Ships following Haro Strait on their way to the Strait of Juan de Fuca make a sharp turn at Stuart Island in the San Juan Islands. That's why in 1893, the government funded the Turn Point Lighthouse, which had humble beginnings as a lantern and fog signal. A concrete tower was built in 1936, and an automated light added in 1974.

Today, Turn Point Lighthouse is part of the San Juan Islands National Monument. Scientists from the University of Washington use the lighthouse site to study migrating orcas.