The San Juan Islands are a beautiful archipelago located off the coast of Washington State in the far northwest of the country. Originally home to different bands of the Coast Salish people, the islands were named by Spanish explorer Francisco de Eliza in 1791. After the Oregon Treaty of 1846 established the border between the United States and British Canada at the 49th Parallel, ownership of the San Juans came under dispute. Forts were established on both sides of San Juan Island and when an American soldier shot a British pig, the 12 year Pig War began. This was a bloodless war (except for the pig), and soldiers from both sides were frequently found socializing in the opposing fort. Athletic competitions were held between the two. Finally, in 1871, Emperor Wilhelm I of Germany stepped in and proclaimed that the Haro Straight would be the border between the countries, leaving Vancouver Island in British hands and the San Juans with America.
I enjoyed my visit to three of the San Juan Islands on this trip - San Jan Island itself, Orcas Islands and tiny Lopez Island. On San Juan, I really enjoyed the old lime producing company town of Roche Harbor now reimagined as an island resort. The nearby sculpture garden and McMillan Mausoleum were also really good, as was the Lime Kiln Lighthouse and sunset on the south end. Orcas Island had beautiful natural features including Mount Moran and stunning waterfalls and harbors. The main town, Eastsound, was arty and pleasant and I also loved the little village of Olgas. Lopez, or “Slowpez” as it is often called, was my favorite of the three. It was wonderfully quiet and unhurried and i felt like I had the whole island to myself. While these islands are remote, you should definitely go for a visit if you ever get the chance.