Historic Site and Historical Park · NPS · WA
San Juan Island National Historical Park
Photo: NPS Photo/Gary Tarleton, Sunset at American Camp
Alerts and conditions
Caution 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).
Overview
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
History
The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.
What to see and do
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
Plan your visit
Hours
San Juan Island National Historical Park: 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.
Visitor centers
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.
Phone: 3603782240
Whose lands these are
These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.
Photos
Pair it with
- San Juan Islands National Monument BLM · 9 miles
- San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 19 miles
- Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 24 miles
- Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve NPS · 27 miles
- Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 27 miles
- Olympic National Park NPS · 57 miles