Take in the Views on San Juan Island

Such a treat, to see a rainbow!

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San Juan Island’s landscape is a feast for the senses. You can easily reach high points for a panoramic view of the Olympic mountain range, the North Cascades, and surrounding islands. On clear days, you can even spy the distant outline of Mount Rainier over 120 miles away!

 

American Camp has the most accessible viewpoints of the two units. On Cattle Point road, a roadside pullout provides stunning sunset views of the Cattle Point Lighthouse, Olympic Peninsula, and Vancouver Island. The short, moderately strenuous hike to the summit of Mount Finlayson provides a lookout to see the North Cascades and Olympic Peninsula. On top of The Redoubt which is a short, easy stroll from the Redoubt Road parking lot, visitors are treated to showy springtime wildflower displays and the nearby Olympic Peninsula.

At English Camp, located 13 miles north, visitors are entertained by a different viewscape. From the top of Young Hill, a short but strenuous hike, you can see Vancouver Island, the city of Victoria, and the interior of San Juan Island. The English Camp Parade Ground provides an excellent place to observe the sheltered waters of Garrison Bay whose waters are often filled with glowing, bioluminescent algae.

Details

Activity

Self-Guided Tours - Walking

Pets Allowed

Yes

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Any Time

Accessibility Information

Unfortunately, no trails at American Camp meet all ADA standards for trails. However, there are some trails that most visitors with mobility impairment find very easy to navigate! This includes the trail from the visitor center to The Redoubt, and some of the trails that start at the Jakle's Lagoon parking lot. Please contact the American Camp visitor center for specific information.

There are no accessible trails at English Camp.

San Juan Island visitors can also access the top of Mount Grant, one of the highest points on the island, via car on Sundays. As long as the weather permits, the route is open from 10am to 7pm (April – September), and 10am to 4pm (October- March).