National Historical Park

San Juan Island National Historical Park

Pacific Northwest

About San Juan Island

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.

Region: Pacific Northwest
State: Washington
Designation: National Historical Park
Entrance fee: None listed

Trail data for this park is still being added.
Places for this park are still being added.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, weather and getting to San Juan Island.

Entrance fees

The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for this park.

Hours

Open 24 hours a day, every day.

Park grounds are open 24 hours per-day, year-round.

Weather and when to go

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.

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.

Directions from the National Park Service

Contact the park

Address: 4668 Cattle Point Rd., Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Phone: (360) 378-2240
Email: allison_herkey@nps.gov
Official site: nps.gov/sajh

From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.

Trip planner

A day-by-day plan for San Juan Island

Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.

Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.

Things to do in San Juan Island

The park service's own list, with how long each takes.

Tide Pooling at San Juan Island

Wildlife Watching · about 45 min

Tide pooling is a fun way to get to know the sea life surrounding San Juan Island
Hike The Mount Finlayson Loop Trail

Hiking · about 1.3 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

Hiking · about 2 hours

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

Hiking · about 2 hours

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 to…
Hike the Mitchell Hill Easy Loop

Hiking · about 2 hours

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

Hiking · about 2 hours

The Bell Point trail traverses a mature madrona forest and hugs the shores of Garrison Bay and Westcott Bay.
Hike to Grandma's Cove

Hiking · about 2 hours

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

Hiking · about 2 hours

This beach access is a great way to explore the shoreline and the lagoons. Walking south will take you to Old Town Lagoon.
Hike the South Beach Trail

Hiking · about 2 hours

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.