PARKS, BEACHES &TRAILS we love

views from the top. English Camp is adjacent to the Roche Harbor Trails and Roche Harbor Highlands properties, each with a maze of trails to explore. GPS is spotty out there.

Lime Kiln State Park

Also known as the “Whale Watch Park”, Lime Kiln State Park, on the west side of San Juan Island is one of the best places to watch orcas from land in the world. The steep cliffs and deep waters surrounding the park let whales and other wildlife feed very close to shore. Orcas can be observed year-round, with most sightings being in July and August. The Lime Kiln Lighthouse doubles as an interpretive center in Summer.

King Sisters Preserve

Hartman Baseball Field

On the corner of Spring and Price Street in Friday Harbor, is the home of Friday Harbor High School’s Wolverines. This popular ball field is also the starting point of many of Friday Harbor’s parades.

MT. GRANT PRESERVE

Located around five miles from Friday Harbor on Beaverton Valley Road, Mt. Grant Preserve is San Juan Island’s highest, publicly accessible mountain. A one-mile trail winds through old-growth Douglas Firs and leads to a sweeping 360-degree view of Mt. Baker, Mt. Rainier and Glacier Peak, as well as the Gulf Islands, the Olympics and the Cascades.

Park

Friday Harbor’s newest sports park offers soccer, softball and multipurpose fields, as well as a concession stand, playground and walking trails. The athletic fields and playground are open to public if not reserved and leashed dog friendly!

AMERICAN CAMP & ENGLISH CAMP

National Historic Parks

The 1859 Pig War on San Juan Island – so called because its only causality was a pig, set in motion a border dispute and a 12-year occupation by American and British forces on opposite ends of the isle. The two stunning camps left behind, with a combined acreage of 2,072, couldn’t be more different from each other and became National Historic Parks in 1966 by an act of Congress.

American Camp on the south end features truly awe-inspiring prairies and many different beaches, among them San Juan’s longest and wildest: South Beach with its dramatic driftwood formations, picnic benches and fire pits for Summer night bonfires and s’mores. The interpretive center and historic barracks give a glimpse into what army life must have been like 150 years ago. Beautiful Granny’s Cove is shallow and protected and gets warm enough for a little swim in Summer. Jakles Lagoon and 4th of July Beach are calm and protected by Mt Finlayson and its windswept wolf trees. Mt Finlayson and the lagoons are the gateway to gorgeous nature trails winding through the entire park. Cattle Point Light House on the south end with an almost 360-degree view, is one of the best places to go birding on the island. It is common to see foxes, rabbits, Bald Eagles, numerous seabirds, otters, seals, sea lions and orca whales.

On the north end of the island wooded English Camp is nestled around protected Garrison Bay. The remaining barracks double as an interpretive center and backdrop for reenactments of the Pig War and 19th century camp life on Summer weekends. There is a small, formal English garden and a Royal Marine cemetery as well as an abundance of scenic trails to explore. The flat Bell Point Loop winds through old orchards and forest along the bay for a lovely 1.7 mile round-trip. A bit more challenging is the steep, 1.5-mile hike to Mt. Young, offering the most rewarding

Owned by the King family since 1930, four King sisters and the Landbank share ownership of this gem in the heart of San Juan Island. Most of the protected land is leased to farmers. A public trail parallels San Juan Valley Road.

San Juan County Park

This 12-acre jewel where the 1998 feature film “Practical Magic” was filmed is the only park on San Juan Island with overnight camping facilities. There are picnic tables, a picnic shelter and barbeques for day visitors. The crescent-moon shaped pebble beach has a boat launch and is a popular place for kayakers to put in. The water is shallow and calm and perfect to cool off on a hot Summer day. On top of the rocky bluffs surrounding the beach you’ll find a wide-open grassy field for playing games, sunbathing or whale watching. On Friday evenings in the Summer the staff of the local Wolf Hollow Rehabilitation Center gives wildlife talks here.

JACKSON’S BEACH

The former site of San Juan Island’s salmon cannery, this nice driftwood beach is just outside Friday Harbor town limits. There is a boat launch, picnic benches, barbeques and a volleyball court in the sand surrounded by prairie grass. The beach is popular with dog lovers.

Just above the ferry lanes, this quiet refuge in the middle of town features a well-maintained basketball court, picnic benches, fun murals and a shady gazebo for hot Summer days. Almost always you’ll find a few basketballs laying in the grass, waiting for the next kid or kid at heart to play.

Turn Point Park

BEAUTIFUL LOCATION - If you’re visiting San Juan Island, Cattle Point is one the most beautiful locations on the island. If you are a hiker, the paths are well marked and you can walk along the coast for quite a distance. One of my most favorite spots.”

- Howard W. / tripadvisor.com

This precious marine park, nestled in between private property, is a popular spot for boaters to put in to paddle to Turn Island, just a quarter mile away or Jackson’s Beach, three miles away.

Retreat Along The Eastern Shore Of Johns Island

From green forestland to 230’ of medium bank waterfront on the eastern shore of Johns Island is a very special place. Located on 1 acre in 2 tax parcels and embraced by intriguing Evergreen trees and salal, with views to Waldron Island to Canada, this adorable 182 sf, off-the-grid camping cabin embodies Northwest leisure. Community beach for access and nearby community water pump. As you gaze over the water, immerse yourself in the laid-back harmony of beachfront living. The good life.

#1995119

Offered at $268,000 by Greg King & Company

Rare Eastsound Development Opportunity

Unique opportunity to own over 11 acres in Eastsound. Eastsound water and sewer. Great development piece. Property is dual zoned: Village Residential & Light Industrial. There are 3 rentals: One a large farmhouse with 2BD/1BA on main level and 1BD/ 1BA on the upper level. Lavender cottage; private with 1BD/1BA. Property is open and sunny with mature orchard.

#2023031

Unforgettable Henry Island

Breathtaking views of the Salish Sea to Vancouver Island’s twinkling lights to the unforgettable sunsets. Master craftsman’s style cabin in the woods allows for your final touches. Ample room to build a main home with commanding views. A pristine location located at the mouth of Open Bay where the whales have been known to visit the crystal-clear waters. There is a private drilled well on the property. This high-bank acreage is adorned with majestic Madrone, old Cedar and Fir trees. #1928928

Offered at $3,750,000 by Samantha Bryner

Offered at $900,000 by Rebecca Hughes