Travel Blog: San Juan Island National Historical Park

The San Juan Islands are a group of 172 named islands and reefs in the Puget Sound of Northern Washington. San Juan Island, one of three islands available by ferry, is known for its temperate climate, rich history, and diverse wildlife. San Juan National Historic Park features the largest public coastline of the islands.

San Juan Islands Orca

NPS Gallery *Images credited to NPS without any copyright symbol are public domain

Wildlife
The Puget Sound is home to three distinct groups of Orcas (killer whales): northern and southern resident whales, transients, and offshore whales. They all have different behaviors, diets, and characteristics. Take a boat ride or watch from the shore for a chance to catch a glimpse of the southern resident Orcas. Other marine species commonly seen from the island include dolphins, porpoises, sea lions, and walruses. On land, if you’re lucky, you may encounter the endangered Island Marble butterfly. This rare species was rediscovered in 1998 after believing to be extinct for the last 90 years. Red foxes, Columbia blacktail deer, and the Pacific Chorus frog are other terrestrial animals frequently seen in the area.

Coastal Exploration
South Beach is a favorite location for beach fires, exploring, and wildlife watching. Farther south, Grandma’s Cove features sandy beaches and warmer waters that are great for swimming. The sheltered shorelines also house tidepools at low tide where you can observe anemones, crabs, seaweed, and other tidal treasures. Old Town Lagoon offers many activities such as kayaking or a walk through the historical site where San Juan Town once thrived. English Camp, located in the Northwest area of the island, is a great place to go clamming or dig for oysters by day, and witness the unique glowing effects of bioluminescent algae at night.

Lime Kiln Lighthouse at Sunset

NPS Gallery *Images credited to NPS without any copyright symbol are public domain

Inland
Head inland to explore the nearly 20 miles of trails that zigzag through the park. Climb to the top of Mount Finlayson to get an awe-inspiring view of the nearby islands, and even a glimpse of Mount Rainier in the distance. Take an interpretive history walk at English Camp or American Camp to learn more about the island’s rich history, or hike to the Frazier Homestead to see the historic site that started a war. Mountain bike through Jakle’s Lagoon while enjoying beautiful views of the coastline, or take a guided bike tour along the island roads. When you’re ready for a rest, you can settle in for a picnic or forage for berries near English Camp or American Camp, and maybe even run into a history educator to chat with over lunch. Cell service is spotty in the park, so take the opportunity to unplug and unwind!

Click here to learn more about the park and its many attractions. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Article written by Audrey Nelson
for "A Day in the Life of a Fellow" Article Series
National Park Service - Workforce Management Fellow
in Partnership with Northwest Youth Corps (NYC)