San Juan Island NHP, American Camp Visitor Center — Attraction in San Juan Island

I've visited American camp several times in the past and always enjoyed it. It keeps getting better! The NPS has now created a number of very well-designed, colorful, and artistic informational displays outside, so they are available even when the Visitors' Center is closed. One of the volunteer hosts drew my attention to a pair of bald eagles in the tree just behind the center. I'd seen eagles perched nearby before, but this pair were spectacular. Two fully adult, both male and female, bald eagles who looked like they were planning to nest there. Just as I decided to take a photo, they flew off, perhaps to soar on the air currents above Granny's cove.

I especially appreciated a 6 foot bronze map displayed outside the center. It depicts the US/Canadian border that weaves amongst the islands. Beautiful and clearly showing why Canada insisted on a southern jag to the border, so they kept Victoria and Vancouver Island.

The park has the largest stretch of great beach on the island. Perfect for building a drift wood shelter and wiling away the day.

It also has historical buildings from the 19th century joint occupation of the island during the pig war between CA and US. The trail around the buildings is also great for spotting additional wildlife, deer, black fox, and...

Beautiful place for some light hiking and it stays open quite late too! The buildings and trails are well-maintained, and the information displays are really interesting.

The visitor center and introductory video are basically the same as English Camp, so if you've seen that, no need to watch it again, but it's well worth visiting American Camp. We got to see a nesting pair of Bald Eagles too!

Also, if hike out towards the south a bit, on a clear day you have a really beautiful view of the Olympic Range across the Strait of Juan de Fuca and of Mount Baker...

The gentleman working here when I stopped by is very friendly extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I wish I had more time to chit-chat with him. He is a really good man. I Just stopped in to use the bathroom. Turns out it was a good stop, there is quite a bit of displays here. Maps, a short video ..... quite a bit of information. There's only two buildings to look at on American camp and there's a historic redoubt . lot of hiking trails some are dog friendly and bike-friendly others or not. It's definitely a great place to come get some exercise...