San Juan Island National Historical Park, Historical Park in Friday Harbor, Washington
Historical Park

San Juan Island National Historical Park

Friday Harbor · Washington

Overview

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.

Arts and CultureCultural DemonstrationsBikingFoodPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingHikingHunting and GatheringGathering and ForagingLiving HistoryReenactments

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.

Key Facts

TypeHistorical Park
DesignationNational Historical Park

Official Website

Gallery

Photos of San Juan Island National Historical Park.

5 images

Things to do

Discover San Juan Island National Historical Park.

Historic white buildings in a grassy field. Hikers are going along various trails.

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.

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Two bikers traveling on a dirt road

Biking on San Juan Island

Biking is a great way of exploring the island!

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A man is squatting down to pick up shellfish from a rocky shore

Foraging on San Juan Island

There are many foraging opportunities on San Juan Island

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Kayaking in the Salish Sea

Go Kayaking

15-300 Minutes

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.

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A formal garden with flowers and manicured hedges in front of historic English military buildings.

Hike Officer's Hill

The trails surrounding the Officers’ Quarters at English Camp offer a captivating journey through history and nature.

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A hiker and his dogs walk along a forested trail

Hike the Bell Point Loop

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

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A hiker on a dirt trail along a hilly coastal bluff

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.

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Color photograph of a dense forest with two visible waysides

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.

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A trail sign showing different trail names

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.

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