San Juan County Parks

National Historical Park Activities San Juan Island Resort Hotel History Whale Museum

San Juan County Parks provide a beautiful, shoreline park system in the ferry–served San Juan Islands. The campgrounds on San Juan, Lopez and Shaw Islands offer waterfront campsites and scenic views for unique "island" experiences.

San Juan Island National Historical Park. Created in 1966 based upon an idea that individuals and nations can solve their problems peacefully without violence, San Juan Island National Park is an historic and cultural landmark on San Juan Island, Washington. Orca whales and bald eagles abound here, as do more than 200 species of birds navigating the Pacific flyway.  [Top]

Activities at San Juan Islands National Park. San Juan Islands National Park is an excellent place to hike, picnic, play on the beach, experience wildlife and enjoy summer living history events. A laser disc slide program, archaeology and historical exhibits are available year–round at the American Camp visitor center. Living history, guided history, nature walks and evening programs are scheduled each weekend during the summer, Memorial Day to Labor Day, at American and English camps. Special performances of the play, "An Evening with George Pickett," are held July and August at the San Juan Community Theatre & Art Centre.  [Top]

History. It was on the San Juan Islands in 1859 that the United States and Great Britain nearly went to war over a pig shot by an American farmer. Pressures had been mounting between the two nations over possession of the San Juan Islands since 1846 when the Treaty of Oregon left ownership unclear. At the height of the "Pig War" crisis, 500 U.S. Army soldiers and three British warships were nose to nose on the island's southern shore. Fortunately, officials quickly restored calm and the nations agreed to a joint military occupation of the island until the boundary could be decided. American soldiers and British Royal Marines remained for 12 years until the islands were awarded to the US.  [Top]

Whale Museum. The Whale Museum is a delightful mix of science and magic. For more than 25 years, the museum has promoted the Friday harbor whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem. In the Gallery of Whales you'll learn about the natural history of marine mammals, with special focus on the orcas of J, K and L pods living in the waters of the San Juan Islands. Discover a fascinating collection of exhibits, artwork, models and artifacts, including real whale skeletons and a family tree of the resident orcas.

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