Sportsman’s Lake Preserve
San Juan Island
Year protected: 1984
Land protected: 2.5 acres
Sportsman’s Lake is a 66.4-acre lake that is skirted by Roche Harbor Road about 3.5 miles northwest of Friday Harbor. The preserve consists of a narrow, 770-foot-long strip of land just north of the lake’s public fishing ramp. There’s no trail, but the preserve protects a portion of the lake’s natural freshwater shoreline and offers pedestrians a vantage point for viewing many species of waterfowl (including wintering Trumpeter swans) that use this area for foraging and roosting.
Access: Pedestrian access into property is allowed, although there are no maintained trails, amenities, or parking. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains an access ramp, directly south of this property, for launching small watercraft. Fishing is allowed year-round with the proper permits.
Learn about the history of this preserve
San Juan Island
Year Protected: 1984
Land Protected: 2.5 acres
Public Benefits: Fresh water access, wildlife habitat
This 2 ½ acre parcel, stretching along the northeastern shoreline of Sportsmans Lake on San Juan Island, was donated to the Preservation Trust by Mrs. Helen Irene Dogan in 1984. Her gift ensures that the view of the shoreline and across to the far shore from Roche Harbor Road remain unspoiled. Soon after the Preserve was donated to the Trust, access to the lake for the Friday Harbor Sailing Club’s youth lessons was granted. The 770- foot strip of land north of the lake’s public fishing ramp serves as the access point. In addition to ensuring access for youth sailing, wildlife will forever benefit from this undeveloped buffer of freshwater habitat for foraging and roosting.
Access:
Download Sportsmans Lake Preserve map.