 | [ ISLAND HOPPING ]
Matia Island State Park
Matia Island is located just three miles northeast of Orcas Island. A five acre park at Rolfe Cove on the west end of the island offers 6 primitive campsites and toilet facilities. Home to a large population of nesting puffins & other seabirds, this pristine, undeveloped island also offers picnicking, saltwater fishing and clam digging. A one mile loop trail winds through the old growth forest. Be sure to bring binoculars to look for seals, sea lions, and a wide variety of birds! Potable water is not available on Matia, so be sure to bring some along! |  |
Location:
Matia Island State Park is 3 miles north east of Orcas Island and 1.5 miles east of Sucia Island, San Juan County.
Acreage:
145 acres with 20,676 feet of saltwater shoreline on the Strait of Georgia, of which, 5 acres are developed for public use with 680' waterfront.
Acquired:
Five acres of Matia Island State Park has been utilized for State Park purposes via a letter of permission from the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife since June 1959.
Facilities:
6 campsites, one picnic site, 1 composting toilet, 1 116-foot pier, 1 45-foot ramp, 12 x 60 ft moorage float, 2 buoys, 1-mile loop trail, 1 bulletin board/pay station. No drinking water. Garbage: pack-it-out.
Activities:
Primitive camping, picnicking, saltwater fishing, scuba diving, hiking and clam digging.
Historical Background:
Captain Eliza of the Spanish Expedition of 1792, named the island "isle de Mata". Mata has many meanings in Spanish, most having to do with lush plant growth. The U.S. Coast Survey conferred the name Matia on the island in 1854. Matia also means "no protection" in Spanish.
More information:
Here's a great article about the history of the islands by William Dietrich of the Seattle Times. On the Edge: Isolation shapes the land and lore | |
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