San Juan Island National Historical Park

Address:Friday Harbor, Washington
Tel: (360) 378-2240

Peace between two classical superpowers was achieved at what is now the San Juan Island National Historical Park, home to beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. The San Juan Island National Historical Park, located near Friday Harbor, Washington, offers visitors plenty of hiking opportunities through the magnificent countryside.

In 1859, San Juan Island, then claimed by both America and Britain, was the site of a bizarre conflict, which became known as the Pig War, an essentially bloodless conflict between the United States and Britain. An American settler on San Juan Island became enraged when he found an Irishman's pig eating his tubers, which he shot and killed, an action which almost led to war between the two powers. Cooler heads eventually prevailed, and the only casualty was the pig. The San Juan Island National Historical Park was established in 1961 to commemorate the peaceful resolution of the crisis.

Today, the San Juan Island National Historical Park is home to astounding hiking trails. The English trails at the park cover the British side of the island, with the two-mile Garrison Bay / Bell Point Trail and the 6-mile Young Hill Trail. The American trails at the park include the short Prairie Walks, the 4.5-mile Jakle's Lagoon / Mt. Finlayson Trail, and a stroll along the pristine South Beach. The American Camp History Walk and English Camp History Walk are self-guided tours through the historical sites that made the San Juan Island National Historical Park significant. Both the American and English camps at the San Juan Island National Historical Park are home to visitor centers containing artifacts and exhibits about the war. After their experience at the San Juan Island National Historical Park, visitors can find plenty of restaurants in Anacortes, Washington, with everything from pizza to Japanese cuisine.

To get to the San Juan Island National Historical Park, either fly in from a nearby airport or take a ferry from Anacortes, Washington, 85 miles north of Seattle.