About San Juan Island National Historical Park
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.
Plan a Visit
Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.
Weather & Conditions
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…
NPS Reference Location
Park state / territory membership: Washington. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.
Operating Hours
Park grounds are open 24 hours per-day, year-round.
Activities
Current Alerts
Effective Thursday, August 6 building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, or campfire, charcoal grill, tiki torches, incense burners, candles, propane campfire, wood burning stoves, and devices using pressurized liquid or gas is prohibited. This includes the designated fire rings at South Beach. Propane fire pits are not allowed during the ban.
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).
Getting There
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.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Tide Pooling at San Juan Island
Tide pooling is a fun way to get to know the sea life surrounding San Juan Island
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…
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…
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…
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…
Hike the Bell Point Loop
The Bell Point trail traverses a mature madrona forest and hugs the shores of Garrison Bay and Westcott Bay.
More Things to Do
Additional activities and experiences from the National Park Service.
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…