Perched on the northwestern tip of Patos Island in Washington’s San Juan archipelago, Patos Island Light has guided mariners through the treacherous currents of Boundary Pass since 1893. The original wooden tower was replaced with the current concrete structure, which remains an active aid to navigation maintained by the Coast Guard.
Though the lighthouse and grounds are not open to the public for climbing or interior tours, boaters and kayakers can approach by water and explore Patos Island’s trails within the surrounding state marine park. Golden hour on summer evenings offers stunning photography with Canadian Gulf Islands as a backdrop.
Nearby, visitors can explore Sucia Island Marine State Park, one of the San Juans’ most popular boating destinations.
Explore Nearby
- Patos Island Marine State Park — State Park in Washington
- Sucia Island Marine State Park — State Park in Washington
- Alaska’s Marine Highway — Scenic Byway in Alaska
- Mountains to Sound Greenway – I-90 — Scenic Byway
- Olympic National Forest — National Forest in Washington
