James Island
East Cove:
4 mooring buoys (Mooring buoys remain in place year-round)
Northern 2 are in water 8-10 feet deeper than the other 2
Anchoring is possible east of the buoys - though they are exposed to currents off the Rosario Strait
Getting ashore - approach on either of the 2 gravel beaches
East Cove has one pit toilet.
East side more exposed to wakes and traffic from the Rosario Strait
West Cove:
Dock with a 128-foot moorage float (256 linear feet). The dock remains in place year-round.
If staying overnight at the dock - be sure to close up food or garbage - the raccoons will come aboard looking for food
Anchoring is possible but not recommended due to steep and rocky bottom
Watch for an unmarked rock off the south shore
Getting ashore - park float
West Cove has a composting toilet
Both coves are exposed to the currents and weather off of the Rosario Strait
Latitude: 48º 30' 46.98" N (48.5130) Longitude: 122º 46' 23.88" W (-122.7733)
James Island offers short hikes with dramatic views from high bluffs. Hikers with children should be aware of fall hazards due to rocky high banks and cliffs, and surrounding waters that are deep and swift.
James Island Marine State Park is a 581-acre, marine camping and moorage park with 12,335 feet of saltwater shoreline on Rosario Strait. Much of James Island has been designated a Natural Forest Area and is closed to public access, except for designated recreational areas and 1.5 miles of high bluff trails with extraordinary views. West Cove has a composting toilet, while East Cove has one pit toilet.
The park offers 13 primitive campsites – three for travelers arriving by human- or wind-powered watercraft and 10 sites clustered in two areas on opposite sides of the isle, and moorage is available on both sides.
Salmon and bottom fishing is good in waters adjacent to James Island State Park.
