Frazer Homestead Preserve

The walk to Frazer Homestead Preserve is mellow and straightforward, an easy hike through forests and small meadows. Here, you can spot old homesteads along the hillsides, including the site of the infamous pig fatality that started the otherwise bloodless Pig War.

Depart the American Camp visitor’s center via the American Camp trail, located just north of the parking lot and small picnic area. Deer and small animals frequent the meadow here, and the grassy trail winds gently towards Cattle Point Road. After a quarter-mile, carefully cross the paved road, and resume the trail in young forest, boardwalks keeping you above mud and delicate areas.

A half-mile later, the trail wanders out of the forest and enters Frazer Homestead Preserve. Turn right before the road and follow the graveled trail along the fenceline for another half-mile. Dense brush housing chatty birds, wild dewberries, and dragonflies are your companions for the rest of the walk. Notice a taller fenced area within the pasture, designating the Island Marble conservation area, where rare butterflies are given a safe habitat. Most of the preserve is leased for agricultural use through the San Juan County Land Bank, and you can spot old homesteads perched beyond the pastures.

While American Trail continues all the way to Friday Harbor, Frazer Homestead Preserve ends when you reach Rosler Road. This makes a good turnaround point.