Scenic outdoor landscape with rolling green hills, scattered trees, a winding path, and a distant view of water under a partly cloudy blue sky.

Lafarge Open Space & Jackson Beach

Expansive views, open trails, and shoreline access—all within walking distance from town!

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Green bird silhouette on a white background.
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The Lafarge Open Space and Jackson Beach area offers a unique blend of open meadows, scenic trails, and coastal recreation, all connected by a network of walking paths. Whether you're looking for panoramic mountain views, an off-leash area for dogs, or a sandy beach for kayaking and picnicking, this area provides an ideal outdoor experience just outside Friday Harbor.

Lafarge Open Space

Once a gravel quarry, Lafarge Open Space has been transformed into a multi-use area featuring wide walking trails, rolling fields, and stunning island views. On a clear day, visitors can take in Mount Baker, Turtleback Mountain on Orcas Island, and the Olympic Mountains—a rare sight in an off-leash area where dogs can roam freely.

The mix of grassy meadows and open habitat attracts a variety of bird species, including kestrels, red-winged blackbirds, hawks, and seasonal waterfowl. Lafarge is within walking distance of Friday Harbor and connects directly to Jackson Beach via a network of trails, making it a great option for a longer scenic walk.

Note: about 0.6 miles of the walk from town is along a lightly traveled road with no sidewalk or footpath.

Jackson Beach

Just a short walk from Lafarge, Jackson Beach is one of the island’s most accessible public beaches, featuring a sandy shoreline, picnic areas, and boat launch access. It’s a popular spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach walks. The volleyball court and fire pits make it a great place to relax, while its location along Griffin Bay offers breathtaking sunset views.

Beach scene with driftwood scattered along the shore, a calm sea, overcast sky with the sun peeking through clouds, and trees in the background.

Trail Details

How to Get There:

Distance: Short, easy walking trails; connects Lafarge Open Space to Jackson Beach

Difficulty: Easy; flat terrain throughout

Family-Friendly: Yes, ideal for casual walks, beach outings, and off-leash dog adventures at Lafarge Open Space. Dogs must be on leash at Jackson Beach

Facilities:

  • Lafarge Open Space: No restrooms; parking available

  • Jackson Beach: Restrooms, picnic tables, fire pits, and boat launch available

Accessibility: Wide, mostly flat trails; beach access is sandy and may be uneven

Features: Panoramic views of Mount Baker, Turtleback Mountain, and the Olympic Mountains, off-leash trails, birdwatching, shoreline access, kayaking, picnicking, and scenic coastal views

Scenic view of a small forested island in a calm body of water, with snow-capped mountains and blue sky in the background, and grassy land in the foreground.
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A brown dog standing on a grassy hillside with a panoramic view of a valley and forested landscape under a clear blue sky.
A shaggy dog standing on a grassy and gravel area with a rainbow in the sky, forested hills in the background, and cloudy skies overhead.