ENGLISH CAMP, SAN JUAN ISLAND NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

Open everyday from 10:00 - 3:00, except Wednesdays. Closes for the season on Sept 5 and reopens May 2026.

Spend a little time on San Juan Island and you’re almost certain to hear about "The Pig War," which in 1859 led to a 12-year joint British/U.S. occupation of the island while the two nations argued over who owned the San Juans. The Royal Marines lived at English Camp, at the north end of the island, and a few buildings, a formal garden, and a cemetery remain from their time here.

Today, this beautiful day-use park on the shores of Garrison Bay includes a small, seasonal visitors’ center and trails that range from a fairly strenuous hike up Young Hill to the cemetery and beyond to an easy 45-minute loop through woodland and along the bay. The park is located about 9 miles from Friday Harbor, 5 miles from Roche Harbor; served by San Juan Transit shuttles late May through early September.

Directions:

• From the ferry terminal in Friday Harbor, you will be almost immediately directed left on Spring St.
• Stay on Spring St for two blocks and then take a right on Second St.
• Second St turns into Guard St, which turns into Beaverton Valley Rd as it heads out of town.
• After several miles, Beaverton Valley Rd becomes West Valley Rd.
• A little over 8 miles from town you will see the well-signed entrance to English Camp on your left. This is your first left after passing Yacht Haven Rd. If you reach Roche Harbor Rd, you’ve gone too far.
• The entire route is paved. Although this is technically a National Park, no permits are required to park here. There is a bike rack, bathrooms, and parking for approx 25 cars. Dogs are allowed on leash.