San Juan Island National Historical Park
San Juan Island is well known for its splendid vistas, saltwater shores, quiet woodlands, orca whales and one of the last remaining native prairies in the Puget Sound/Northern Straits region.
Photo: NPS Photo/Gary Tarleton / NPS
About San Juan Island National Historical Park
San Juan Island is well known for its splendid vistas, saltwater shores, quiet woodlands, orca whales and one of the last remaining native prairies in the Puget Sound/Northern Straits region. But it was also here in 1859 that the United States and Great Britain nearly went to war over possession of the island, the crisis ignited by the death of a pig.
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Driving times from San Juan Island National Historical Park, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Hours
San Juan Island National Historical Park
- Mon
- All Day
- Tue
- All Day
- Wed
- All Day
- Thu
- All Day
- Fri
- All Day
- Sat
- All Day
- Sun
- All Day
Activities
Getting there
Spring: Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 60 F. Wildflowers are at their peak around May. Summer: Temperatures usually range from 45 F to 70 F. On very sunny days, be prepared with water-heat exhaustion is a common complaint among park visitors who are unprepared. Fall: Temperatures usually range from 40 F to 65 F. Rain is common. Winter: Temperatures range from 35 F to 50 F. Be prepared with cold and wet weather gear and numerous layers if you intend to be outside. Rain and wind are common.
Frequently asked questions
- What is there to do at San Juan Island National Historical Park?
- Popular activities include Arts and Culture, Biking, Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store, Cultural Demonstrations, First Person Interpretation.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of San Juan Island National Historical Park?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve (2 h 14 min), Wing Luke Museum Affiliated Area (3 h), Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park (3 h 1 min), North Cascades National Park (3 h 21 min), Mount Rainier National Park (4 h 55 min), Fort Vancouver National Historic Site (5 h 39 min).