Anchorage· Shaw· Salish Sea — San Juans, Gulf Islands & Desolation Sound

Blind Bay and Blind Island (Shaw Island)

48° 34.8′ N · 122° 56.2′ W

A snug bay on the north side of Shaw Island, across Harney Channel from the Orcas ferry landing. Tiny Blind Island, a state park, sits in its mouth with four buoys. The ferry and the historic Shaw General Store are at the east entrance.

San Juan Islands & Anacortes Southern Gulf Islands & Sidney Desolation Sound & Discovery Islands

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Coordinate is the OSM bay. Depths 2-6 fathoms (12-36 ft, 4-11 m) (Coast Pilot). Several reefs lie at the north-west entrance and along the south-west side; a private daybeacon marks a rock that uncovers 3 ft (1 m) on the east side of the entrance. Enter east of Blind Island. Blind Bay is a voluntary no-anchor zone for eelgrass (Northwest Straits Commission map): anchor deeper, outside the eelgrass. Blind Island State Park: four buoys year-round, one composting toilet, no water; camping only for boats under oar or sail. Ferry wake reaches the east end. 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.

Blind Bay and Blind Island (Shaw Island)

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