sharks reef sanctuary

AJRV

What a way to see the great Pacific Northwest - a beautiful walk through the woods along the waterfront with precarious drops. We were lucky enough to see a sea otter feeding on land - much bigger then they look in the water!

DwightD35

Nice little walk out to the cliffs, great views of San Juan Island and watching seals play in the water and on the rocks.Also happened to see a Pacific Dolphin! Crazy! Really cold and sunny day!Takes less than two hours depending on how long you want to chill and enjoy the scenery.

TawneeS_13

Came to do some geocaching and found some of the best views I've ever seen. The trail is not too long for kids but really small humans should be supervised at the cliffs. Didn't see seals this time of year but the scenery was great on its own.

SherryH908

Best place on Lopez Island is tucked away in a forest. Hike to the end and view the Elephant Seals, gorgeous bay and serenity of nature.

147pault147

Well worth the visit. Follow the path from the parking and you get to the water. Follow the path along the water and you might see sea lions and seals. We saw a lot on the rocks below. The scenery is great.

mimijj

Easy hike to a great view of seals as well as the lighthouse on lime kiln state park across the water. GPS does not function properly on the island, so glad I had written down some driving directions from TA!

catcancook

Enjoyed the short, easy 15 minute hike in to the water. The currents here are strong and whirl-pool, so it is beautiful. Lots of seals and their pups lounging on the rocks you see in the water. Pretty place to have a picnic or just sit and relax.

CathyH108

It is a little walk down to the water, long enough that you can claim that you got some exercise, not so long that you get tired. Go all the way to the end, don't stop when you get to the water, you won't see the seals from there, you want to be down at the end just across from the island, then sit down and be patient, before long you will see the seals flip off the island across from you and zip out into the cut beneath you, spinning and swirling in the current, it is a sight to thrill any nature lover! I am not sure if the seals are there all the time but I know they are there in August and September when the salmon are running.

sparks07

This was a great spot to take a little hike and see seals and sea lions. The scenery is spectacular and you can see the lighthouse on San Juan from this area.

Gohikingnow

Truly spectacular scenery. This is a must see - bring your camera AND your video camera. Like many other reviewers, I did see seals. It is an easy short walk to the shoreline. I don't think you are required to have a "Discover Pass" to park here (but bring it just in case I'm wrong). As an additional FYI, I found people on this tiny island very friendly; I highly recommend Lopez Island! Note: very few restaurants on the island so plan to bring at least some snacks and drinks.

worldtravelerskc

A great place to see (and smell) lounging Harbor Seals. The channel from Lopez to the seal island is only about 15 yards across so you can take great pics with a zoom lens.

jordanc350

There were seal everywhere! once you go on the small hike it takes to get there (about 15min) you'll love the scenery and have a blast watching the seals.

lyeager

Always love the bike to this trail head and the lovely walk to the overlook. Have never failed to see seals basking on the rocks.

Wanderluster4

This short 10 minute mostly level hike is definitely worth it for the views. At the end we got to see a number of noisy seals and great sights of surrounding islands. Keep your eyes peeled for the seals as you follow the shore because they can blend into the rocks.Shark Reef Sanctuary is a must see when visiting Lopez. Doing this hike and nearby Iceberg Point can be a great afternoon of short hikes with great views.

sparkty

A pleasant hike through the woods with old growth fir stumps showing charred bark from a very old forest fire and sculptured moss in the branches. At the end of the hike, there is a sunning area for seals and sea lions, who are quite vocal. I will remember this for a long time.