San Juan Island National Historical Park

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a sun setting behind historic parade grounds
The sun sets on the American Camp parade grounds
people visiting a historic building
Visitors come from all over the world to explore English Camp
a historic cannon being fired
Reenactors fire a cannon at Encampment
flowers in bloom
The formal garden in bloom
a sandy beach and blue sky
Grandma's Cove is a popular spot for park visitors
Photos: National Park Service

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.

Quick Facts

State Washington
Designation National Historical Park
State Code WA
Weather 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…

Location & Map

San Juan Island National Historical Park is located in Washington.

Operating Hours

Park grounds are open 24 hours per-day, year-round.

Wednesday All Day
Monday All Day
Thursday All Day
Sunday All Day
Tuesday All Day
Friday All Day
Saturday All Day

Activities

Arts and Culture Cultural Demonstrations Biking Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Hiking Hunting and Gathering Gathering and Foraging Living History Reenactments Historic Weapons Demonstration First Person Interpretation Paddling Kayaking Junior Ranger Program Swimming Saltwater Swimming Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs

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 Directions

Contact & Address

Address 4668 Cattle Point Rd., Friday Harbor, WA, 98250
Phone 3603782240
Email allison_herkey@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Architecture and Building Arts Photography Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Farming and Agriculture Forts Military Monuments and Memorials Native American Heritage Wars and Conflicts Colonial/European Contact Conflicts Women's History Animals Birds Fire Forests and Woodlands Coniferous Forests Deciduous Forests Geology Grasslands Prairies Meadows Night Sky Oceans Whales Scenic Views Trails Unique Species Endangered

Things To Do

Hike The Mount Finlayson Loop Trail

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

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

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

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

Hike the Bell Point Loop

The Bell Point trail traverses a mature madrona forest and hugs the shores of Garrison Bay and Westcott Bay.

Hike to Grandma's Cove

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…

Visitor Centers

American Camp Visitor Center

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…

Hours: The American Camp Visitor Center is open March through October. Operating days and hours are posted below.

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