English Camp Letterbox
San Juan Island National Historical Park
San Juan Island, Washington State
Nearest town: Roche Harbor/Friday Harbor
Date Placed: August 3, 2002 by the Smileys
Trail: Easy

You can get to this park from the ferry dock at Friday Harbor on San Juan
transit shuttle, on scooter, bicycle, or by car. If you get there on the
transit shuttle be sure to verify your pick-up time with the driver - it's
too far to walk back to Friday Harbor if you have a ferry to catch. This
is a great national park area with two trails: one climbs 650 feet up to
the top of Young Hill and the very easy & scenic Bell Point Trail, which is
where the letterbox is.

After stopping in at the ranger/volunteer area and learning the history of
the Pig War of 1859, wander out toward the cool Blockhouse. Just wish we
could still climb up in it. Anyway, the trailhead for the Bell Point Trail
is off to the right of the Blockhouse.

The mostly level, easy trail follows the edge of Garrison Bay. You'll
probably want to stop and enjoy watching the boat traffic in the sheltered
bay.

After passing the dinghy dock, continue on toward Bell Point until you find
a trail that splits off at 270 degrees. The trail you are looking for is
about 2/3 of the way to the point.

Walk 12 paces (36 feet).

Turn right 40 degrees, walk into the undergrowth 5 paces (15 feet).

The letterbox is under a log at the base of a Madrona tree. After you've
returned the box safely to it's hiding place you'll want to continue out to
the point where you can see Wescott Bay, from where some of the world's best
oysters are reported to be harvested.

The volunteer that was there the day we planted the box suggested returning
to the trailhead on the Garrison Bay trail the same way we went out to the
point. Apparently it's a much more pleasant trail than the eastern section.
We followed his advice, so I don't know what the other part of the trail is
like, but either way you'll end up back at the trailhead where you started.

Another fun stop on San Juan island if you have time is Snug Harbor. Small,
but very cool. We might try to stay there next time.....hope you enjoy the
island!

Jan
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