Anchorage· Patos· Salish Sea — San Juans, Gulf Islands & Desolation Sound
Active Cove (Patos Island)
48° 47.1′ N · 122° 58.0′ W
The narrow cove between Patos and Little Patos at the far north-west of the San Juans, with two state park buoys and a primitive campground. From here a short trail leads to the Patos lighthouse at Alden Point.
Practical
Coordinate is the State Parks buoy position. Two buoys, first come first served. Enter from the west unless you know the area: the south-facing entrance has strong swirling currents at almost all stages of tide (Coast Pilot). State Parks advises against anchoring here in high-pressure weather or winds above 12 knots, when boats drag and go aground. Tidal currents between Patos and East Point on Saturna Island are strong and dangerous. No water; composting and vault toilets; seven primitive camp sites. State Parks moorage (2025 rates, still posted in 2026): buoys $23 a night, docks $1 per foot ($23 minimum), charged from 1 pm to 8 am all year. Self-register and pay on arrival, rafted boats included; phone registration is posted at the buoys. An annual State Parks moorage permit ($7 per foot, $80 minimum) covers docks and buoys.
Best for
Remote overnight and the lighthouse
Season
Calm settled days May-Sep only
Nearby
- Patos Island Lighthouse Trail (Patos Island)0.3 NM away
- Shallow Bay (Sucia Island)2.4 NM away
- East Point (Saturna Island)3.1 NM away
- Echo Bay (Sucia Island)3.3 NM away
- Fossil Bay (Sucia Island)3.4 NM away
- Saturna Vessel Restricted Zone (East Point)3.7 NM away
- Tumbo Island (Saturna)4.4 NM away
- Cabbage Island Buoys (Reef Harbour)4.8 NM away
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).