San Juan Island National Historical Park, located in Washington state, is a scenic park known for its historical significance. Situated on the southern tip of San Juan Island, the park encompasses 2,161 acres of natural beauty and offers visitors a glimpse into the island's rich history.
San Juan Island holds great historical importance, particularly in relation to the Pig War of 1859. This territorial dispute between the United States and Great Britain arose when an American farmer shot a British-owned pig that had been roaming in his garden. The confrontation led to a military standoff that lasted for 12 years. Eventually, both nations peacefully settled the dispute and the island became part of the United States.
Within San Juan Island National Historical Park, visitors can explore the remnants of the British and American camps that were established during the Pig War. At American Camp, you can wander along the network of trails that take you through the historic encampment site, providing a captivating insight into military life during the period. The British Camp, on the other hand, offers picturesque vistas and walking trails where visitors can immerse themselves in the island's natural beauty.
Apart from its historical significance, San Juan Island National Historical Park also offers a range of recreational activities. Hiking is a popular pastime, with several trails weaving through the park, offering stunning views of the coastline and surrounding forests. The waters around the island are ideal for kayaking, providing an opportunity to explore the area's marine ecosystem.
Nearby attractions add to the charm of the park. Lime Kiln Point State Park, widely regarded as one of the best places in the world to view orcas from land, is located just a few miles away. Visitors can witness the majestic creatures as they travel along the Salish Sea. Additionally, the idyllic town of Friday Harbor, with its quaint shops, galleries, and waterfront restaurants, is a short drive from the park, offering a delightful experience for visitors.
Overall, San Juan Island National Historical Park serves as a captivating destination combining history and natural beauty. Whether visitors are interested in delving into the past or immersing themselves in the natural wonders of the island, the park offers a range of activities and attractions to suit a variety of interests and preferences.
San Juan Island National Historical Park is situated within the stunning archipelago of the state of Washington. Located off the northwest coast of the mainland, this historical park is nestled on the serene San Juan Island. The island, with its picturesque beauty and scenic landscape, is enclosed by the vast Salish Sea and is conveniently accessible by ferry or private boat. Surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and stunning coastline, San Juan Island National Historical Park offers visitors a truly idyllic experience amidst the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest.
4668 Cattle Point Rd.Friday Harbor, WA 98250Driving DirectionsPhone: 3603782240Web: Link
The best time to visit San Juan Island National Historical Park would be during the months of May, June, July, and August. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 64°F to 73°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average minimum temperatures during this period are between 44°F and 50°F, making it comfortable for exploration. The average monthly precipitation is relatively low, ranging from 0.4in to 0.9in, which means you are likely to experience less rainfall during your visit. Furthermore, these months also see high average visitor counts, indicating that you can enjoy the park without encountering large crowds.
Some of the activities you can do in San Juan Island National Historical Park are: Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Arts and Culture Biking Hiking Hunting and Gathering Paddling Kayaking Living History Swimming Reenactments Historic Weapons Demonstration First Person Interpretation Gathering and Foraging Cultural Demonstrations Saltwater Swimming
Learn about these topics at San Juan Island National Historical Park: Animals Birds Geology Night Sky Architecture and Building Arts Native American Heritage Fire Trails Unique Species Military Photography Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Women's History Forests and Woodlands Grasslands Meadows Scenic Views Forts Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Deciduous Forests Coniferous Forests Endangered Prairies Oceans Colonial/European Contact Conflicts Whales Farming and Agriculture
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.
The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: American Camp Visitor Center.
This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).
Located in Deer Harbor, WorldMark Deer Harbor is in the historical district, a 3-minute drive from Skull Island State Park and 9 minutes from West Sound Marina.
Address: 31 Jack And Jill Place, Deer Harbor, Washington 98243
Web: Link
Located in Deer Harbor, Deer Harbor Inn is a 3-minute drive from Skull Island State Park and 9 minutes from West Sound Marina. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 33 Inn Lane, Deer Harbor, Washington 98243
Web: Link
A stay at Bird Rock Hotel places you in the heart of Friday Harbor, a 1-minute drive from Whale Museum and 10 minutes from American Camp Visitor Center. Featured amenities include express check-out, multilingual staff, and microwave in a common area.
Address: 35 First Street, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
Web: Link
With a stay at Friday Harbor House in Friday Harbor, you'll be near the airport, just a 1-minute walk from Whale Museum and 7 minutes by foot from San Juan Islands Museum of Art. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, dry cleaning/laundry services, and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 130 West Street, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
Web: Link
Located in Deer Harbor, Deer Harbor Cottages is a 2-minute drive from Skull Island State Park and 8 minutes from West Sound Marina. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 68 Inn Lane, Deer Harbor, Washington 98243
Web: Link
With a stay at Friday Harbor Grand B&B in Friday Harbor, you'll be in the historical district, just a 2-minute walk from San Juan Islands Museum of Art and 6 minutes by foot from Whale Museum. Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available on request), and a cruise ship terminal shuttle is also provided at no charge.
Address: 345 Blair Ave, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
Web: Link
With a stay at Roche Harbor Resort in Friday Harbor, you'll be on the beach, just a 3-minute walk from Roche Harbor Marina and 5 minutes by foot from San Juan Islands Sculpture Park. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours), and self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 248 Reuben Memorial Dr, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
Web: Link
When you a stay at Friday Harbor Suites in Friday Harbor, you'll be near the beach, within a 5-minute walk of San Juan Islands Museum of Art and San Juan Historical Society and Museum. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and luggage storage. Planning an event in Friday Harbor? This hotel has facilities measuring 1650 square feet (153 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 680 Spring Street, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
Web: Link
Located in Friday Harbor, Snug Harbor Resort is within a 10-minute drive of San Juan County Park and English Camp. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Planning an event in Friday Harbor? This hotel has facilities measuring 850 square feet (79 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1997 Mitchell Bay Rd, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
Web: Link
Located in Deer Harbor, NEW Listing! Charming Cabin W/hot Tub, Near Everything in Deer Harbor - Dogs OK! is a 2-minute drive from Skull Island State Park and 8 minutes from West Sound Marina.
Address: 68 Inn Lane, Unit 1, Deer Harbor, Washington 98245
Web: Link
| Date issued | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026-03-30 | Pile Burning and Hazard Fuels Work to Begin at San Juan Island National Historical Park San Juan Island National Historical Park will begin controlled pile burning and hazardous fuels removal the week of April 6 in two areas of the park to reduce wildfire risk. Operations will be led by Olympic Interagency Fire Management personnel. More |
| 2025-09-02 | White-nose Syndrome Suspected in Bats at San Juan Island National Historical Park Laboratory tests conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey detected the presence of the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome (WNS) in three bats at San Juan Island National Historical Park. These bats are part of a Yuma Myotis (Myotis yumanensis) colony housed in a bat box located in English Camp. This is the first documented case of this fungus in San Juan County, Washington. More |
| 2024-11-14 | San Juan Island NHP Engaging with Coast Salish Tribes and Public on National Register Nomination San Juan Island NHP Engaging with Coast Salish Tribes and Public on National Register Nomination. More |
| 2023-07-11 | Wildlife Viewing Guidelines 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). More |