Spieden Island
While there isn’t any mooring around this island - here’s a little info if you are cruising by…
Spieden Island is a privately owned island in the San Juans. It is 516.4 acres. It is approximately two miles long and 1/2 mile wide. It has no permanent residence, though there are several structures on the island. It has been owned by James Jannard - founder of Oakley, Inc
The island was named by Charles Wilkes during the Wilkes expedition of 1838-1843 to honor William Spieden the purser of the expedition’s Peacock.
Interesting tidbit - In the 1970s and 1980s the island was used for big game hunting that was brought in from Europe and Asia. This also included over 2,000 exotic birds. A hunting lodge and airstrip were built, but this didn’t last long due to environmental concerns and worry some missed shots could reach nearby San Juan Island.