Deadman Bay

Category Overview

Washington is famous for its gorgeous and abundant waterways, from the Salish Sea to the Nisqually River, but many communities lack open public beaches and waterfronts where everyone can enjoy picnicking, swimming, paddling, boating, and angling. Water Access projects fund public shoreline access, boat launches, and fishing docks to create more opportunities for water recreation.

Project Highlights

This project is the acquisition of Deadman Bay, which includes 16.65 acres of land and 1,600 feet of shoreline, to provide access to a popular beach and to enhance whale watching opportunities at this renowned location. This acquisition will provide access to the only beach along a heavily-used 6,900 foot long stretch of shoreline. It will substantially increase the scope of recreational opportunities available for visitors to adjoining public lands. Lime Kiln State Park is immediately north of Deadman Bay, but it offers only rocky, high-bank shoreline. A trail connects the rocky, exposed shoreline of the State Park with the protected beach at Deadman Bay. The Land Bank owns shoreline immediately to the south of Deadman Bay, but it too is mid to high bank and rocky.

Quick Facts

WWRP Applicant: San Juan County Land Bank Category: Water Access WWRP Grant: $438,911.50 Applicant Match: $438,911.50 Project Type: Acquisition County: San Juan Legislative District: 40 Status: Closed Completed RCO Project # 96-1117

Location Details

From the San Juan Ferry Terminal, in Friday Harbor, take Spring Street to Douglas Road. Turn left. At the end of Douglas, turn right onto Bailer Hill Road. Follow this for approximately 5 1/2 miles to Deadman Bay.

What is the WWRP

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) is a state grant program that creates and conserves local and state parks, wildlife habitat and working farms. The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers WWRP grants, and the legislature funds the program.