San Juan Island is well known for its splendid vistas, saltwater shores, quiet woodlands, orca whales and one of the last remaining native prairies in the Puget Sound/Northern Straits region. But it was also here in 1859 that the United States and Great Britain nearly went to war over possession of the island, the crisis ignited by the death of a pig.
Photo: NPS Photo/Gary Tarleton
San Juan Island National Historical Park
- LocationFriday Harbor, WA
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
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Weather now52°F Patchy rain nearby
- Alerts 1 active alert
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Architecture and Building
- Arts
- Birds
- Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite
- Colonial/European Contact Conflicts
- Coniferous Forests
- Deciduous Forests
21 more topics
- Endangered
- Farming and Agriculture
- Fire
- Forests and Woodlands
- Forts
- Geology
- Grasslands
- Meadows
- Military
- Monuments and Memorials
- Native American Heritage
- Night Sky
- Oceans
- Photography
- Prairies
- Scenic Views
- Trails
- Unique Species
- Wars and Conflicts
- Whales
- Women's History
Alerts (1)
CautionWildlife Viewing Guidelines San Juan Island National Historical Park provides habitat for many species of animals. When you visit the park, you are… Read more
San Juan Island National Historical Park provides habitat for many species of animals. When you visit the park, you are visiting their home. Do not approach any wildlife within 75 ft/23 m (two school bus lengths).
Things to Do
23 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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American Camp History Walk
Embark on a captivating 1 mile guided walk through San Juan Island National Historical Park, where you can relive the intriguing events of the Pig War. Interpretive waysides provide historical…
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Biking on San Juan Island
Reservation required Fee applies
Biking is a great way of exploring the island!
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Foraging on San Juan Island
There are many foraging opportunities on San Juan Island
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Go Kayaking
Many people come to San Juan Island seeking the adventure of exploring the area by boat. Sea kayaks are very popular for travel among the islands. Operating a small craft on the Salish Sea is fun and…
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Hike Officer's Hill
The trails surrounding the Officers’ Quarters at English Camp offer a captivating journey through history and nature.
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Hike the Bell Point Loop
The Bell Point trail traverses a mature madrona forest and hugs the shores of Garrison Bay and Westcott Bay.
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Hike the Bluff Trail
The Bluff Trail is a phenomenal way to experience the environmental richness of American Camp. Keep an eye out for orca whales in the Salish Sea.
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Hike the Jakle's Lagoon Nature Trail
This 1 mile trail is an excellent place to take young people to learn more about our environment. Informational waysides along the trail describe the diverse forest ecosystem here.
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Hike the Mitchell Hill Easy Loop
The Mitchell Hill Easy Loop follows the Inner Loop Road trail - a picturesque journey through the lush landscapes at English Camp.
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Hike the Mitchell Hill Moderate Loop
The Mitchell Hill Moderate Loop incorporates some of the best trail segments along a slightly more challenging route. The trail takes you through a dense cedar grove and to the top of Mitchell Hill.
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Hike The Mount Finlayson Loop Trail
This popular trail is a 2.9 mile loop. It visits numerous ecosystems and provides excellent views of the Cascades and Olympic Mountains.
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Hike the Old Military Road Trail
The Old Military Road Trail (also known and more often signed as “The American Camp Trail”) is a 1 mile trail that takes visitors from the American Camp Visitor Center to the Frazer Homestead…
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Hike the South Beach Trail
Visit South Beach via this short 1 mile hike! The trail travels through the American Camp prairie; keep an eye out for foxes, bald eagles, and rabbits.
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Hike the Westcott Bay Trail
The Westcott Bay Trail is a 1.0 mile trail that hugs the shore of Westcott Bay, a tranquil section of shoreline to the East of English Camp.
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Hike to Fourth of July Beach
This beach access is a great way to explore the shoreline and the lagoons. Walking south will take you to Old Town Lagoon.
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Hike to Grandma's Cove
The hike to Grandma's Cove is one mile round trip and visits a sheltered ocean cove great for swimming and looking at tide pools.
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Hike to Young Hill
The hike to the top of Young Hill provides a panoramic view of San Juan Island’s bays, English Camp, and Vancouver Island.
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Observe Animals on San Juan Island
San Juan Island National Historical Park offers unique opportunities to observe diverse wildlife, from marine mammals to deer and red foxes. When you visit the park, you are visiting their home…
Learn more about Observe Animals on San Juan Island on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Picnicking on San Juan Island
There are no restaurants in the park, so if you want to eat you have to bring your own food.
Learn more about Picnicking on San Juan Island on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
San Juan Island Junior Ranger Program
Junior Ranger programs are a great way for people of all ages to explore multiple facets of the park
Learn more about San Juan Island Junior Ranger Program on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Take in the Views on San Juan Island
With its hills and shorelines, great views aren’t hard to come by on San Juan Island!
Learn more about Take in the Views on San Juan Island on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Tide Pooling at San Juan Island
Tide pooling is a fun way to get to know the sea life surrounding San Juan Island
Learn more about Tide Pooling at San Juan Island on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Visit a Beach
South Beach (once called the Salmon Banks Beach) at American Camp is longest stretch of public shoreline in the San Juan Islands and part of six miles of saltwater shore overall at both park units.
Learn more about Visit a Beach on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 23 of 23
All 24 activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
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American Camp Visitor Center
Facility
The American Camp visitor center is located on Cattle Point Road on the island's southern peninsula. This visitor center opened to the public in June of 2022 and…
4668 Cattle Point Rd, Friday Harbor, WA (360) 378-2240 Directions
Details
The American Camp visitor center is located on Cattle Point Road on the island's southern peninsula. This visitor center opened to the public in June of 2022 and features incredible new exhibits detailing the Coast Salish presence, military history of San Juan Island, and our island's ecology.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · San Juan Island National Historical Park
Hours details
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San Juan Island National Historical ParkOpen 24 hours, daily
Park grounds are open 24 hours per-day, year-round.
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
4668 Cattle Point Rd.Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
52°F
Patchy rain nearby · feels like 50°
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Today
53° 51°
Overcast43% rain -
Tomorrow
55° 50°
Sunny83% rain -
Thursday
58° 51°
Sunny15% rain
Updated 3 hr ago
What to expect by season
Spring: Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 60 F. Wildflowers are at their peak around May. Summer: Temperatures usually range from 45 F to 70 F. On very sunny days, be prepared with water-heat exhaustion is a common complaint among park visitors who are unprepared. Fall: Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 65 F. Rain is common. Winter: Temperatures range from 35 F to 50 F. Be prepared with cold and wet weather gear and numerous layers if you intend to be outside. Rain and wind are common.
Photos
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Reenactors fire a cannon at Encampment — NPS Photo/Gary Tarleton -
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Getting There
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
San Juan Island is served by Washington State Ferries, several private cruise and shuttle craft and two air carriers (one of which has both land and seaplane service). The Washington State Ferries terminal is 85 miles north of Seattle and 90 miles south of Vancouver, BC in Anacortes, WA.
Mailing address: P.O. Box 429, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
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