Matia Island

Matia Island State Park encompasses the entire 145-acre Matia Island located in the San Juan Islands archipelago, approximately 2.5 miles northeast of Orcas Island. Accessible only by boat, this remote marine park preserves one of the San Juan Islands' most pristine natural environments. The island features rocky shorelines, dense forest, grassy meadows, and seabird nesting colonies. Designated as a National Wildlife Refuge as well as a state park, Matia Island provides critical habitat for nesting seabirds while offering primitive camping and exploration for adventurous boaters.

Matia Island State Park is renowned for its seabird colonies, particularly the largest pelagic cormorant nesting colony in the San Juan Islands. These elegant dark seabirds nest on cliff faces, creating dramatic rookeries. Pigeon guillemots also nest in rock crevices, their bright red feet and mouths visible during breeding season. Bald eagles nest on the island and hunt along the shorelines. Harbor seals haul out on beaches and rocks, while Steller sea lions and California sea lions visit seasonally. The surrounding waters support harbor porpoises, Dall's porpoises, and occasionally orcas.

Matia Island's vegetation reflects the rain shadow climate of the San Juan Islands combined with its isolation from human development and introduced species. The forest is dominated by Douglas-fir and Pacific madrone, with madrone particularly prominent on south-facing slopes where its distinctive peeling reddish bark adds color. The understory includes oceanspray, snowberry, Oregon grape, and salal. Open meadow areas support native grasses and wildflowers including camas, chocolate lily, and various spring bloomers. The island's isolation has helped preserve native plant communities with fewer invasive species than more accessible islands.

Matia Island consists of bedrock from the San Juan Islands complex, formed through ancient tectonic processes involving oceanic crust accretion and metamorphism. The island's rocky shorelines expose tilted sedimentary and metamorphic layers sculpted by wave action. During the Pleistocene epoch, massive glaciers covered the San Juan Islands, scouring the landscape and depositing till that forms soil in forested areas. Glacial erratics—boulders transported by ice—are scattered across the island. Post-glacial sea level changes have shaped the current shoreline configuration.

Matia Island experiences the driest climate in western Washington due to the rain shadow created by the Olympic Mountains and Vancouver Island. Annual precipitation averages only 25-30 inches, significantly less than Seattle. Summers are warm and dry, with daytime temperatures averaging 65-75°F and minimal rainfall from June through September. Winters are mild, with temperatures typically between 35-50°F. The island's exposure to maritime winds creates challenging conditions for boaters, with strong currents and winds common in the surrounding passages. Fog is frequent during summer.

Matia Island was historically used by Coast Salish peoples for seasonal resource gathering, fishing, and shellfish harvesting. The island's name may derive from a Spanish or indigenous word, though its exact etymology is uncertain. European-American use began in the late 1800s with attempts at homesteading and farming. Hermit Elvin Smith lived on the island for decades in the early 20th century, becoming a legendary figure in San Juan Islands history. The island was used for sheep grazing at various times. Recognition of its ecological value led to protection efforts in the 1940s.

Matia Island was designated a National Wildlife Refuge in 1945 to protect its seabird nesting colonies, particularly the pelagic cormorant rookery. Washington State Parks acquired management responsibility for recreation access while the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service maintains wildlife management authority. This joint management balances public recreation with wildlife protection. Development has been intentionally minimal to preserve the island's wild character and protect nesting birds. Primitive camping facilities and moorage buoys serve adventurous boaters. Seasonal closures protect the most sensitive nesting areas during breeding season.

Matia Island State Park offers primitive wilderness camping and exploration for visitors willing to reach the remote island by boat. A small dock and several mooring buoys provide access, though landing can be challenging during rough conditions. A trail network totals less than 2 miles but provides access to the island's interior forest and leads to Rolfe Cove on the northwest side. Hiking reveals old-growth Douglas-fir, meadow openings with wildflowers, and views across to neighboring islands. Observing seabird colonies from boats is a highlight, though restrictions protect nesting areas during breeding season.

Matia Island State Park is accessible only by private boat or charter from nearby islands, with the closest launch at Orcas Island approximately 2.5 miles away. The park provides 6 primitive campsites on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations available. Facilities are minimal by design, consisting only of primitive campsites, composting toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. There is no potable water—visitors must bring all supplies including water. Mooring buoys provide overnight anchorage, though the anchorage is exposed to weather from some directions.

Matia Island State Park represents a conservation priority as one of the few relatively pristine islands in the San Juan archipelago and a critical seabird nesting site. The park implements strict seasonal closures of sensitive areas during nesting season (typically March through August) to protect breeding pelagic cormorants, pigeon guillemots, and other species. Human disturbance during nesting can cause adults to abandon nests, so access restrictions are critical. Invasive species management has successfully eradicated European rabbits that were damaging native vegetation. The park monitors for new invasive species arrivals and implements rapid response protocols.