Roche Harbor, Washington

Roche Harbor, is a sheltered harbor on the northwest side of San Juan Island in San Juan County, Washington, United States, and the site of a resort of the same name. Roche Harbor sits along Haro Strait and United States - Canada border. The harbor itself provides one of the better protected anchorages in the islands. The harbor is surrounded on the east side by San Juan Island, on the north side by Pearl Island,and on the west and south sides by Henry Island. Most of the harbor is 35 to 45 feet (11 to 14 meters) deep. Roche Harbor has a small airport primarily used by local residents.

The Roche Harbor marina is a designated Port of Entry for pleasure boats. A Customs Dock occupies a section of the marina. Customs and Border Protection agents are on duty during summer months. When agents are not on-duty, arriving boaters must call Customs and Border Protection from the Customs Dock. [ [http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/pleasure_boats/boats/pleasure_locations/psound_newash.xml Pleasure Boat Ports of Entry in Washington] ]

History

Roche Harbor was named in honor of Richard Roche, who served under British Captain Henry Kellett in 1846 and Captain James Charles Prevost in 1857-60. [cite book |last= Phillips |first= James W. |title= Washington State Place Names |year= 1971 |publisher= University of Washington Press |isbn= 0-295-95158-3]

The resort was formerly a company town surrounding the Tacoma and Roche Harbor Lime Company, which was incorporated in 1886. Lime production was a major industry and revenue source for a corporation run by John S. McMillin, whose ashes are buried in a large mausoleum nearby. The focal point of the resort is the historic Hotel de Haro.

References

External links

* [http://www.sanjuanisland.com Roche Harbor and San Juan Islands Web Directory]
* [http://www.sanjuansafaris.com Roche Harbor Whale Watching / Sea Kayaking]
* [http://www.guidetosanjuans.com/ Official Guide to the San Juan Islands]
* [http://www.rocheharbor.com/aboutus_history.html Roche Harbor history]
* [http://www.islandcam.com/roche.shtml Roche Harbor] web cam
* [http://www.cbp.gov] U.S. Customs