Northwestern Washington & the San Juan Islands - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 218

( www.nps.gov/sajh ; 8:30am-4pm, visitor center 8:30am-4:30pm Thu-Sun, daily Jun-Sep)
More known for their scenery than their history, the San Juans nonetheless hide
one of the 19th century's oddest political confrontations, the so-called 'Pig War' between
the USA and Britain. This curious standoff is showcased in two separate historical parks
on either end of the island that once housed opposing American and English military en-
campments.
On the southern flank of the island, the American Camp hosts a small visitors center
and is a good place to start your historical excursion. Among the remnants of an old fort
are the officers' quarters and a laundress' house, while a series of interpretive trails lead
to earthwork fortifications, a British farm from the dispute era and desolate South Beach.
The 1.8-mile hike along the ridge of Mt Finlayson makes for a pleasant hike with splen-
did views and unlimited bird-watching potential.
At the opposite end of the island, English Camp , 9 miles northwest of Friday Harbor,
contains the remains of British military facilities dating from the 1860s. A path from the
parking area leads down to a handful of restored buildings that lie in an attractive setting
overlooking Garrison Bay. Hikes from here lead to an old British cemetery and the top of
650ft Young Hill.
Lime Kiln Point State Park PARK
MAP
( 8am-5pm mid-Oct-Mar, 6:30am-10pm Apr-mid-Oct) Clinging to the island's rocky
west coast, this beautiful park overlooks the deep Haro Strait and is, reputedly, one of the
best places in the world to view whales from the shoreline - word is out, however, so the
view areas are often packed with hopeful picnickers. There is a small interpretive center
( 360-378-2044) in the park open from Memorial Day (last Monday in May) to Labor
Day (first Monday in September), along with trails, a restored lime kiln and the landmark
Lime Kiln lighthouse, built in 1919. Offering exceptional views of Vancouver Island and
the Olympic Mountains, the park is best enjoyed at sunset.
Activities
San Juan Vineyards WINE TASTING
MAP
( www.sanjuanvineyards.com ; 3136 Roche Harbor Rd; tastings per glass $1; 11am-5pm) This un-
likely but frequently award-winning winery has a tasting room in an old schoolhouse
built in 1896. Open-minded tasters should try the Siegerrebe and Madeleine Angevine