Matia Island

Of the San Juan Islands

Matia Island was our first stop on our first day of "island hopping" and exploring in the San Juan Islands.

My husband and I decided to investigate the Washington State Park Island for future exploration and camping adventures.

Leaving from Bellingham, Wa's Squilicum Harbor in the beautiful Bellingham Bay, we headed out towards Lummi Island in order to go up through Hale Passage. The weather was perfect! It was in the high 80's all weekend and the waters were merciful to us in our small watercraft. However, going through Hale Passage, the air temperature was noticeably colder (both ways).

As we rounded the northern tip of Lummi Island and looked off to the west of our destination, we could see Matia Island lied directly ahead of us. But that's not all...you can see dozens of other islands as well as the Canadian islands and rockies. It's really beautiful. I know I may say that a lot here, but you really can't help it!

We were pleasantly surprised to "see" exactly how close we were to these beautiful islands that always seemed so far away. It seemed as if though civilization was world's away and that was alright by us, however, we were amazed how many others were out doing the same kind exploring we were! It's so beautiful and relaxing...

As we our getting closer to Matia, we notice a "big rock" we now know as "Puffin Island" which is a National Wildlife refuge. That's pretty much all that is there is a big fat rock, but never the less interesting. We can't take the boat, even though it's small, in between the rock and the island and we feared getting too close! Glad to have a nautical map to help us with depth and perception. Not just going to Matia Island, but wise to have them going to any of the San Juan Islands.
Traveling along the southwestern shore of Matia Island eventually we found ourselves at a place called "Eagle Point." As you can see from the photo's, it is properly named.

Approaching the main "land" of Matia, we saw our first inlet to check out hoping it would be just one place to remember for possible camping overnight. After our trip out there, there was no question that we will be back!

On the far west coast of the island we found this quiant little cove with a sandy beach, no people and the promise of romantic interludes yet to come! (So says my husband!) Although there are no mooring bouys, it appears sandy and calm enough to just beach the boat and tie up to shore.

A little farther around and back to the north and east of Matia Island we found Rolfe Cove. This is the main stop-over on the island. It offers 2 mooring bouys and 128 feet of dock for tieing up to.

Turning back to the northwest we headed over to Sucia Island our main destination for the day. We were treated to a "guided tour" by still yet another of the local eagles!

Want to go back to the top of Matia Island?

Or...explore more of the San Juan Islands.

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