Lime Kilns at Roche Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington - Ovens and Kilns on Waymarking.com

Limestone suitable for making portland cement is scarce in western Washington state, so the limestone in the San Juan terrain was a valuable resource during the last century when transportation facilities were limited. This massive mining operation lasted over 80 years, clearcutting and gouging out the entire hillside. The local forests of San Juan and the adjacent islands were harvested to feed the kiln fires.

The resulting erosion was terrible. Soils were stripped from uplands, wetlands were filled, and once productive shellfish flats were buried. Yet today, the forests are returning, shellfish thrive in many of these same bays, and the uplands once again support vital plants and trees. The peaceful setting of the Roche Harbor resort makes it hard to imagine the sights, sounds, and heat of what was essentially an industrial center.

Type of Oven / Kiln: Lime / Limestone Status: Historical Site Operating Dates: 1872-1956 Website: [Web Link] Additional Coordinate: Not Listed Additional Coordinate Description: Not listed

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Date Logged Log User Rating   02/23/2024 pioneer woman visited it 02/15/2023 jtcoffee visited it 02/12/2023 giacaches visited it

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