Decatur Island
Island Washington island popular for boating and wildlife
Part of Washington’s San Juan archipelago, popular with boaters, kayakers and campers for beaches, quiet roads and island cottages.
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Decatur Island is one of the islands in Washington State’s San Juan archipelago in the Salish Sea. It is a predominantly rural island with a small year-round community and private properties rather than incorporated towns.
The island is valued for boating, kayaking, wildlife viewing and quiet rural landscapes; there are sheltered anchorages and private docks used by visiting boaters. Recreational use is typically self-supported because there is no regular Washington State Ferry service to the island.
Like other islands in the archipelago, Decatur Island lies within the traditional territory of Coast Salish peoples and later saw European-American settlement for farming and coastal use; development has remained low-density.
Situated in the central San Juan Islands of the Salish Sea northwest of mainland Washington State, the island lies among the maze of channels and islands that make up the archipelago.
- Access and character: Part of the San Juan Islands archipelago in the Salish Sea and largely rural with a small year-round population; commonly reached by private boat or air charter.
How to Get to Decatur Island #
Decatur Island is reachable primarily by private boat or via scheduled passenger-only ferry services that operate from Anacortes or neighboring islands (schedules vary seasonally). Check San Juan County ferry and local water-taxi operators for current routes and landing sites.
Tips for Visiting Decatur Island #
- Decatur Island has limited services - bring supplies or plan to camp at designated spots.
- The island is best explored by private boat or on scheduled passenger ferry runs offered by local operators; small aircraft service is seasonal.
- Respect private properties and follow posted signs; many parcels are privately owned and cleared paths are few.
Best Time to Visit Decatur Island #
Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the best conditions for boating and camping.
Weather & Climate near Decatur Island #
Decatur Island's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (607 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 22 mm.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with 91 mm of rain.
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December
December is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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