San Juan Island Map

Description: This map shows roads, trails, villages, peaks, lakes, rivers, buildings, airport, and parks on San Juan Island.

Description: This map shows where San Juan Island is located on the Washington State Map.

Description: This map shows roads, trails, peaks, hills, boat ramps, dive sites, docks, ferry routes, hiking, moorage, viewpoints, points of interest, and parks on San Juan Island.

Description: This map shows tourist attractions on San Juan Island.

Description: This map shows roads, airport, bike routes, bike pullout, medical facilities, ferry landing, restrooms, public green space, campgrounds, trailheads, trails, and marinas on San Juan Island.

Maps of San Juan Islands

San Juan Island is the second-largest island in the San Juan Islands archipelago, located in the northwestern part of Washington State. The island covers approximately 55 square miles (142 km²) and serves as the cultural and commercial hub of San Juan County. It is home to the county seat, Friday Harbor, which is the largest town in the archipelago and the primary arrival point for visitors traveling by ferry from Anacortes or Sidney, British Columbia.

The island's history is deeply intertwined with the Pig War of 1859, a boundary dispute between the United States and Great Britain that nearly led to armed conflict. The confrontation began when an American settler shot a Hudson's Bay Company pig that was rooting in his garden. Both nations stationed military forces on the island, with the British establishing their camp at Garrison Bay and Americans at American Camp. The dispute was eventually resolved through arbitration by German Emperor Wilhelm I in 1872, who ruled in favor of the United States.

Geography and Natural Features

San Juan Island features diverse landscapes including rocky coastlines, rolling hills, prairies, and dense forests. Mount Dallas, the island's highest point, reaches an elevation of 1,083 feet (330 m). The western shores face the Haro Strait, which serves as an important corridor for migrating killer whales, particularly the endangered Southern Resident orcas. Whale watching is a major tourist activity, with peak viewing season occurring from May through September.

The island's climate is characterized by mild, wet winters and dry summers, typical of the Olympic rain shadow. This microclimate results in significantly less rainfall than nearby Seattle, making it an attractive destination for outdoor recreation year-round.

Economy and Demographics

Tourism forms the backbone of San Juan Island's economy, supplemented by agriculture, fishing, and small-scale manufacturing. The island's population fluctuates seasonally, with approximately 7,200 permanent residents swelling to much larger numbers during summer months. Historic sites, including the San Juan Island National Historical Park which encompasses both American Camp and English Camp, attract history enthusiasts from around the world.

The island is accessible via Washington State Ferries from Anacortes and the Sidney-Anacortes ferry from Vancouver Island. A small airport near the town of Friday Harbor provides private and charter flight services. The island maintains a network of scenic roads popular with cyclists, and several state parks offer camping and recreational facilities.

Main sights in San Juan Island

How to Get to San Juan Island

San Juan Island is located in the San Juan Islands archipelago in Washington State, accessible only by ferry, private boat, or small aircraft.

By Ferry

The most common way to reach San Juan Island is via Washington State Ferries from Anacortes, Washington.

• Drive to Anacortes Ferry Terminal (2100 Ferry Terminal Rd, Anacortes, WA)
• Purchase tickets at the terminal or online in advance
• Board the ferry to Friday Harbor (main town on San Juan Island)
• Ferry ride takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Ferries run year-round with seasonal schedule variations
• You can bring your car, bicycle, or walk on as a passenger

Getting to Anacortes

To reach the Anacortes Ferry Terminal:

• From Seattle: Drive north on I-5, take Exit 230 to Highway 20 West, follow signs to Anacortes (approximately 1.5-2 hours)
• From Vancouver, BC: Take I-5 South through border crossing, then follow same route as from Seattle
• From Bellingham: Take Highway 20 West directly to Anacortes (about 30 minutes)

Alternative Transportation

By Air:

• San Juan Island Airport accepts private planes and charter flights
• Small regional airlines offer seasonal service

By Private Boat:

• Several marinas available in Friday Harbor
• Popular destination for recreational boating

Planning Tips

• Make reservations during peak summer season (June-September)
• Arrive at ferry terminal 30-60 minutes early, especially with a vehicle
• Check ferry schedules online before traveling
• Consider leaving your car in Anacortes and walking on the ferry to save money
• Bring layers - weather can change quickly on the water