San Juan Island National Historical Park

San Juan Island National Historical Park is a national historical park run by the National Park Service in Washington.

In the park service’s words

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

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 (1 to 2 Hours): This popular trail is a 2.9 mile loop. It visits numerous ecosystems and provides excellent views of the Cascades and Olympic Mountains.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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: 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.
• 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.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Open 24 hours, every day. Park grounds are open 24 hours per-day, year-round.

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.

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• American Camp Visitor Center: Mon 9:30AM - 3:30PM; Tue Closed; Wed Closed; Thu 9:30AM - 3:30PM; Fri 9:30AM - 3:30PM; Sat 9:30AM - 3:30PM; Sun 9:30AM - 3:30PM. The American Camp Visitor Center is open March through October. Operating days and hours are posted below.

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 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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Olympic, about 43 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: San Juan Island National Historical Park (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.