San Juan Island National Historical Park
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When you visit San Juan Island, you will find a peaceful area filled with quiet woodlands and scenic coastal views, but that has not always been the case. This island almost exploded into a war between the United States and Great Britain, who both laid claim to the land after an American citizen shot a pig. Before the dispute could be settled, the Civil War erupted. After 12 years of both countries claiming the island belonged to them, Great Britain and the United States decided to enter binding arbitration performed by Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany, who ruled in favor of the United States. The boundary of the United States was permanently set with his declaration.
Things To Do Near San Juan Island National Historical Park
Once you get off the ferry or the plane on San Juan Island, you will find many things to do. You can spend the day playing on the Fourth of July, South, or Garrison Bay beaches. This is a great spot to launch a sea kayaking adventure. Visit the parade ground, barracks, blockhouse, commissary, and the formal garden at English Camp and the laundress and officers quarters at American Camp.
Hiking Trails
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Jakle’s Lagoon Trail
This trail begins seven miles from the intersection of Spring Street and Mullis Street. Stroll under a canopy of Douglas-fir, cedar, and hemlock canopy on this trail near American Camp. There is interpretative signage along this trail to teach you about the plants you are seeing, and you may see deer and other wildlife as you hike along.
Location
San Juan Island National Historical Park, intersection of Spring Street and Mullis Street, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
Length
1 mile
Intensity
Easy
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Mount Finlayson Loop Trail
The Mount Finlayson Loop Trail begins at the Jakle’s Lagoon parking lot. Climb the grassy hill while watching for butterflies. Continue straight, and cross the Nature Trail before hiking up and down the switchback. Once you reach the summit of Mount Finlayson, walk through the thick forest down the other side. Complete the hike by taking the trail at the mount’s base back to the parking lot.
Location
Jakle’s Lagoon parking lot, San Juan Island National Historical Park, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
Length
3.7 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Frazer Homestead Preserve Trail
Start this hike near the American Camp Visitors Center. Head towards the Frazer Homestead where the pig was shot, starting the bloodless Pig War. Follow the trail to Rosler Road past old homesteads. Then, turn around and hike back. Watch for rare butterflies as you walk along as this hike passes the Island Marble Conservation Area.
Location
American Camp Visitors Center, San Juan Island National Park, 4668 Cattle Point Road, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
Length
2.6 miles
Intensity
Easy
Sightseeing
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Lime Kiln Point State Park
Head to the rocky bluff at Lime Kiln Point State Park to see whales in April, May, October, and November. This park is also a fantastic place to see spouting orcas and splashing porpoises. Learn more about nature on San Juan Island by stopping at the Interpretative Center.
Location
Lime Kiln Point State Park, 1567 Westside Road, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
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Stuart Island Marine State Park
Go fishing, crabbing, swimming, and diving at Stuart Island Marine State Park. This is the northernmost island before you enter Canada. Take the scenic hike up to Turn Point Light Station.
Location
Stuart Island Marine State Park, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
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Turn Island Marine State Park
Walk under tall madrone trees above a rocky beach at Turn Island Marine State Park. There is a beautiful primitive camping area. Enjoy watching the herons flying overhead and the raccoons playing.
Location
Turn Island Marine State Park, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
Museums
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The Whale Museum
See life-sized whale models and articulated skeletons of Southern Resident killer whales and other local whale species by visiting The Whale Museum. Learn more about how whales live and what you can do to protect them.
Location
62 First Street North, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
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San Juan Islands Museum of Art
The San Juan Islands Museum of Art features eight to 10 art exhibits annually. These exhibits feature Pacific Northwest and Southwest British Columbia artists who paint, photograph, or use some other media to interpret the local scenery.
Location
540 Spring Street, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
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San Juan Historical Museum
Step back to 1894 by visiting the San Juan Historical Museum. Tour the restored James King farmhouse, original county jail, Scribner log cabin. Learn about how the cultures of the Coast Salish peoples and the early English and American pioneers.
Location
405 Price Street, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Cycle San Juan
Cycle San Juan offers biking tours of San Juan Island. Each tour is customized for the group. You can also rent bikes for the whole family at this location.
Location
845 Argyle Avenue, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
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San Juan Island Kayak Tours
If you would love to try sea kayaking, contact San Juan Island Kayak Tours. They offer trips of varying lengths for different ability levels. You can also rent bikes at this location.
Location
260 Spring Street #1, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
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Cask & Schooner
Located very close to the Friday Harbor Marina, find delicious fish and chips at this restaurant through the summer months. Once the weather cools, this is a fantastic spot to get bangers and mash or meat pies.
Location
1 Front Street #1, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
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Coho Restaurant
Coho Restaurant features San Juan Islands best produce and freshly butchered meats served with creative twists. You will love the great selection of wine at this location.
Location
120 Nichols Street, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
How To Get To San Juan Island National Historical Park
You can only reach San Juan Island National Historical Park by seaplane or ferry. It is possible to take a flight from Boeing Field to this park. If you are landing at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, a shuttle service is available. If you are driving, then head north on Interstate 5 from Seattle. Take Exit 230 for Burlington/Anacortes/Skagit Airport. Turn left onto Washington 20 West, and get on the Washington 20 Spur West by continuing straight. Turn right on R Avenue. Turn left onto 32nd Street. Take the first exit at the traffic circle to get on D Avenue. Turn left on 12th Street, which becomes Oakes Avenue. This becomes Washington 20 Spur West. Veer right to get in the Washington State Ferries Holding Lanes. Turn right to reach the Anacortes Ferry Terminal.
Address
4668 Cattle Point Road, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Fee: Entry fee $0
Explore the scenic beauty and the history of San Juan Island National Historical Park where a war almost erupted between Great Britain and the United States over the death of a pig. Then, explore the area surrounding this park where you will find great places to explore, shop, and dine. The best way to get to this park is on the ferry. You can bring your RV to the island on the ferry, making it a convenient way to get around.
