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Obstruction Pass Park

Review

The Obstruction Pass Trail is one of Orcas Island’s lesser-known hiking areas. This 80-acre Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recreation area is about 1-1/2 miles off the Olga to Doe Bay Road at the end of a gravel road.
The Obstruction Pass Trail is one of Orcas Island’s lesser-known hiking areas. This 80-acre Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recreation area is about 1-1/2 miles off the Olga to Doe Bay Road at the end of a gravel road. While the trail is only about a half-mile long, boots are advised as the trail is a bit primitive and can be muddy most of the year. Also, don’t forget to bring water.

After hiking through lush vegetation for about three-tenths of a mile, you’ll reach the first good views of the water. A few hundred yards ahead, you’ll reach a camping and picnic area complete with nine campsites, pit toilets, picnic tables and a pebble beach that is unique for all the islands. The 150-yard-long crescent beach is covered with tiny, marble-sized, multicolored pebbles and is strewn with driftwood. The "killer view" looking south offers Lopez, Blakely and Obstruction Islands, as well as the occasional passing ferry.

Many people fail to hike to the right and find an entirely different beach with a view west and north to the Moran mansion and the village of Olga. There is a large rock that makes a fabulous picnic spot with a panoramic view west. You’ll see soaring eagles and osprey, as well as many sea birds. Though the total hike is a bit over a mile, plan to spend the good part of a day in seeing the many sights here in this very secluded picnic and camping jewel.
Written By: Tom Carroll
On: 3/29/2001

Directions

From the ferry landing, drive around the island and through Moran State Park to Olga. Turn left, heading to Olga. After about a half mile, turn right onto Obstruction Pass Road and go about 1-1/2 miles to the sign for the park. Turn right and find the parking lot about a mile ahead.

Features

Picnic Area | Picnic Tables | Walking Trails

Map

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