be reserved year round for the gathering of your choice. Please call (360) 378-2688 7 days a week to reserve. See the Jackson Beach Use Policy for applicable rules.
Overnight camping is not allowed.
Boat Launch
Built in the summer of 2000, this facility offers a two-sided paved boat launch. The Jackson Beach restrooms are located adjacent to the boat launch.
- Hours: Dawn to dusk
- Parking: Vehicles with trailers up to 72 hours
- Fees: Free!
Businesses Operating from Jackson Beach
Discovery Sea Kayak
Outdoor Odysseys
San Juan Kayak
Sea Quest Expeditions
Argyle Lagoon Biological Preserve
This is a 14 acre property that includes all of the Argyle Lagoon tidelands (12.3 acres classified as “oysterlands” by the State) including part of a tidal creek, and a 1.7 acre upland parcel that borders on Argyle Lagoon as well as on Pear Point Road.
The University of Washington leased Argyle Lagoon from 1965, purchased the property in 1984, and now manages Argyle Lagoon as one of the five Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WADFW) fisheries preserves established in 1990, known collectively as the “San Juan Islands Biological Preserves.”
Argyle Lagoon is easily accessed by car from Jackson Beach Road off Pear Point Road. The adjacent beaches (North Bay beach off Griffin Bay – lower right in photo below, and Jackson Beach – upper right in photo below) are owned by the Port of Friday Harbor and see quite a bit of recreational use.
The Argyle Lagoon Biological Preserve is closed to the take of fish and shellfish except for research. Argyle Creek and Argyle Lagoon are frequently visited by UW Friday Harbor Labs biology classes and are usually the site of several ongoing research projects. Please respect the areas that are designated off-limits.
