Fisherman Bay Preserve: The Spit. Image courtesy of San Juan Land Bank Preserve.
Fisherman Bay Preserve : The Spit
The 29-acre Spit Preserve is named for the prominent sand spit that defines the entrance to Fisherman Bay. This rich and varied property protects rare coastal dunes and wetlands, a grassy headland, and approximately 1 mile of shoreline. The parking area offers an outhouse and room for 8 vehicles. Trails lead through an old orchard and former homestead site, then down to the sand spit. Visitors are asked to take extra care to remain on designated trails on the spit. Plants in this special habitat are vulnerable to trampling, while nesting and foraging birds are disrupted by off-trail people and dogs.
This preserve was purchased by the San Juan County Land Bank in part with funds from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.
Directions
From the Lopez ferry landing: Take Ferry Road heading south. At 2.2 miles, the road name changes to Fisherman Bay Road. Continue past Lopez Village and along Fisherman Bay, turning right onto Bayshore Road at 6.1 miles. Turn left onto Peninsula Road at 7.55 miles. Continue straight at the county road end sign at 8.15 miles, and turn right into the preserve at 8.3 miles. The road ends at the parking area, 8.45 miles from start.
From Lopez Village: From the water tower at Village Park, go east on Lopez Road for .25 miles. Turn right onto Fisherman Bay Road and continue along Fisherman Bay. At 2.0 miles, turn right onto Bayshore Road. Turn left onto Peninsula Road at 3.45 miles. Continue straight at the county road end sign at 4.05 miles, and turn right into the preserve at 4.2 miles. The road ends at the parking area, 4.35 miles from start.