Hike the New San Juan Islands National Monument

Today, President Obama announced the establishment of five new national monuments, one of which encompasses 1,000 acres in the San Juan Islands National Monument. The new national treasures include more than 60 uninhabited islands, headlands and lighthouse properties. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the lands host an incredible variety of wildlife species, historic structures, dramatic views—and some great hiking trails.

The new monument is great news for a community, including Washington Trails Association partner San Juan Preservation Trust, that has been advocating for the designation for years.

Spot whales and hike the new national monument

This is the perfect time of year to spot whales from Iceberg Point trail, a 3-mile loop hike to rock cliffs, with fantastic views out towards the Olympic Peninsula, and back toward other parts of Lopez Island. It is suitable for children, dogs on leash, and folks of all ages.

> On Lopez Island, hike the Iceberg Point trail

Located in San Juan Island National Historic Park, Mount Finlayson is home to one of the last native prairie habitats in the San Juan Island Archipelago. It's also one of the few homes to the Island Marble Butterfly. Over six miles of shoreline and a variety of habitats including lagoons, fir and oak stands, and bluffs overlooking the Straight of Juan de Fuca fill this hike with wildlife viewing opportunities.

> On San Juan Island, hike the historic Mount Finlayson trail

• Explore more island hikes
• More on whale spotting

More news and national monument information from:

• The Seattle Times
• San Juan Islander
• KUOW
• Bureau of Land Management
  

The area encompassed in the new San Juan National Monument. Click to download a PDF of a larger file. Map courtesy BLM.