Rocky and York Island

Rocky Island has a rich history, with several parcels still tied to longtime families. While the National Park Service now owns most of the land, many areas remain under the caretaking and privacy of those who’ve looked after them for generations.

The island features an NPS dock and a ranger station, making it a convenient and interesting stop.

A word of caution: the northeast reef extends much farther out than most expect. Rather than attempting the tight and shallow passage between Rocky and South Twin, I recommend tucking back south under Rocky Island when heading toward Devils Island—it’s safer and more reliable.

South Twin Island once hosted an airstrip, a fishing camp, and even a cruise ship dock where passengers would stop for lunch. Today, much of that has been rewilded, but if you explore the trails, you’ll still spot remnants—like bulldozer berms left over from the old landing strip (though one ranger doubts it was ever used more than a few times).

The dock area has filled in significantly, so approach with caution, especially in low water years.