Parks / San Juan Island National Historical Park
San Juan Island National Historical Park
National Historical Park · WA
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.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (2)
Fire Ban in Effect
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.
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).
Entrance Fees
This park is fee-free.
Things to Do
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 insight into the life of soldiers at American Camp.
Biking on San Juan Island
Biking is a great way of exploring the island!
Foraging on San Juan Island
There are many foraging opportunities on San Juan Island
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 exciting, but can also be extremely hazardous when weather conditions become unfavorable. Paddlers must know their equipment, know their limits, obtain a current weather forecast, and respect the ever-changing environment of Puget Sound.
Hike Officer's Hill
The trails surrounding the Officers’ Quarters at English Camp offer a captivating journey through history and nature.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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.
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 Preserve.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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. Please keep a respectful distance (at least 75 feet, or 23 m) at all times to give wildlife the opportunity to hunt, raise their young, rest, and live free from human harassment. Thank you for being a steward of San Juan Island!
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.
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
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!
Tide Pooling at San Juan Island
Tide pooling is a fun way to get to know the sea life surrounding San Juan Island
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.
Visitor Centers
- American Camp Visitor Center
Source: National Park Service.