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San Juan Island National Historical Park

Designation: National Historical Park

Location: Washington

Visit Official Park Website

📘 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

a sun setting behind historic parade grounds

The sun sets on the American Camp parade grounds

Credit: NPS Photo/Gary Tarleton

people visiting a historic building

Visitors come from all over the world to explore English Camp

Credit: NPS Photo/Gary Tarleton

a historic cannon being fired

Reenactors fire a cannon at Encampment

Credit: NPS Photo/Gary Tarleton

flowers in bloom

The formal garden in bloom

Credit: NPS Photo/Gary Tarleton

a sandy beach and blue sky

Grandma's Cove is a popular spot for park visitors

Credit: NPS Photo/Gary Tarleton

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
All Day
Monday
All Day
Tuesday
All Day
Wednesday
All Day
Thursday
All Day
Friday
All Day
Saturday
All Day

Entrance Fees

No entrance fees listed.

Entrance Passes

No entrance passes listed.

3-Day Weather Forecast

Friday, Jul 31

Sunny

Sunny

High: 77°F | Low: 50.9°F

Humidity: 69%

Wind: 14.3 mph

Rain Chance: 5%

UV Index: 7.3

Sunrise: 05:45 AM

Sunset: 08:51 PM

Moon: Waning Gibbous (91%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 58.3°F

Cloud Cover: 5%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Saturday, Aug 1

Sunny

Sunny

High: 65.3°F | Low: 56.2°F

Humidity: 78%

Wind: 19.2 mph

Rain Chance: 59%

UV Index: 4.5

Sunrise: 05:46 AM

Sunset: 08:50 PM

Moon: Waning Gibbous (83%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 55.3°F

Cloud Cover: 59%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Sunday, Aug 2

Sunny

Sunny

High: 59.9°F | Low: 54.2°F

Humidity: 80%

Wind: 11.4 mph

Rain Chance: 19%

UV Index: 6.2

Sunrise: 05:48 AM

Sunset: 08:48 PM

Moon: Waning Gibbous (75%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 53°F

Cloud Cover: 19%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Park Alerts

Wildlife Viewing Guidelines Caution
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).

More Info

Pile Burning at Mitchell Hill and Hazard Fuels Work at American Camp Caution
Burn operations at Mitchell Hill are expected to begin on April 6 and conclude April 10, weather permitting. Smoke may be visible from nearby roads and trails during operations. Trail closures will be in effect. At American Camp, crews will use heavy machinery, chainsaws, and other mechanical equipment, which may generate loud noise. A section of the trail leading to Eagle Cove will be temporarily closed during operations.

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

Park Location


👏 Fun Fact
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