San Juan Island National Historical Park

San Juan Island NHP commemorates the peaceful resolution of the 19th century boundary dispute between Great Britain and the United States over the Oregon Country. The crisis on San Juan Island -- which both nations claimed -- ignited when on June 15, 1859, an American farmer shot a British-owned pig. Soon the U.S. Army and Royal Navy were at gunpoint. However, officials on both sides quickly restored calm and the nations agreed to a military joint occupation of the island until the boundary dispute could be resolved. The American soldiers and British Royal Marines remained for 12 years until Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany, as arbitrator, awarded the islands to the United States.
San Juan Island National Historical Park is an excellent place to hike, picnic and view wildlife. From soaring eagles and hawks, to river otters, red fox, black-tailed deer, and European rabbits, the park supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Just offshore at American Camp you may see whales, porpoises, seals, and sea lions as well.
Situated on the Pacific Flyway, the San Juan Islands and the surrounding saltwater provide
a stopover for many birds, both marine and terrestrial. More than 200 species may be found here all or part of each year.

P.O. Box 429
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
(360)378-2240 - Headquarters
(360)378-2902 - Visitor Information
(360)378-4407 - Maintenance

By Plane
To Friday Harbor via Harbor Airlines; Kenmore Air; or West Isle Air

By Car
Private vehicle; car rental in Friday Harbor.

By Plane
Shuttle buses stop at both camps daily during the summer season with an abbreviated schedule during spring and fall. Contact San Juan Transit (360) 378-8887.

Getting Around
Walking tours only.

Summer is sunny with scattered showers; high-low 85-62 degrees F.; shorts or trousers, T-shirts, hats, and sunscreen; bring pocket ponchos or light raincoats, especially in June. Winter is cloudy, cold and wet; high-low 45-20 degrees F.; bring warm coats(waterproofed) and hats.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Auto Touring
• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Wildlife Viewing
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks
• Stargazing
• Kayaking

Recommended Activities
A laser disc slide program, archaeology and historical exhibits are available year-round in the Friday Harbor and American Camp visitor centers. Living history, guided history and nature walks, and evening programing are scheduled each weekend during the summer season, June 10 to September 2 at American and English camps. Special performances of the play, "An Evening with George Pickett," are scheduled July 1 and 21, and August 25 at the San Juan Community Theatre & Art Centre.