American Camp
Stunning coastal views, rich history, and diverse wildlife!
Located on the southern end of San Juan Island, American Camp is part of San Juan Island National Historical Park and features a wide network of trails through open grasslands, coastal bluffs, and historic sites. Once occupied by American troops during the Pig War (1859–1872), this area remains one of the best places to experience the island’s natural beauty, wildlife, and layered history.
Trails lead to South Beach—the longest public beach in the islands—Grandma’s Cove, the Bluff Trail, and the remains of the American military camp. Along the way, hikers may spot bald eagles, northern harriers, short-eared owls, foxes, rabbits, and even orcas offshore. The endangered Island Marble Butterfly also makes its home in this rare coastal prairie habitat.
Grandma’s Cove is a favorite destination for swimming and beachcombing, with shallow water, tidepools, and a chance to spot sea glass or marine life. The Bluff Trail and South Beach Trail offer a scenic 2-mile loop along high bluffs and across open prairie, with sweeping views of Mount Baker, the Salish Sea, and the Olympic Mountains.
The terrain is mostly gentle and open, with trails connecting to Jakle’s Lagoon and Mount Finlayson for extended hikes through forest and wetland habitats.
Trail Details
How to Get There: Access via Cattle Point Road; parking at American Camp Visitor Center and South Beach
Distance: Multiple trails, varying lengths, with loop options
Difficulty: Easy to moderate; mostly flat with some gentle slopes
Family-Friendly: Yes, with wide trails and beach access and dogs are allowed on leash
Facilities: Restrooms at Visitor Center and South Beach
Accessibility: Some trails are flat and accessible; beach access may be more difficult
Features: Historic military site, panoramic views, wildlife, coastal bluffs, beaches, and prairie landscapes
Town to American Camp Trail (ACT)
The American Camp Trail (ACT) is a 7-mile route connecting Friday Harbor to the American Camp Visitor Center, offering a scenic and varied walk through some of the island’s lesser-known landscapes. Opened to the public in 2013, the trail remains a work in progress and includes a mix of off-road paths and road shoulders.
Starting across from Hartmann Baseball Field on upper Spring Street, the trail winds through Port of Friday Harbor airport property, follows Golf Course Road and Fairway Drive, and continues along Cattle Point Road. It then passes through the Land Bank’s Fraser Homestead Preserve and on to American Camp, part of San Juan Island National Historical Park.
Much of the trail crosses public land, while several segments exist thanks to generous easements and permissions from private landowners and the Fairway Drive Homeowners Association. The Trails Committee and community are deeply grateful for their support.
Distance: 7 miles one way
Parking: Available on Spring Street and at the American Camp Visitor Center
Restrooms: Located at the Airport Terminal and Visitor Center
Transit: Seasonal shuttle service to American Camp and year-round taxi options (make arrangements in advance—cell coverage is spotty along the route)
Dogs: Welcome on leash
