San Juan Islands Accessible Hiking Guide

If you want to wear hiking boots, experience some history, and see views that take your breath away, tackle Young Hill. Situated at the north end of the island, the 650-foot summit offers unmatched panoramas of San Juan, Canada’s Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island, and beyond. Pick up the trailhead across the road from English Camp, occupied by the British in 1860 and find traces of its history on Mount Young itself—watch for the 1860s Royal Marine Cemetery.

From the parking lot at English Camp, find the trail in the eastern corner of the lot and head southeast. At the first branch in the trail, stay right, and the trail will start climbing almost immediately. Cross San Juan Valley Road at 0.3 miles. and continue until you see a signed path leading to the English Camp cemetery. This piece of history is worth a stop as you ascend or descend Young Hill. A memorial to seven Royal Marines who died on the island in the 1860s, this cemetery is surrounded by gnarled Garry Oaks that are part of an ongoing restoration project.

After your side trip to the cemetery, head back to the main trail and continue climbing. You will reach your first viewpoint at 0.8 miles with an informative plaque naming some geographic features visible on a clear day. Keep climbing, and at 1.0 miles reach the summit, with spectacular views of the Salish Sea and surrounding islands. If you’ve brought lunch, settle down and enjoy some of the best views in the area. You have the world at your feet.

You can also hike from English Camp to Westcott Bay Shellfish Farm, through lush forests and along the water.

Spend a little time on San Juan Island and you’re almost certain to hear about "The Pig War," which in 1859 led to a 12-year joint British/U.S. occupation of the island while the two nations argued over who owned the San Juans. The Royal Marines lived at English Camp, at the north end of the island, and a few buildings, a formal garden, and a cemetery remain from their time here.

Today, this beautiful day-use park on the shores of Garrison Bay includes a small, seasonal visitors’ center and trails that range from a fairly strenuous hike up Young Hill to the cemetery and beyond to an easier 45-minute loop through woodland and along the bay. On Saturdays from June through August, park rangers and volunteers recreate some of the skills of military and civilian life during the island’s early pioneer period; for an entire weekend in July, the park hosts a reenactment of life in the mid-19th-century camp.

Accessibility

English Camp is currently not very accessible, but the park plans to make improvements. Access to the historic parade grounds is down a steep gravel trail and over thick grass and uneven ground. The trail system has a few steep and rocky sections. Visitors who use wheelchairs and mobility aids will likely have difficulty navigating the terrain. You may be able to request a golf cart shuttle during the summer from May-September. 

• Parking: There is a paved parking lot with two designated accessible spots. However, the parking lot is on a steep slope and the accessible spots do not meet current guidelines, so visitors using wheelchairs may have difficulty. The transition from the parking area to the trailhead has a two-inch threshold and exposed rocks in the surface.
• Amenities: Vault toilets are located behind the parking area. No water is available. The old barracks serve as a seasonal visitor center, but the building can only be accessed by narrow stairs. 

Also known as Whale Watch Park, Lime Kiln Point State Park is a 36-acre day-use park with an iconic lighthouse set on the west side of San Juan Island. You may see orca whales swimming through the kelp beds in the waters off Lime Kiln, looking for salmon, since this park is considered one of the best places in the world to view whales from land. The shoreline viewpoint is about a 300-yard walk from the parking lot, restrooms, and seasonal interpretive center.

The park, which features a richly diverse environment, includes the remnants and landscapes of a history filled with change, along the rocky shoreline and through the wooded uplands. Minke whales, porpoises, seals, sea lions, otters and bald eagles also cruise the shoreline. The lighthouse was built in 1919 and still serves as a navigational beacon for ships in the Haro Strait. Interpretive programs, an interpretive center with gift shop and lighthouse tours are available during the summer months.

Accessibility

• Parking: There is an upper and a lower parking lot, which both have accessible parking spots. The lower parking area is closer to the visitor center and whale watching area, the upper parking area is closer to the Lime Liln Trail. 
• Amenities: Accessible restrooms, accessible picnic table, a seasonal visitor center with food concessions, and an audible exhibit.
• Whale watching trail: As you approach the visitor center, there is a trail on the left with an accessibility symbol. This is the most accessible route to the whale watching overlooks, but it does not meet current guidelines for wheelchair accessibility.
• Lighthouse trail: The trail to the lighthouse from the overlooks is rocky, narrow, and steep. The more accessible route starts from the right side of the visitor center.

Several miles of trails take you through grassy prairies scattered with rocky outcrops, and down to South Beach. South Beach in American Camp National Historical Park is the longest public beach in the islands, with views over the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Olympic Mountains. All along this pristine two-mile pebble-and-sand beach, a wide swath of massive driftwood has washed up and been bleached in the sun for decades.

A wonderful place to take photos, enjoy a brisk walk for exercise, or a slow stroll for beachcombing, South Beach also has broad golden hills where eagles and hawks reel, rabbits forage and red foxes hunt at sunset, a historic “redoubt” or temporary fortification made during the Pig War conflict between the American and English troops from 1859 to 1871 – a standoff during which no shots were fired. Now, the only flames you’ll see are the summer bonfires at sunset as locals and visitors gather to enjoy this stunning and special place.

Accessibility from American Camp Visitors Center

• Parking: There is a paved parking lot with two accessible spots, one is van-accessible. 
• Amenities: Accessible restrooms, water fountains, and water bottle filling stations. Benches and picnic tables are available at the visitor center. 
• Features: The visitor center is wheelchair accessible and features exhibits on the history of the park. A tactile 3D map of the Salish Sea, San Juan Islands, and surrounding land is located outside of the visitor center. There is interpretive signage at the visitor center and along the trails, but none have tactile or alternative communication elements. Visitors can request golf cart shuttles during the summer. 

Named after the first Cattle Point Lighthouse keeper, George Jakle, Jakle's Lagoon is located just south of the Fourth of July Beach on Cattle Point and is part of the San Juan Island National Historical Park. A forest loop hike takes you to the top of Mt. Finlayson, the highest point on San Juan's south end, with a beautiful view of Cattle Point Lighthouse towards Lopez Island.

At 295 feet, this is not a challenging climb, although a few sections run a little steep. With South Beach, Jakle’s Lagoon, and Fourth of July Beach nearby, this hike fits very well into a day of south-end sightseeing.  From the Jakle’s Lagoon parking lot and trailhead, you can start at either end of the loop trail.

Head right on the wide Mount Finlayson Trail, which climbs gradually across golden grasslands lined by wind-blasted, contorted firs paralleling Cattle Point Road. The trail crests on the long ridge of Mount Finlayson, named for one of the founders of Victoria, B.C., which you can see from along the trail.

At 1.3 miles a trail leads left, near a group of large firs—your return route. But walk a bit farther for a grand view of Cattle Point Lighthouse. (Watch for eagles, plovers, sandpipers and hawks.) Loop back down into a cool forested ravine to reach a trail junction at Third Lagoon after 0.25 mile. Turn left onto an old woods road, 1.75 miles back to the trailhead.

Or at the parking lot, take the wide trail through the cool evergreen forest to the summit, then follow the high, open ridge and hike down the mountain back to the parking lot. From the summit you’ll have spectacular views across Haro and Juan de Fuca Straits to the Olympic Mountains and Vancouver Island. Watch for whales in these waters.

Accessibility

• Trail - Jakle’s Lagoon Nature Trail is regarded as one of the most accessible trails on the island. It is generally five feet wide, and the typical surface is firm packed gravel and soil. However, there is a steep and challenging 10-12% grade that is 0.1 mile long at the beginning of the trail. There are additional short grades up to 12%.
• Parking - Narrow gravel parking lot with space for about 12 cars. No designated accessible parking.  
• No restrooms or amenities at the trailhead.

Cascade Lake is the center of outdoor fun in Moran State Park. Boat rentals, a swimming area, picnic shelters and three campgrounds to choose from give you plenty of relaxation time after hiking, birdwatching or horseback riding. A great place for kids, Cascade Lake has a 3-mile trail around the lake, a wooden bridge and a quiet lagoon for paddling and swimming. Purchase day passes at the park entrance and enter a world of natural beauty.

Accessibility

Though there is minimal elevation gain overall, the trail is fairly challenging with some steep sections, narrow footholds, and many areas of large rocks and roots in the trail. There are also a couple of turnstile gates that are difficult to navigate with mobility aids. The most accessible portion is at the main day use area, where there are picnic tables beneath mature western red cedar. The firm, natural surface trail leads to a metal bridge over Moran Creek. You could continue for approximately 0.10 mile before there is an incline where you have to step up on roots, followed by a large root mat with roots rising up to six inches, and then a narrow turnstile. 

• Parking: Paved parking at small lots on either side of Olga Rd, just east of the park office. 
• Amenities: Accessible restrooms and picnic tables.

If you want the challenge of a steep hike and the reward of breathtaking views, grab your hiking boots and a packed lunch and head to Mount Constitution in Moran State Park, the highest point in the San Juan Islands—2,409 feet. It’s not a hike to be rushed, however, as there is a lot to appreciate on the way up. Hike from the cool shade of old-growth forest to sunshine and wildflowers in alpine meadows.

From the summit, you’ll have 360-degree views of the San Juan Islands, Vancouver, and the mainland, bracketed by snow-tipped Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier. Enjoy an added touch of historical interest in the watchtower, built from hand-cut stone by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936.

If you have small children or just fancy something less strenuous, there are a multitude of easier hikes farther down the mountain. Or arrange to be dropped off at the top and have someone pick you up at the bottom for a leisurely downhill hike.

There is a paved road all the way up Mount Constitution, so consider parking partway up for a leisurely and beautiful three-mile stroll around Mountain Lake—you can even jump in for a cooling swim. Beyond Mountain Lake, trails lead out to Cascade Falls and Twin Lakes. With over 38 miles of trails, 5,200-acre Moran State Park offers something for every fitness level.

Accessibility

Mount Constitution, the highest point in the San Juan Islands, offers panoramic views of the islands and the Salish Sea. On a clear day, you can see Mount Baker and the North Cascade Mountains. There are limited views from the parking area. For the best views, you must take a short but very steep gravel path up to the viewpoint, and then cross over an exposed rocky bluff to a level area at the edge, bordered by a low rock wall. A tower with 50 steep stone steps is another popular viewpoint. 

• Parking: There is a paved parking lot with two accessible parking spots. The road to the summit is very curvy. 
• Amenities: Accessible restrooms, picnic tables, and water fountain. 
• Additional features: A visitor center is open seasonally. There are exhibits outside of the visitor center with historical information about the area. 

Obstruction Pass is a small gem for those seeking the atmosphere of a wilderness escape. Situated at the far southeastern tip of Orcas, Obstruction Pass offers 80 acres of parkland to explore plus 10 primitive campsites. The main trails run well under a mile through lush vegetation and forest.

The easterly trail leads to a 150-yard beach unique in the islands, covered with marble-sized multicolored pebbles—as well as views of Lopez Island, Blakely Island, and Obstruction Island. The westerly trail ends in a panoramic water view and great picnic site.

Accessibility

Unfortunately, the trails are quite inaccessible. The Sound View trail is very faint and difficult to follow, and the surface can be challenging. The beach trail is very rocky with some steep sections and sharp drop offs. Access to the beach requires going down steep stairs, which may have a high drop from the bottom step onto rocks or driftwood. 

• Parking: Gravel parking lot with one paved accessible spot. 
• Amenities: Accessible vault toilet at the trailhead, vault toilet at the campground near the beach. No water. 

San Juan County Parks provides beautiful shoreline parks on the ferry-served San Juan Islands. Campgrounds offer waterfront campsites, beach access & scenic views and accommodate tents and smaller RVs (no hook-ups; check for size restrictions) for a unique "island” experience. Restrooms, picnic tables, fire-rings, picnic shelters, boat ramps.

Odlin County Park is just one mile from the Lopez Island Ferry Landing and three miles from Lopez Village. This 80-acre waterfront park features 30 campsites, separate group camp, a lovely sandy beach, a boat launch, hiking trails, a full-sized ball field and several picnic areas. Enjoy a hike or eat lunch in the picnic pavilion. There is also seasonal water, (no sewer hook-ups) toilets, five mooring buoys, and a day use dock. 

Accessibility

To access the beach, you can walk down the boat ramp or go through the day use and camping area to a signed grassy path that is clear of driftwood. There are a couple of short trails, but they are rustic and narrow. The Sunset Trail is the widest at generally two feet wide and the most level. 

• Parking: The paved day use parking area has one accessible parking spot. 
• Amenities: Picnic tables and accessible vault toilet. 

Past Lopez Village on the island’s west side, Otis Perkins County Day Park sits on a slender spit in Fisherman Bay. Enjoy one of the longest beaches in the islands, and nearly a mile of waterfront to explore to the north of the parking area, with great views of the San Juan Channel and the distant shoreline of San Juan. It’s also a prime spot for watching float planes land and take off from the bay. If you’re a birder, the sheltered side of the shore, a salt marsh teeming with waterfowl, will keep your binoculars and spotting scope busy.

Accessibility

Access to the beach is level and fairly easy, though there may be driftwood. 

• Parking: small gravel day use area at the beginning of the spit on Bayshore Rd. There are also a couple of pullouts on either side of the road. 
• Amenities: None. 

Shark Reef Sanctuary is a hidden gem, tucked away on the west side of the island, where a short 10-minute walk through a forest will lead to a rocky shoreline with stunning views over the water and an almost certain seal (and perhaps sea lion and otter) sighting.—just be sure to follow the path around to the left. Length: 1.0 miles, roundtrip. Elevation: Gain: 40 ft; Highest Point: 60 ft.

Accessibility

There is a boardwalk at the beginning of the trail, but it is narrow and several inches high with no edge guards. The rest of the trail through the forest is narrow, eroded, and has several steep sections. Continuing along the bluff for the best views requires walking over exposed rocks. This trail is not recommended for people with mobility limitations. 

• Amenities: Vault toilet and picnic tables near the trailhead.

Lopez Island’s largest freshwater lake, 80-acre Hummel Lake Preserve boasts beautiful lakefront shoreline, a dock for fishing (but no swimming), and about a mile of trails through a second-growth forest that ends at Port Stanley Road. The preserve includes 1,450 feet of lakefront shoreline, wetland, meadow, forest, and habitat for many bird species.

Accessibility

The trail to the lake is about .20 mile long. It is generally accessible for people with limited mobility but is not wheelchair accessible. From the parking area, head back towards the road and go right, behind the vault toilet. The trail starts three feet wide, compact gravel and dirt surface, declining at 5-8% through the forest area. It then transitions to grass and gravel and narrows to about two feet wide, continuing on a slight decline. The transition to the dock is eroded with a three inch lip onto the boardwalk. The boardwalk and dock have edge guards. 

The forest trail that connects to Port Stanley Road is generally a narrow footpath with lots of exposed roots and several short, steep sections. 

• Parking: Gravel parking lot with space for five cars. No designated accessible parking. 
• Amenities: Vault toilet, picnic tables, and benches. 

Spencer Spit State Park, on Lopez Island, is a 138-acre marine and camping park. The park is named for the lagoon-enclosing sand spit on which it rests. There are many sheltered and unsheltered picnic tables, and two miles of hiking trails. The park has a reputation for excellent crabbing and clamming. This is one of the few state parks in the San Juan Islands that is accessible by automobile.

Accessibility

The gravel trail down to the spit is only 0.10 mile, but it is steep – it loses over 50 feet in elevation and has a maximum 12% grade. Once you are on the spit, it is entirely flat and would be accessible to people with all terrain wheelchairs or using a walker, cane, or poles. The spit is a mix of grass and gravel and is sandy at the end. There is a replica wooden lodge with interpretive signs and picnic tables. 

Parking: The main parking lot is paved and there is one accessible parking spot near the restrooms. There is a limited access disabled parking spot at the spit. It is blocked by a gate behind the ranger station and you may have to request access. You then drive down a gravel service road and park in a gravel parking area. 

Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, and overnight camping.