San Juan Island National Historical Park · Washington

History Walk

0.4 mi of trail, end to end · about 20 ft of climbing · 140 ft–167 ft · trail class Developed · hiking

162 ft 145 ft · 0.1 mi high 162 ft

American Camp History Walk the Park Service's write-up

dogs allowed

Historic white buildings in a grassy field. Hikers are going along various trails.
Travel through time and experience the history of this area. Photo: NPS

Embark on a captivating one-mile guided walk through San Juan Island National Historical Park, where you can relive the intriguing events of the Pig War. Starting from the Visitor Center picnic area, this trail features numbered stops that correspond with informative exhibits, allowing you to explore the historical significance of Camp San Juan Island in 1868. As you traverse the scenic path, you'll discover the rich history of the American and British standoff over this strategic territory, all while enjoying the natural beauty of the island. Remember to stay on the marked trail to protect the local wildlife and vegetation, and be cautious of rabbit holes along the way. Enjoy your journey through history!

Accessibility This is an easy 1 mile hike along an level, unpaved trail.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

All 20 trails in San Juan Island National Historical ParkFind a trailOn the parks mapPark on nps.gov

About this trail's facts

The lines are the National Park Service's public trails layer, the trailheads and the waterfalls, views, peaks and historic places along them the Service's public points of interest, read 2026-10-16 and simplified for the map; the length is the line's, end to end. The write-ups are the Service's own "things to do" text, unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the park's own site before you go.