Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, San Juan Island is brimming with coastal charm, colorful history, and natural beauty. Whether you arrive by ferry or seaplane, the moment you step ashore you’ll find plenty to explore. Here’s a mini photo journey showcasing a few of the sights and scenes that make a visit here so memorable.
Once home to the Coast Salish peoples, San Juan Island gained global attention in the mid-19th century during the so-called “Pig War,” a standoff between American and British authorities that was ignited by a shot pig. Though no actual battle took place, British and American camps were established as each nation vied for control of the strategically significant island. Eventually, Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany arbitrated in favor of the United States in 1872, ending the dispute peacefully. This colorful chapter left behind a heritage of historic sites, including the carefully preserved American Camp and English Camp, which today stand as reminders of the island’s unique and often surprising past.
In this photo, the M/V Tillikum—one of the Washington State Ferries—glides through the waters surrounding San Juan Island. Ferry travel is central to life in the San Juan archipelago, connecting residents and visitors to the mainland at Anacortes and providing a scenic way to island-hop. The Tillikum, whose name derives from the Chinook Jargon word for “people” or “friends,” is a smaller vessel in the WSF fleet, yet it has a cozy charm and offers breathtaking panoramas of Puget Sound. Whether you’re heading to Friday Harbor or exploring other islands, a ferry ride is part of the quintessential Pacific Northwest experience: there’s a certain magic to watching forested shorelines come into view while seabirds circle overhead, eager for any sign of passing marine life.
