West Sister Island
Swans Island
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GUIDELINES
What You Need to Know
- Camp at established campsite (with restrictions)
- Campfires permitted (with restrictions)
- Carry out all trash (see details)
- Keep pets under control
- Respect privacy of preserve neighbors
WHY WE CARE
Explore, Discover, Protect
West Sister Island’s cobble beach is an ideal spot to scan for harbor seals and sea ducks enjoying the bay or bald eagles and common terns soaring above. After a day of exploring, spend the night camping at the pavilion campsite—the perfect place to listen to the pounding surf and reflect on why places like this are worth protecting.
Features
How to Get There
The closest mainland boat launch is in Bass Harbor on Mount Desert Island. You can also launch from Mackerel Cove and Burnt Coat Harbor on Swan’s Island. While still in an area of swift tidal currents, the best anchorage is just off of the northwestern cobble beach. All other areas around the island should be avoided due to extreme rip tides and unsuitable bottom substrate.
Explore the Map
Click on trails and landmarks to learn more about what West Sister Island has to offer.
Preserve Details
Property:
Town:
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Accessible:
FIELD NOTES
Getting to Know West Sister Island
On the Preserve
West Sister Island, a 39-acre preserve in outer Blue Hill Bay, was acquired by MCHT in 2011. The island lies southeast of Swan’s Island, approximately 0.4 miles east of Red Point. West Sister’s interior is dominated by a dense spruce and northern hardwood forest. This shady habitat attracts river otter and mink, and provides a nice backdrop to the island’s ledge-covered shoreline. The preserve’s main draw is its cobble beach on the northwestern shore, which features sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
Enjoy the Island Pavilion
When MCHT acquired West Sister, it had a rustic cabin—most of which was removed a year later. A 15-foot by 18-foot open-sided pavilion with a fireplace is all that remains. This structure is great for campers to use as a tent platform or as an inviting picnic spot while you explore.
STORIES FROM MOUNT DESERT ISLAND
How We’re Restoring Marshes
Many tidal marshes in Maine aren’t working the way they’re supposed to, but through restoration we can improve chances of successful marsh migration as sea levels rise in the decades to come.
Be part of the movement
Contribute to a future with
healthy, open lands & waters
Donate Now
Give your time to help
care for the coast
Volunteer Now
Be a champion
for conservation
Spread the Word
More Information on West Sister Island
Camping On the Island
Camping is only permitted at established campsite which features a 15’x18’ open-sided pavilion and fireplace
- Limit stay to two nights.
- Commercial use by permit only. Please call 207-729-7366
Campfires on the Island
Campfires are permitted, but must be smaller than three feet. Check with the local government for any additional restrictions.
Additional Guidelines:
- Must use pavillion fireplace
- Keep all fires below high tide line
- Do not cut or break tree limbs, dead or alive
- Leave no fire unattended
- Completely extinguish all fires
Help Us Take Care of the Preserve
This preserve belongs to all of us; that’s why it’s important to leave as little trace as possible when you visit.
To do that, please:
- Carry out all trash
- Carry out all pet waste
- Carry out all human waste (including toilet paper)