Nettle

Nettle Island is located south of Dix and west of Andrews in the Muscle Ridge archipelago. It is small, high-sided, and open to visitors for day use after July 1. In the case of an emergency it is okay to camp on Nettle, although finding a suitable campsite may be a challenge. With uneven terrain and only a small cluster of spindly trees rising above the low-lying vegetation, there is little shelter from the wind here.

Seabirds are often abundant on Nettle. The island is actively used by gulls, cormorants and eiders who sometimes nest here. An osprey nest occupies the largest tree on the island. Please visit only after nesting season and avoid disturbing the wildlife as best you can.

Shoals and ledges surround the island, so please use caution when approaching. The best landing is the north-facing sand beach on the east side, which provides decent access at all tides. A southeast-facing sand beach can also be used at higher tides. This island, along with several other small islands surrounding Dix, likely housed workers and their equipment during the granite quarrying activity of the late 1800s.