San Juan Island National Historical Park
Designation: National Historical Park
Location: Washington
📘 Park 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.
🌤 Weather Information
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.
🚗 Directions
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.
Images
The sun sets on the American Camp parade grounds
Credit: NPS Photo/Gary Tarleton
Visitors come from all over the world to explore English Camp
Credit: NPS Photo/Gary Tarleton
Reenactors fire a cannon at Encampment
Credit: NPS Photo/Gary Tarleton
The formal garden in bloom
Credit: NPS Photo/Gary Tarleton
Grandma's Cove is a popular spot for park visitors
Credit: NPS Photo/Gary Tarleton
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Thursday, Sep 24
Mist
High: 57.2°F | Low: 52.6°F
Humidity: 85%
Wind: 9.8 mph
Rain Chance: 82%
UV Index: 2
Sunrise: 07:01 AM
Sunset: 07:06 PM
Moon: Full Moon (99%)
Visibility: 2 mi
Dew Point: 51°F
Cloud Cover: 82%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Friday, Sep 25
Patchy rain nearby
High: 54.3°F | Low: 51.3°F
Humidity: 90%
Wind: 25.1 mph
Rain Chance: 90%
UV Index: 0.8
Sunrise: 07:03 AM
Sunset: 07:04 PM
Moon: Full Moon (100%)
Visibility: 4 mi
Dew Point: 51°F
Cloud Cover: 90%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Saturday, Sep 26
Smoky haze
High: 55.4°F | Low: 50.7°F
Humidity: 77%
Wind: 18.6 mph
Rain Chance: 26%
UV Index: 2.9
Sunrise: 07:04 AM
Sunset: 07:02 PM
Moon: Full Moon (99%)
Visibility: 2 mi
Dew Point: 48.1°F
Cloud Cover: 26%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (1)
Small Craft Advisory issued September 24 at 1:32PM PDT until September 26 at 5:00AM PDT by NWS Seattle WA
Effective: Sep 24, 2026 4:32pm
Expires: Sep 25, 2026 12:45am
* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 kt.
* WHERE...Northern Inland Waters Including The San Juan Islands.
* WHEN...From 2 PM Friday to 5 AM PDT Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Park Alerts
Park Events
Meet the staff of San Juan Island National Historical Park
Come meet the staff of San Juan Island National Historical Park, provide any feedback you may have, and get your questions answered by the experts!
Location: American Camp Visitor Center outside near the pig statue.
Date: Jun 11, 2026 12:00am to Jun 11, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Music in the Park
Join us for an afternoon of Maritime and Americana music in your National Park.
Location: American Camp Parade Grounds
Date: Jun 20, 2026 12:00am to Jun 20, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Meet the staff of San Juan Island National Historical Park
Come meet the staff of San Juan Island National Historical Park, provide any feedback you may have, and get your questions answered by the experts!
Location: American Camp Visitor Center outside near the pig statue.
Date: Jul 16, 2026 12:00am to Jul 16, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Meet the staff of San Juan Island National Historical Park
Come meet the staff of San Juan Island National Historical Park, provide any feedback you may have, and get your questions answered by the experts!
Location: American Camp Visitor Center outside near the pig statue.
Date: Aug 6, 2026 12:00am to Aug 6, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
4668 Cattle Point Rd.
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
🏤 Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 429
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
📞 Voice Phone: 3603782240
📞 Fax Phone: 3603782615
✉️ Email: allison_herkey@nps.gov