Explore Orcas
Moran State Park sits right next to both Rosario homes, and the Land Bank’s open preserves are scattered all over the island. Only the state parks need a Discover Pass to park.
We owe Moran State Park to Robert Moran, the Seattle shipbuilder and former mayor who retired here in 1906. In 1921 the state accepted his gift of more than 2,700 acres, and between 1935 and 1936 Civilian Conservation Corps crews built the sandstone tower on Mount Constitution by hand. Down the road, Obstruction Pass offers 76 acres of madrone trees and pebbly beaches.
Right next door to both Rosario homes, with lakes, forest trails and the climb up Mount Constitution. See Cascade Lake and our hikes for more.
Discover Pass to park.
Leashed pups welcome.
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Already one of our favorite beaches, so see the Obstruction Pass card in Beaches for the full rundown.
Leashed pups welcome.
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In the 1980s, islanders watched development spread and looked for a way to save the places they loved. In 1990, county voters created the Conservation Land Bank to protect land with natural, farm, scenic and historic value, forever. Many of its preserves are open to walk, and leashed pups are welcome on the ones here.
A simple spot to picnic and walk the beach, a stone’s throw from the village, with Indian Island just offshore.
Right at the entrance to Eastsound on Main Street, with curbside parking.
Leashed pups welcome.
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A half-mile forest loop leads to a sheltered cobble beach, a waterfall spilling onto the shore and Gregg’s Lime Kiln, built around 1888 and partly restored by the Land Bank in 2010.
Parking lot just off Orcas Road on Fowler’s Way.
Leashed pups welcome.
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Over 8 miles of trails climb through forest and open meadows to views across the San Juan and Canadian Gulf Islands. Bring water, since there’s none on the mountain.
Two trailheads with parking: South off Wild Rose Lane (walkers only) and North off Crow Valley Road (shared with bikes and horses).
Leashed pups welcome.
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South trailhead
North trailhead
Already on our beach list, so see the Crescent Beach card in Beaches for the full rundown.
Leashed pups welcome.
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A quarter mile trail drops through the forest to a natural beach with wide views of the outer islands.
Parking area on Glenwood Inn Road, off Mount Baker Road.
Leashed pups welcome.
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A half mile loop follows Cascade Creek, one of the county’s few salmon streams, under tall forest. Watch for American dippers and pileated woodpeckers.
Parking area on Point Lawrence Road, just off Olga Road.
Leashed pups welcome.
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A short trail leads into a forested wetland and wildlife viewing area, and the hay meadow opens to walkers after it’s mowed in late summer.
Small lot (about 6 cars) at Terrill Beach Road and Buckhorn Road.
Leashed pups welcome.
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Short trails through forest and meadow lead to the shoreline, with views across the harbor to the Wasp Islands. It’s a restful picnic stop where bald eagles and osprey are known to hang around.
Entrance and parking area on Deer Harbor Road, just north of the Deer Harbor hamlet.
Leashed pups welcome.
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Drive times and distances from OpenStreetMap routing (OSRM), rounded.
Sucia Island Marine State Park is reachable only by boat, with sandstone formations, forest trails and quiet coves.