Spencer Spit State Park - Washington

Park Overview

Spencer Spit State Park is a 138-acre marine and camping park situated on Lopez Island in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The park is named for the lagoon-enclosing sand spit on which it rests.

History

As Native American tribes migrated up and down the coast, they stopped at Spencer Spit to clam, crab and fish before moving on. Native American activity continued until 1946.

Spencer Spit was homesteaded in the late 1800s by a family named Troxell. It was eventually sold to the Spencers who lived on the property for 50 years. State Parks bought the property in 1967.

Interpretive opportunities

The park offers a Junior Ranger interpretive program from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Physical Features

Spencer Spit is an example of a sandspit enclosing a saltchuck lagoon. The spit was formed over a long period of time by the action of wind and tide. The spit is constantly changing. Eventually, it could fill with sediment and lose all its water.

Address

521A. Bakerview Road, Lopez Island, WA 98261

Directions

Located on Lopez Island in the San Juan Island cluster, a 45-minute ferry ride from Anacortes, Wash. in San Juan County.

From the ferry:

Follow Ferry Rd. Go left at Center Rd., then left at Cross Rd. Turn right at Port Stanley and left at Bakerview Rd. Follow Bakerview Rd. straight into park.

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