Currently: 52° | Webcam Home Resort Accommodations Spa Weddings Marina Dining Shopping Things to Do Book Now Our Story The story of Roche Harbor began over 200 years ago, in 1787, when Captain Lopez de Haro and his crew became the first Europeans to actually sail among the forested San Juan Islands. Haro Strait, dividing the United States from Vancouver Island, derives its name from this Spanish explorer. The dispute lay dormant during the American Civil War, but by 1871 the United States and Great Britain selected Germany’s Kaiser Wilhelm to arbitrate the dispute. In 1872, Wilhelm awarded possession of the San Juan Islands to the United States. There was no development at Roche Harbor until John S. McMillin, a Tacoma lawyer, discovered the richest and largest deposit of lime in the Northwest at Roche Harbor. By 1886, the Tacoma and Roche Harbor Lime Company had been incorporated and became a large scale business. McMillin built the 20-room Hotel de Haro in 1886 around the original Hudson Bay Post with its one foot thick log walls. Head into the lobby and ask the front desk to see the still exposed logs. By 1890, the company town had grown up around the magnificent hotel. It consisted of a completely modern lime factory, a barrel works, warehouse, docks, ships and piers, offices, company store, church, school, barns, and homes. Founder of Roche Harbor John S. McMillin Original Roche Harbor Cabins In 1956, all 4,000 acres of Roche Harbor, with 12 miles of coastline, was sold to Reuben J. Tarte, a Seattle businessman. He and his family set about restoring the hotel and warehouse, and turning the area into a world class resort. The current ownership is comprised of a partnership between Rich Komen and Illihe of Seattle, Washington. The resort as you see it today is continually evolving. It is our vision to preserve our historical structures and embrace our past as we expand our village into the future. 248 Reuben Memorial Drive Roche Harbor, WA 98250 LODGING: (800) 451-8910 or 360-378-9820 reservations@rocheharbor.com MARINA: (800) 586-3590 marina@rocheharbor.com WEDDINGS & EVENTS: 360-370-7742 weddings@rocheharbor.com Quick Links Owner Login Resort Map Employment Real Estate Getting Here Roche Harbor Resort Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Sitemap ©2021 Roche Harbor Resort