Anchorage

Patos Island

Shelter: NW, N, W, SW, S, SE
Seabed: rock
Anchoring: Allowed

Patos Island is the north-westernmost point of the contiguous United States, a marine state park in the San Juan Islands of Washington reached only by boat.

Beach

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Active Cove, on the west side, gives shelter from north-west through south-west and south-east winds. Two mooring buoys serve visiting boats on a first-come basis, with moorage fees charged year-round. The bottom is rock, so check the set of the anchor carefully if both buoys are taken.

Practical

No fuel, no shore power and no drinking water; carry all supplies and pack out all waste. Moorage is registered by phone at the buoys. The Patos Island lighthouse museum opens on summer weekends from June to September.

Ashore

A loop trail leads from Active Cove to the Patos Island Light at Alden Point, an active aid to navigation marking the entrance to the Strait of Georgia. Its modern light flashes white every six seconds, with two red sectors over the shoals off the island.

History

The light station at Alden Point dates from 1893; the present 38-foot tower and fog signal were built in 1908 and the light was automated in 1974.

Key facts

Type: Anchorage
Coordinates: 48.78564, -122.94177 (48°47.14'N 122°56.51'W)
Country: United States
Shelter: Sheltered from north-west, north, west, south-west, south, south-east winds
Seabed: rock
Anchoring: Allowed
Services: Beach
Boaters' rating: 4.0/5
Updated: July 7, 2026