If you’re looking for some unique activities, take The loop trail itself is nearly 4 miles in length, beginning and ending at the campgrounds, with several locations that are perfect for picnics overlooking the lake and its islets. 3572 Olga Rd, Olga, Orcas Island, WA 98279-8556. Turn north from the boat launch, following the trail as it stays close to the lakeshore. Which is better? But for some great views the North trail gets you a great view of Crow Valley and a great view of the islands to the north. Charlotte @ Cascade Lake On Orcas Island - YouTube Charlotte @ Cascade Lake on Orcas Island Matt Schonwald. To reach the Park from Eastsound head southeast on Olga road out of town and it will lead you right into the Park. Follow Orcas Road (Horseshoe Highway) 9 miles north to Eastsound. For all things Orcas Island Camping and Orcas Island Car Rental, you’re in the right spot. Orcas is the largest of the San Juan Islands in Washington state. Two islets are in close proximity with the shore and can be easily reached by swimmers, or accessed by boaters for an island picnic. Any recommendations? Fishing for kokanee is good from late-May to early-June and in the fall. Mountain Biking at Orcas Island - Duration: 3:52. Does anyone know water temp now? The campground is located on a small peninsula next to the loop trailhead. - Check out Tripadvisor members' 721 candid photos and videos of Orcas Island His body was found in 65 feet of water. At its deepest, Mountain Lake is 100 feet. You can improve or add to this guidebook entry, Washington Trails Association Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. Cascade Lake has a shorter trail, or you can skip the woods and take to the water on a kayak or paddle-boat. If you’re looking to rent a kayak, Orcas Adventures offers limited seasonal boat rentals at Mountain Lake. On Orcas Island, 4.5 miles southeast of East Sound. It has three islands, crystal clear waters, and endless adventures for everyone. After 1 mile turn right on the Mountain Lake Turnoff, reaching parking area in a quarter mile. Some kayak agencies on the island also offer drop off and pick up services, so check around if you’re interested. This island is one of the best Seattle weekend getaways that will have you feeling refreshed after. The trail to Mount Pickett is enjoyable though, and worth venturing down if you have the time or inclination. Mountain Lake’s campground can also be reserved for a group camping event for up to 56 people and 14 vehicles. With over 38 miles of trails, 5,200-acre Moran State Park offers something for everyone. This is the only elevation gain of note on this gentle hike, making it a great option for little ones and their families. The loop around Mountain Lake is the perfect way to spend a relaxing day on Orcas Island. Several of the sites can fit RVs and trailers, and all sites support tents and shelters. Paddle boats, rowboats, and electric motors are all welcome on the lake all year round, although the lake is most pleasant in the summer and early fall. Seattle, WA 98104. Be sure to stop and take a few photos. If you want to do the full trail loop with a distance of 6.7 miles roundtrip you can park at Mountain Lake and begin the trek from the picnic area. While Seattle is known as the Emerald City, Orcas Island is known as the Emerald Isle. Puget Sound and Islands -- San Juan Islands, Day Hiking: North Cascades (Romano - Mountaineers Books). Once you enter the park watch for signs that will point you to a smaller road heading north along the base of Mt. You'll start your loop around Mountain Lake with a short jaunt to the boat launch. Moran State Park encompasses over 5,000 acres (2,000 ha) of woodland and has several lakes and numerous waterfalls. Answer 1 of 3: Hi, we’re interested in some kayaking and maybe swimming while on Orcas. MTB Project is built by riders like you. Trails leading to Twin Lakes and Cascade Falls also branch off from the loop trail and are suitable daily excursions from the nearby campsites. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. Follow this road until the signs point you to Mountain Lake and you’ll find even more camping! 38 Restaurantes en un radio de 10 km. Parking, restrooms, boat launch, and even camping are all available at the trailhead. There are many adventures to enjoy in Moran State Park, and Mountain Lake provides some of the best natural opportunities for adventure and exploration. Doug Walsh 3,948 views. Answer 1 of 3: Hi, we’re interested in some kayaking and maybe swimming while on Orcas. The flat trail along the shoreline continues, interrupted only with a climb up a small ledge no more than 50 feet. Just be aware that there is more elevation gain than your flat route around Mountain Lake. We’re thinking Cascade or Mountain Lake? Trails in Orcas Island - 11. The mountain bike trails on Orcas Island are located in Moran State Park. There are many San Juan Islands to choose from, but this one is truly a gem. There are a few different trails that will lead to the summit of Mount Constitution. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. Orcas Island, San Juan Islands Picture: A mountain lake on Orcas. Hike by WTA Community: Less than a mile into the trail you'll come to the southernmost point of the lake marked by a dam and small bridge. This is a delightful, quiet spot when the lake is shrouded in fog, but it is quite scenic in sunlight, too. You'll avoid this one as well, instead staying close to the quiet shoreline along Mountain Lake. 3/3/2014 0 Comments I've got to be honest, it's a little tricky to enjoy swimming in the Pacific Northwest. Multiple authors contributed to this report. Hike is 3.9 miles, designated as easy, and has just a slight elevation gain and loss. On your left are tall trees that house various birds; be sure to bring your binoculars! Turtleback Mountain: Tickets & Tours‎ Orcas Island Historical Museum: ... During mushroom season we prefer Moran and Mountain lake trail specifically. There's water everywhere here in Western Washington, but it's chilly. Whitaker, who could not swim, was not wearing a life vest. It’s a lush green place, sparsely populated, with cute modest houses and lots of outdoor recreation. Pressing on, you'll cross Cascade Creek on a bridge. Orcas Island, WA Intermediate. Add Your Trails. Fishing birds like osprey, kingfishers, heron and ducks hunt here, while the rat-tat-tat of woodpeckers resounds in the forest. Fish are slightly less common here than in Cascade Lake, but fishing is permitted in season from a boat or the shore and catching these fish can be a more interesting challenge. Start at the Mountain Lake parking lot and head counterclockwise around the lake. There is a side trail here that leads to Mount Pickett--you'll want to avoid that one in order to complete your loop. Restroom facilities and running water are also provided for the camping area. Past the creek, another trail branches left. Any recommendations? The south-end approach, up the turtle’s “head,” is … Prices for rentals are the same as Cascade Lake … After hiking three and a quarter miles, you'll arrive at the south end of the lake, where you can examine a small dam and take a rest. For the most part the trail is flat to rolling with very few significant climbs. Which is better? Photo by shegoat. If part of your crew is interested in the more challenging Mount Constitution, this is a good way to while away the time that they're trekking to the top. Thanks! Electric motors are allowed but no internal combustion motors are permitted. After a little more than a mile, you will arrive at a junction, where you'll turn right. Intermediate. Mountain Lake is in the midst of Moran State Park on Orcas Island. Fire pits and charcoal grills are available at each campsite, with cook fires permitted all season. The loop around Mountain Lake is the perfect way to spend a relaxing day on Orcas Island. When is Mountain Lake open? The Mountain Lake Loop is located in Moran State Park on Orcas Island, WA. ... 2.1 mi 3.3 km #5 Mountain Lake Trail East. Most of the best mountain bike trails are only open in the winter months, from October 15th through May 15th, although there are trails open during the summer, too. The distinctively shaped Turtleback Mountain is a much-loved area for hikers—at 1,520 feet, the second-highest summit in the islands. Multiple authors contributed to this report. You'll start your loop around Mountain Lake with a short jaunt to the boat launch. The area is in close proximity to the Moran State Park campground, so it is a short walk between the destinations if you are staying in the park. Rowboats, kayaks, and canoes are all suitable for enjoying Mountain Lake and its aquatic features. Keep your eye out for more wildlife, and soon complete your loop hike. Where is the Mt Constitution Orcas Island Trailhead? The lake itself is surrounded by family-friendly activities ranging from playgrounds to hiking trails and boat rentals. Other hikes linked to the trail include the Twin Lakes Trail & the Mount Constitution Summit trail. If the day is clear, you can see Mount Constitution, complete with the tower on top here. 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