San Juan Island NHP, American Camp Visitor Center

In mid May we walked the South Beach trail out across the prairie and really enjoyed the expansive view, wildflowers, bunnies, foxes and raptors. After exploring the beach and some tidepools in the rocks, we picked up the Coastal Bluff Trail toward Grandma's Cove. Again, full of wildflowers and many songbirds. This was my favorite part of the walk, with the waves crashing below us on our left and the expanse of prairie on our right. The trail is narrow and close to the bluff in places so you might not enjoy it so much with little children.

Amazing place to explore with children. We saw baby foxes, bold eagles, dears, different kinds of birds, wild dolphins swimming, and surely amazing views. Very clean bathrooms are the guest center (honestly, the entire island is well maintained, and public restrooms are very clean).

Cool history, and you can see the old American camp were troops set up while the San Juan issue was worked out. Beautiful views, nice trails.

There is so much fascinating history on this island! This is the first stop you should visit if you are exploring San Juan after Friday Harbor. There are also 2 mated bald eagles that have a nest here (currently with 2 eggs). The visitor center is also a museum with tons of information and displays from archaeological digs. They have restored a few buildings.

Im working up here and, it's a very interesting piece of American history. It's also a very beautiful place. With incredible views of the Puget sound. In less than a week i have seen a fox, eagle's and, a ton of deer. I recommend visiting this place.

We were here when the office was closed but we still walked around to read the placards and see the beautiful views. We came back so we could hear the history and see the displays inside and get the stamp for our National Parks Passport. It was fascinating to learn about what transpired on San Juan Island between the Brits and the US and the Pig War. We also visited the English camp on the other side of the island to get the whole story.

It is a nice little hike. We enjoyed the informative signs and seeing the buildings that are left. We went to this one first and then the English camp on the other side of the island.

Lots of long scenic trails, beautiful views, and a very nice visitors center with helpful and informative staff