The Old Military Road Committee is a varied team of trail lovers who have come together to realize a vision of joining American Camp and English camp by a 18-21 mile trail commemorating the Military Road’s vital importance to the peaceful resolution of the 13-year ‘Pig War’ 1859-1872. Since the trail is also a celebratory journey through time from the early Salish through the European settlement and today’s enjoyment of nature and recreation one can appreciate its legacy importance to committee members and to you. We welcome you!

The time for the creation of an Old Military Road Trail is now. Why? For many years public and private entities have recognized the growing need for more safe trails for recreation and the enjoyment and preservation of nature. Tossing in an expanding appreciation of our island history has lent an added impetus to meet the diverse needs of our island residents. This increased enthusiasm has made the trail a ‘ground-up’ effort of a diverse group of volunteers and public and private entities whose input and participation is a vital link for success.

Background:
Many crucial elements have come together to make the time for this legacy trail now. Since 2019 the Old Military Road Trail committee has been an official advisory committee of the Island Park and Recreation District. We are tasked with exploring the potential for creating a multi-use trail, roughly following the historic route from English to American Camp, in essence creating a backbone trail along the center of San Juan Island.

The Trail was identified by the 2006 San Juan Island Trails Plan as a proposed priority II trail aligning with San Juan County’s complete streets ordinance. The concept is also supported by the 2008 San Juan Island National Historical Park General Management Plan and roughly aligns with the potential trail corridors called out in the San Juan County Parks, Trails, and Natural Areas Plan 2017-2022. In addition, from 2019-2022 the Old Military Road committee was awarded a Rivers and Trails Conservation grant which included important technical and organizational assistance.