Lime Kiln Point State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lime Kiln Point State Park |
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Lime Kiln Lighthouse
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Location | San Juan, Washington, United States |
Area | 42 acres (17 ha) |
Elevation | 187 ft (57 m) |
Established | 1984 |
Operator | Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission |
Website | Lime Kiln Point State Park |
Lime Kiln Point State Park is a 42-acre Washington state park on the western shore of San Juan Island in the San Juan archipelago. The park is considered one of the best places in the world to view wild orcas from a land-based facility. Due to the unique bathymetric properties of the site, visitors on the shore can be within 20 feet of whales jumping out of the water (breaching and spyhopping). It houses one of Friday Harbor's two lighthouses along with a stone lookout with picnic tables. The park was the site of lime kilns beginning in 1860, and one kiln has been restored as a public exhibit.
Activities and amenities
The park provides opportunities for picnicking, hiking, beachcombing, orca watching, and tours of the still operational Lime Kiln Light. An interpretive center has displays and activities about orcas and the area's former lime kiln industry. The park is supported in part by the Friends of Lime Kiln. Volunteers and marine naturalists are often onsite to assist and educate visitors.