• Mt. Baker from American Camp prairie

    San Juan Island

    National Historical Park Washington

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  • Park on Winter Schedule

    The American Camp Visitor Center is closed Thanksgiving Day, re-opening Friday. Winter hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday. The English Camp Visitor Center is closed for the winter. Grounds at both units are open from dawn to 11 p.m. daily. More »

Pacific Madrone

madrona peeling
One of the m,ost commonly asked questions by visitors: "What is the red tree with the peeling bark?"
 

Pacific madrone
(Arbutus menziesii)

The curving, red/orange trunks of these trees are always photo worthy, and appear to be sculpted by the wind. When the bark peels to collect at the base of the tree, the trunks are smooth and lime green, and reddish berry clusters appear in late summer.

Where in the park: English Camp

Learn more:

U.S. Forest Service

Did You Know?

Rear Adm. R. Lambert Baynes

British Rear Adm. R. Lambert Baynes  immediately superseded Governor Douglas’s orders to land Royal Marines on San Juan Island, cautioning his captains only to fire if fired upon. “Tut, tut, no, no, the damned fools,” he was heard to say on first hearing of the standoff. More...