“Roche Harbor,” produced by the United States Geological Survey, presents the celebrated northern reaches of Washington’s San Juan Island as surveyed in 1954 and imprinted in 1981. At the precise 1:24,000 scale, it captures a maritime landscape where land and water interlace in intricate detail: Roche Harbor itself, Haro Strait, Deadman Bay, Griffin Bay, and the island-studded waters beyond. The map belongs to the USGS tradition of rigorous topographic documentation, balancing scientific accuracy with a quietly elegant visual language. Contour lines, roads, trails, shorelines, and marine markers combine to create a portrait of the region at mid-century, preserving the geography of a coastal community shaped by navigation, settlement, industry, and tourism.

Roche Harbor occupies a distinctive place in the history of the San Juan Islands, long valued as a sheltered anchorage and later as a destination for travelers drawn to the archipelago’s dramatic scenery. The map situates the harbor within a wider nautical setting, including Haro Strait to the west and the surrounding islands that form one of the Pacific Northwest’s most captivating coastal labyrinths. Jones Island, Spieden Island, Beausoleil Island, and Lopez Island appear as part of a complex seascape of channels, coves, reefs, and headlands. Places such as Pear Point, Mitchell Point, Pile Point, and Whale Rocks underscore the intimate relationship between landforms and maritime passage in this region.

The cartographic style is classic USGS: restrained, legible, and deeply informative. Elevation contours at intervals such as 100 and 200 feet reveal the rolling and occasionally rugged topography of San Juan Island, while the surrounding waters are rendered with the clarity necessary for understanding coastal form and navigation. Beaches, cliffs, forested areas, roads, and trails are all carefully organized within a disciplined visual hierarchy. The result is more than a utilitarian survey; it is a finely structured depiction of terrain, revealing how settlement and movement adapted to the island’s contours. In its clean use of color and line, the map conveys both the complexity and coherence of this maritime landscape.

As a historical document, the map records a moment when the San Juan Islands were increasingly known not only for maritime work and local settlement, but also for recreation and scenic travel. Roche Harbor’s role in tourism is suggested by the web of roads and coastal access points, while the inclusion of buoys and marine navigation markers reflects the continuing importance of safe passage through these intricate waters. The mid-20th-century landscape shown here predates many later changes in land use, conservation, and development, making the map a valuable record of how the region’s communities, forests, shorelines, and transportation routes were understood at the time.

The broader geography shown on the map evokes the distinctive character of the Pacific Northwest: forested islands rising from cold tidal waters, narrow straits linking inland seas, and rocky promontories shaped by wind, current, and glacial history. Haro Strait, a significant international waterway near the boundary between the United States and Canada, adds geopolitical and navigational interest to the scene. Whale Rocks and the many coastal points hint at the hazards and landmarks familiar to mariners, while Deadman Bay and Griffin Bay enrich the map with evocative place names. In its precision and atmosphere, this USGS sheet offers a compelling window onto the San Juan archipelago’s natural beauty and historical maritime identity.

Cities, towns and places on this map

• Roche Harbor
• San Juan Island
• Haro Strait
• Deadman Bay
• Jones Island
• Spieden Island
• Lopez Island
• Griffin Bay
• Beausoleil Island
• Pear Point
• Mitchell Point
• Pile Point
• Whale Rocks
• Deception Pass
• Coastal features such as beaches and cliffs
• Roads and trails in the area
• Marine navigation markers, including buoys

Historical context & cartographic details

• Produced by the United States Geological Survey, this historical 1:24,000 topographical map shows Roche Harbor, Washington, and the surrounding area.
• The map is dated 1954 and carries a 1981 imprint.
• The USGS is known for producing detailed and precise maps used for scientific studies, land management, and navigation.
• Roche Harbor has historical significance in maritime navigation and tourism in Washington State.
• The map uses a standard topographical style, with elevation contours and water features shown in clear, legible colors.
• Varied elevations are depicted through contour lines, showing the rugged terrain typical of the region, including forested and coastal areas.
• The map reflects land use and natural features as they appeared in the mid-20th century, providing a historical record of the region’s geography and development.

Looking for a particular place? Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, ask our workshop to check before you order.

Detailed maps are especially rewarding at larger sizes, where names, boundaries and decorative features have more room to be appreciated. Use the close-up preview and size guide to choose the right scale for your wall.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

Where personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. See personalised map examples.

Every piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an unframed map print, framed map or canvas using the finish options above. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.

With its rich detail and strong sense of place, this map makes a considered gift for a new home, anniversary, retirement or anyone with a personal connection to the area shown. Still deciding? Explore our collection of rare old and vintage maps to discover another place, period or style.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.