San Juan Island National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)

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San Juan Island National Historical Park

San Juan Island is well known for splendid vistas, saltwater shore, quiet woodlands and orca whales. But it was also here in 1859 that the United States and Great Britain nearly went to war over a dead pig.
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The Lone Prairie - Restoration In Progress

In a region well known for its abundant rainfall, lush forests and moderate maritime climate, American Camp’s prairie is an unexpected delight. Prairies were once common in Puget Sound and the Northern Straits regions. San Juan’s prairies were dramatically altered beginning the mid-19th century with the arrival of Europeans, who brought grazing animals, domestic agriculture and ornamental plants. Today American Camp prairie is dominated by non-native (or exotic) species including thistles, Himalayan blackberry, tansy ragwort and the European rabbit. Learn how the park plans to restore this priceless resource to a healthy state.
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		Histories Claims, Conflict and Compromise: The park is a tangible reminder that the San Juan Islands and Pacific Northwest were once contested by Imperial Spain as well as the United States and Great Britain. But at each critical point along the way, the competing nations chose peace over war. more...

Special Programs

San Juan Island National Historical Park offers a full range of special programs, most of which are scheduled during the summer season. The highlight each year is the annual Encampment at English Camp featuring living historians from throughout the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia. The 2009 edition, commemorating the sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) of the Pig War crisis, is scheduled July 25-26. Stay posted to this web site for updates on programs and special events related to the sesquicentennial.
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General Management Plan

You can make a difference: The general public has been invited to comment on a National Park Service plan that over the next 20 years will change the way San Juan Island National Historical Park manages and interprets its nearly 1,800-acre, two-unit park on San Juan Island. In the development stage for more than five years, the draft general management plan and environmental impact statement (GMP) identifies new facilities, trails and programs that will underscore the park’s historical and natural themes, according to park superintendent Peter Dederich. Click on the link below to learn how you can contribute to this critical process.
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Write to

PO Box 429
Friday Harbor, WA 98250

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Information
(360) 378-2902

Park Administration
(360) 378-2240

Fax

(360) 378-2996

Climate

Cool summers and mild winters with summer highs occasionally peaking in the high 80's and winter lows briefly the in low 20's. Annual rainfall ranges from 18 to 36 inches, with higher counts in the islands' northern extremities. From September through early February, the Georgia Strait is affected by land fogs that form on cool nights with clear skies. During long cold periods, these may persist for several days.