Awesome ferry ride over to the islands. With Beautiful views. Entering was easy and quick.read more

I only got to visit the American Camp side of this park, but it was wonderful!…read more Driving along Cattle Point Road you'll see signs to enter multiple different sites at the park. I mainly stopped at three locations: Cattle Point Interpretive Area: You can either take the steps down to the pebbly beach to feel more connected to the water, or go up the mossy mound to get a high ground view of... well, everything. I saw water, cliffs, islands, ducks, eagles, seals... unfortunately, no whales, though, prob because this is not the time of year they are around much. Cattle Point Lighthouse: Walked on a cute trail to the lighthouse, where I saw a humongous red fox on a hill, looking like it was digging or pouncing on something! On the other side of the lighthouse are views of miles of open sky and water. South Beach: On the road leading to the beach, we actually saw a black fox just chilling, lying on the road. It moved to the fenced area as we approached, and my gosh it was beautiful. I didn't even know black foxes existed! The beach itself is wide and has views of endless water, with some driftwood hanging out near you. I know there's so much more to the park that we didn't see, but I was quite happy with the wildlife and incredible scenery. Especially the foxes... I've only seen like one other (that I can remember), so seeing the ones here were such a bonus. The trails and sites that we missed are even more reason to return to San Juan Island National Historical Park. I just hope I'm able to come out to this island again someday.

Crescent Beach is one of two public beaches on Orcas Island. This is not your typical beach. The…read morebeach is very rocky and mossy, which makes it not suitable for sitting. My husband and I saw lots of people kayaking from this beach since there are no waves. We also saw lots of ducks, geese, and seagulls walking along the shore. The beach also includes a nice trail that goes inland. It is a nice, not crowded trail which makes it perfect for walking or running. You are also able to park right next to the trailhead if you do not park at the beach. Very beautiful. Perfect place to sit and watch the wildlife, go for a walk/run, and enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Crescent Beach Preserve has both beach and wetland trails to explore. I walked along the beach to…read moreone end of the preserve, then partway to the other end of the preserve. I saw crows, seagulls, and Canadian Geese as well as what looked like some beautiful sandstone sea cliffs from afar. I appreciate that collection from the beach is not allowed, it was incredible to see so many purple shells along the shore. Lovely place to go for a walk even on a windy day. The parking lots along Crescent Beach Road overlook the beach, making them scenic places to sit and watch the water and wildlife while staying in your vehicle.

An absolute favorite for good ole woods on the lake camping! Campgrounds have so much variety in…read moreshade, waterfront options, RV hookups, walk-in, and group sites. Their bathrooms and showers are well maintained, and the public use areas are always kept up as well. They staff a little snack shack where you can find limited swim gear and accessories, plus impressive snacks, coffee, ice cream, candy, etc. The lake is a non-motorized boat lake, but they rent out water toys or bring your own float islands and paddleboards. Mt. Constitution is also found within the park and is a must visit! Views into Canada and over the WA coast are to die for on a clear day. Whether you're visiting just for the day or longer, Moran State Park is an oasis worth experiencing!

This is probably the biggest highlight on Orcas Island if you're outdoorsy!…read more Lakes, scenic views, trails a plenty even leading to an ice cream finish, water activities, and on and on and on. I had only wished we had one more day. My group did the Cascade Lake Loop, Cascade Fall's, plus give or take hopping on to another trail to widen the "loop." Day passes are $10 bucks and go off an honor system with completing a short form with vehicle and govt issue ID details and dropping them into a collection box. Plenty of places to park near multiple different trail entrances. The trails are well maintained & the trees are massive. Sugar shack offered up some delicious ice cream during our widening of said loop. There were clean bathrooms and a large playground located near this pit stop. Plenty of entrances/parking to different trailheads can be found along the outskirts. Definitely recommend for anyone taking a vacation on Orcas Island. And as always practice leave no trace!

It's not a fun park unless you're a kid. Then it's a blast with a playground that has those weird…read morecircular htings that swing you around with your weight and other fancy playground items. But this park is more about the sunset. I was in town as a day trip and the weather was so nice that I wanted to check out the sunset. We sat there people watching on the bench as the sun started sinking over the water. People walked out down the pier and it made for really nice pictures. Once the sun went down, people left because there was a chill in the air, but until that moment, the sunset was magical. Definitely glad we hung around for twilight.

Washington Park is beautiful. The scenic loop is a great drive (go slow 10 mph there are…read morepedestrians on the paved road too). There are spots for cars to park on the loop to enjoy the view (and a disability parking spot). Take advantage of the easy and beautiful access to epic views of Burrows Island and the pass at this park before getting on the ferry to the San Juan islands or staying in Anacortes.

I hadn't planned to visit Lime Kiln Point State Park while staying on San Juan Island, but our BnB…read morehost INSISTED we include a visit to the park in our itinerary. Lesson learned; always trust the guidance of locals when visiting a new place. This park is a gem! Visitors will find this gorgeous park located on the west side of the Island, perfectly situated to offer stunning views of the Salish Sea. The park is named for its historic lime kiln used by settlers in the late 1800s and early 1900s. An interpretive center has displays and activities about orcas and the area's lime kiln industry once important to the region. The coastline is incomparable! A five to ten minute downhill walk from the parking lot reveals remarkable views of the Olympic Mountains and an expansive view of sparkling water stretching far into the distance. It's said this site is one of the best whale watching locations in the islands, where visitors will most likely be able to see orcas! We weren't fortunate enough to find any during our visit, but the scenery was rewarding enough. The trail continues along the rocky shoreline, passing several pristine coves and thickets of madrones with twisted, curling red bark. The trail soon reveals a beautiful lighthouse on a rocky bluff, and the lime kilns in the distance. There is a well-curated gift shop back at the parking lot, as well as picnic tables, information kiosks, and public restrooms. There's a whole lot of beauty packed into this 42 acre park... something you won't want to miss!

Truly a picturesque park with beautiful coastal hikes. We certainly enjoyed walking along the…read morecoastline while taking in the scenery. Walking to the lighthouse was a perfect adventure and not strenuous if you are looking for a pretty easy hike. Stop and look out for whales (we didn't see any) and also check out the tide pools!

Came here while on vacation and we had so much fun! The walk was so nice and cool for July. A bit…read moreof a hike but totally worth it. The place is well maintained as people seem to care for the area while visiting and keeps it clean. People stay on the trail too. Does seem like people wander the area for walking and very light hiking, but they don't stick around long. Seems like a fun area.

Talk about an unexpected, slightly creepy, yet cool find!…read more On the list of things to do on San Juan Island was this spot, and it seemed intriguing, so the bff and I decided to make the drive on over to check it out. Parking was easy at the adjacent gravel lot on the perimeter of Roche Harbor airport. The ~1 mile dirt path takes you through a few family grave sites, and there are ample signs leading to the mausoleum itself. When you get to the mausoleum, expect to be wowed by how well-kept the structure is despite being so isolated. It was a bone-chilling experience to see how John S. McMillin decided to preserve his family's memory. Note that there is only a portal potty on site. It's not exactly wheelchair friendly, either. Definitely take a visit!

So this park is awesome and we found it on accident we actually stayed up in the group camping…read morewhich I actually prefer more because it was a lot of trees a lot of space five minute walk down to the water. The spots on the water are a little closer together it's dryer and not many trees down there so it's give-and-take whatever you prefer. The sites are $25 and we had a boat that we put in the extra parking for $12 a night. I think the staff that works there would prefer you never talk to them and do everything on your own.

We camped here for 1 night this past weekend, Oct 1-2, 2016. I made reservations online a month…read moreprior. Looking at the map, we booked campsite #24 which was on the water. It was a few $$ more expensive than the ones not on the water, the view was worth the few extra dollars. I paid $34/night (tax included). Campsites: the lowered numbered sites, 1-5 I think, have shore access. 24 does not have shore access but is on the water. There are biker/hiker sites, if you don't have a car these would be preferable. The pit toilet was clean and on the lower end of smelly. The campsites are pretty close together so be aware of that. I think sites 28 and 29 are actually conjoined. My aunt and uncle live nearby and said the campgrounds get booked full during the summer season. Also it's hard to get off the island during the summer months because of so many tourists and cars going on the ferry. Beautiful spot though! Pet friendly, and I think they are open year round. Starting November till April/May it's a walk up only campsite. During summer you can reserve online.

Being a few weeks removed from my day here helps me appreciate this lil' park for what it is. You…read moresee, I did not have the most five-star experience here, but that's unique to my visit. I'll spare the details as they're not relevant to the park, but it involved my very active dog and a very expensive camera lens. So what can I say about Obstruction Pass that is relevant? Well, it's a tiny little park. But almost everyone I spoke to about my time on Orcas said they actually like it more than its big neighbor Moran, to the north. Situated on the southern tip of the eastern point of Orcas Island, it only occupies 80 acres. But among that 80 acres is a bit of precious beachfront; some of the only public beach space on the island of private developments and no trespassing signs. These are San Juan island beaches, so you'll find millions of rounded pebbles, not sand, lest you imagine frolicking barefoot down the beach. To reach the beach, you have to hike. There's a shorter trail than sort of hugs the seashore, and a longer one that goes over land and abuts private property. I took the wooded longer one to the north on the way in, then the beach-hugger on the way out. It's a short hike, not too strenuous, but it's certainly not ADA approved and it will take you a little time to reach the waters. The park features the trail, beach, a small campground, and restrooms. You access the beach down a couple of staircases, and the thick woods above provide lots of shade. I was here in the dead of winter, but even then I shared the beach with a very loud family, and a couple of other parties. Dogs must be leashed at all times. Be careful on those rocks. If you're, say, carrying a full camera and tripod rig and slip, you'll bounce all the way down the rocks into the water. Probably. And then, after your dog damaged your lens before, and you ended up falling into the water, you'll just pack up and get back to your car and call it a day.

Situated at one tip of Orcas Island, Obstruction Pass State Park is home to campers and…read moreshort-duration hikers. This is a great (less than) a mile hike to the beach and back with a pretty PNW view. Its not as big and majestic as Moren State Park, but its a great feeler for Orcas Island, and because of the size, you will notice more people around, when there are people around. We did this as a group of 6, quick in and out on our first day here. We saw a boat parked out on the water and a little house situated by the water. We didn't see many hikers here when we went on a late Saturday afternoon, but we saw a number of campers. *Porta potty's were available

it was not on our primary itinerary. But on plan B. Having more time on hand we decided to take our…read morekid there so he could see farm animals and peacocks. It truly is amazing park. Very similar to Golden Gate but still very different. The ey don't charge fees but there is suggested fee ($7 for adults $6 for kids. Or you can donate Howe much ever you like. The farm animals and specially petting goats was the best experience. We saw many peacocks and peahens roaming freely. The ducks and geese in all the ponds were keeping children's entertained. They have multiple pathways and trails to walk or bike. We visited two of the children's playgrounds on two different days. Definitely plenty of parking all over. If you have little ones definitely recommend to visit to have their play time. It also is mini Butchart gardens if you missed the real one.

It's the peacock park! Plenty of peacocks flexing their tails. Well maintained. There's also the…read moreanimals area for kids. Well maintained.

Finding this trail was difficult for me, maps didn't take me to the correct place, I've added…read morepictures of signs on the street to make it easier and directions. You can drive up Sunday's and Wednesdays. No one was on the trail with me today and it was really nice, I recommend taking the best trail off to the side and seeing the pond.

Tough uphill hike but worth the views! Trail is well maintained and dogs are allowed up. Not many…read morepeople know that it continues to go up and stop at the first view point.