The island was originally called Sa nam a o ("High Mountain")[2] and Skallaham by the native Lummi people.

In 1792 Spanish explorers dubbed it Isla de Pacheco, and British colonists later called it McLoughlin Island.

By 1990 the pit was 3 acres, and mining rights were sold to James and Kyle Bride of Everett, Washington.

The operation became Ace Rock, LLC in 1997, with the Brides, Dick Christopherson (Bremerton, Washington), and David Grainger (British Columbia, Canada).

Aggregates West offloaded barges of excavated rock at Bellingham, Anacortes, Everett, and Seattle).

[4][5] The purchase was also supported by Whatcom County, Puget Sound marine and Nearshore Grant Program, and the Rose Foundation, to restore the property.

A trail to Lummi Mountain takes hikers through the Baker Preserve to stunning high views of the San Juan and Gulf Islands.

Facilities on the island include a general store, two restaurants, several bed and breakfast houses, a small library, a post office, a fire station, a church, a Salvation Army camp, and a vintage 1919 elementary school.

The Willows Inn, opened in 1910, was upgraded to a fine dining restaurant in 2010 under chef Blaine Wetzel, who co-owns it.

The climate in this area has mild differences between highs and lows, with wet winters and dry summers.