Anchorage· Cypress· Salish Sea — San Juans, Gulf Islands & Desolation Sound
Pelican Beach and Eagle Cliff (Cypress Island)
48° 36.2′ N · 122° 42.2′ W · approximate
A pebble beach on the north-east side of Cypress Island with Department of Natural Resources mooring buoys, a small campground and a picnic shelter. From here a steep trail climbs about a mile to Eagle Cliff for one of the best views in the area. Most of Cypress is a protected conservation area with almost no development.
Practical
Position is approximate, in the water just off the beach (OSM and WWTA give the beach at about 48.6028, -122.7037). DNR buoys at Pelican Beach, Eagle Harbor and Cypress Head, about two dozen in all; sources disagree on how many are at each site, and the 2023 report and WWTA list them as free. They are often all taken in summer. No protection from northerlies; currents in Bellingham Channel are strong. Composting toilets (upgrades reported in 2026), fire pits, no water. Camping Memorial Day to Labor Day, no reservations. The last mile of the Eagle Cliff trail is closed February to mid-July for nesting peregrine falcons. Dogs on leash. About 20 miles of trails across the island. The island is a Critical Habitat Area: respect seasonal trail closures.
Best for
Buoy night, camping and the Eagle Cliff hike
Season
May-Sep; Eagle Cliff summit open mid-Jul to Jan
Nearby
- Eagle Harbor (Cypress Island)0.9 NM away
- Urban Pier (Sinclair Island)0.9 NM away
- Cypress Head (Cypress Island)2.5 NM away
- Strawberry Bay (Cypress Island)2.5 NM away
- Vendovi Island Preserve (Vendovi Island)3.9 NM away
- Blakely Island Marina and Store (Blakely Island)4.7 NM away
- Lummi Island DNR Recreation Site (Lummi Island)4.8 NM away
- Obstruction Pass State Park (Orcas Island)5 NM away
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).