San Juan Islands

Spanish captain Francisco Eliza charted and named the islands in 1791, 16 years after a previous expedition discovered them. In 1792 Capt. George Vancouver claimed the islands for Britain, and in 1841 Capt. Charles Wilkes declared them part of America.

The ensuing dispute over ownership of the islands nearly brought the two nations to blows during the infamous Pig War of 1859, in which a stray British pig was shot in an American potato patch. The opposing sides occupied the islands for the next 13 years, but the conflict was solved peacefully through arbitration by German Kaiser Wilhelm I, who ruled in favor of the United States. What remains of the British and American forts are now part of San Juan Island National Historical Park in Friday Harbor.

If you're wondering where to find hotels, restaurants and fun things to do in the San Juan Islands, consider Fidalgo Island, Lopez Island, Orcas Island and San Juan Islands, the largest and most populated of the islands. Recreational opportunities abound. Boating, kayaking, swimming, scuba diving, fishing, hiking, bicycling and camping are among the main activities.

The San Juan Islands are home to more bald eagles than any other region in the 48 contiguous states. Great horned owls, tufted puffins and a variety of other birds and mammals inhabit the islands; salmon, seals, dolphins and orcas thrive in the waters, making whale watching in the San Juan Islands a popular activity. San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge comprises 48 other rocks and islands; only Matia and Turn islands are open to the public and offer overnight camping and short hiking trails for those seeking adventurous things to do.

Washington State Ferries provides daily ferry service between the ports of Friday Harbor, Anacortes, Lopez, Shaw and Orcas as well as to Sidney, British Columbia, north of Victoria; phone (206) 464-6400, or (888) 808-7977 in Wash. Passenger ferry service is available early May to late September from Friday Harbor to Port Townsend via the Puget Sound Express, (360) 385-5288; to Seattle via Clipper Navigation, (206) 448-5000 or (800) 888-2535; and to Bellingham and Victoria via Victoria/San Juan Cruises, (800) 443-4552.

Sightseeing flights are available late May to early October from San Juan Airlines in Friday Harbor; phone (800) 874-4434. If you're headed from Seattle to the San Juan Islands, scheduled air service is available from Bellingham, Seattle-Lake Union or Seattle-Boeing Field via wheeled plane or seaplane. For further information about airlines and travel plans, contact your local AAA travel agency or AAA Washington; phone (800) 562-2582.

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Things to Do