Cattle Point

Located at the southeastern tip of San Juan Island, Cattle Point offers sweeping views, coastal prairies, and bluffside trails overlooking the Salish Sea. Part of the Cattle Point Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA), this area is managed by Washington State DNR and connects hikers to some of the island’s most breathtaking natural areas.

Begin your visit at the Cattle Point Interpretive Center, where you’ll find parking, restrooms, beach access, and a short trail with views of San Juan Channel. From there, approximately 1.3 miles of trail connect to Cattle Point Road in several places, linking you to Third Lagoon, Mount Finlayson, and San Juan Island National Historical Park. A separate trail leads to the historic Cattle Point Lighthouse, perched on a bluff with views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Wildlife

Cattle Point is home to over 160 bird species throughout the year, including waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, woodpeckers, and songbirds. Notably, harlequin ducks breed at Third Lagoon, and peregrine falcons find ideal nesting sites on the area's tall, vertical cliffs. Bald eagles are frequently sighted overhead, and other species of conservation concern, such as the pileated woodpecker and olive-sided flycatcher, inhabit the area.

Trail Details

How to Get There: Access via Cattle Point Road; parking available at the interpretive center with a Discover Pass required for parking

Distance: Approximately 1.3 miles of trails, with connections to nearby preserves

Difficulty: Easy to moderate; mostly gentle terrain with some exposed sections

Family-Friendly: Yes, suitable for all ages and dogs are allowed on leash

Facilities: Restroom at the interpretive center

Accessibility: Some trails are exposed to wind and weather; beach access may be uneven

Features: Bluffside trails, sweeping ocean views, beach access, lighthouse, and trail connections