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Protection Island Refuge is located near the mouth of Discovery Bay in the Strait of Juan de Fuca which leads to the Pacific Ocean. The island is closed to the public to protect nesting seabirds and harbor seals. For those who are especially interested in birds, approximately 70 percent of the nesting seabird population of Puget Sound nest on the island, which includes one of the largest nesting colonies of rhinoceros auklets in the world and the largest nesting colony of glaucous-winged gulls in Washington. The island contains one of the last 2 nesting colonies of tufted puffins in the Puget Sound area. About 1,000 harbor seals depend upon the island for a pupping and rest area. Private boat tours around the island are available from nearby marinas.

Posted by Don Wiley on June 27th, 2008
Archived under: Color, Washington (state) Coast/Puget Sound