Shark Reef Sanctuary

Puget Sound and Islands

updated 2 weeks ago

Shark Reef Sanctuary is in excellent condition, with trails clear of snow and suitable for all vehicles as of September 5. Visitors have frequently reported sightings of seals, sea lions, and sea gulls, with some seals seen lounging on rocks July 5 and others being playfully active. There are occasional muddy spots after rain, but they are easily avoidable. Parking can be limited, especially on weekends, but spots are often available.

Generated from 11 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Shark Reef Sanctuary

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 2 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

No other wildlife besides seals, sea lions, and sea gulls have been reported in the available trip logs. The most recent mention of these animals was on September 5.

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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.

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Puget Sound and Islands > San Juan Islands

The clouds were as impressive as the sunny day. Seals, sea lions and sea gulls. Trail in great shape.

Puget Sound and Islands > San Juan Islands

One of the best hikes on Lopez Island! Nice and easy with stunning views. Arrived at the trailhead at around 10am on a Sunday with only a couple of cars already parked and room for a few more. When we...

Puget Sound and Islands > San Juan Islands

Views were amazing on the clear sunny day.Trails are in good condition, so is the toilet facilities.Several seals were lounging around on the rocks nearby.  There was a very playful seal just below me...

Puget Sound and Islands > San Juan Islands

Parking lot is small, but we found a spot mid-week. Very nice toilets at the trailhead. A very pretty loop hike through the woods, that opens onto views to Cattle Pass and San Juan Island.Go on a stro...

Puget Sound and Islands > San Juan Islands

Trail in great shape. Lots of harbor seals basking today.

Puget Sound and Islands > San Juan Islands

At trailhead ~9:40am and just one other car there. This outhouse is the nicest one I have ever experienced! (Clean, stocked, even has the little trash bin just for feminine hygiene products.)Trail in ...

Puget Sound and Islands > San Juan Islands

The trail is in good shape. We saw lots of wildlife including seal, sea lions, bald eagle, geese, oyster catchers and an otter. Be sure to bring binoculars.

Puget Sound and Islands > San Juan Islands

Great day for a trip to Lopez Island. Morning fog lifted and it felt like summer.TH vault toilet and trail are in great shape.Lots of birds today and big fat seals. Sea lions on the outer island were ...

Puget Sound and Islands > San Juan Islands

Lovely little hike! Parking lot is small but we got a spot at around 1pm on a Friday. Could’ve spent all day watching the seals!

Puget Sound and Islands

Nice, short, easy trail to include on your visits to Lopez Island. Clear signage at the start (plus a couple more places along the way) to guide your journey of just shy of a mile around this park. Th...