A volunteer shows off a fully stocked first aid kit
NPS Photo
San Juan Island National Historical Park offers many opportunities for discovery. To help ensure a safe, enjoyable visit, pay attention and follow a few important guidelines as you explore the park.
In case of emergency
Call 911 or 360-378-4141 from a cell phone
At all parks and recreation areas
Follow these actions when visiting a park, beach, or recreational facility:
Planning Ahead
Check the weather and dress appropriately for the conditions. Rain gear is helpful during the winter rainy season, and sun protection (including sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses) and drinking water is a must drung the hot summer months.
Trails and walkways can get slippery when wet or icy, so please take extra caution if you're visiting during inclement weather.
Dogs must be leashed at all times, and their waste must be collected and disposed of properly. No pets are allowed in national park facilities with the exception of service animals.
Drive safely and wear your seatbelt at all times. The speed limit is 25 mph in the park unless otherwise noted. It is easy to get distracted by scenery—pay attention. Hitting a deer is not a remote possibility in the park and the island at large. Be especially alert at night and early in the morning. The deer graze on the dewy grasses along the road. If one crosses in front of you it is very likely another will follow so slow way down!
Do not drink and drive.
If you're bicycling with a friend or group, ride single file. If you're a motorist and encounter cyclists, slow down and give way to oncoming traffic before passing; and give the cyclists a wide berth.
Please use the bicycle racks available at both park units.
Two- and three-wheeled moped rentals are available on the island. These machines top out at 35 mph, so bear to the right while on the road. Do not use park parking areas as training grounds for unlicensed drivers (specifically minors). Park staff will report you to the rental operator, which will cost you your deposit.
When in doubt, ask a ranger first!
Remember that your actions can make the difference between a happy memory and an unpleasant experience.
Trail Safety
Carry water (at least 20 ounces, more on warm days).
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring a hat (sun or stocking). Layer for variable weather.
Follow park trails and use a map or GPS unit. Be advised: Mobile telephone range is irregular on the island with the American Camp prairie, Jakle's Lagoon/Mt. Finlayson, Mitchell Hill and Young Hill trail networks one and half bars or less. You may encounter a stronger signal at American Camp, but the chances are good that it will involve a roaming charge from Canada.
Do not modify or build new cairns or wood structures. You could send someone in the wrong direction.
Mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking are all welcome on specified trails in the Mitchell Hill trail network at English Camp. However building ramps and banked turns for extreme cycling is forbidden. Cyclists, hikers and horseback riders are urged to use caution and remain alert to the presence of other users. Remember, speed can kill on some trails.
Know the difficulty level of the trail and your physical abilities and limitations.
Be careful while walking near cliff ledges. Loose gravel and wet moss on rocks create dangerous footing, which can result in serious falls. The bluff trails at American Camp are notably slippery in rainy weather.
Be sure to tell someone your plans—when you are leaving, where you are going, and when you will return.
Remain in one place if you become separated from your group.
Tips to Recreate Responsibly in National Parks
Know before you go. Visit NPS.gov/findapark for current park conditions and availability of restrooms and other facilities.
Keep it with you. If you brought it, take it with you. Trash pickup and restroom facilities will continue to be limited in many park areas.
Keep it inclusive. Be an active part of making our nation’s parks and public lands safe and welcoming for all identities and abilities.
