San Juan Island National Historical Park

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.

Hours

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.

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.

Things to do

Arts and Culture, Biking, Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store, Cultural Demonstrations, First Person Interpretation, Food, Gathering and Foraging, Gift Shop and Souvenirs, Guided Tours, Hiking, Historic Weapons Demonstration, Hunting and Gathering, Junior Ranger Program, Kayaking, Living History, Paddling, Picnicking, Reenactments, Saltwater Swimming, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Shopping, Swimming, Wildlife Watching.