San Juan Islands, WA : Obstruction Pass Park

Obstruction Pass Park

San Juan County

Eastsound

Guides
  Attractions
  Restaurants
  Outdoors
  Lodging

About
  Gallery
  Contact
  Legal


Address Obstruction Pass Park and Trail Eastsound, WA 98279

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.

Description:

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

Features
Picnic Area | Walking Trails | Picnic Tables

Comments
I loved this park, was the best hike of my stay on the island. The road to it was a little rough and my dog almost killed himself on the traid that leads down to the beach (by the solo picnic table) otherwise the views were awesome, Rasario resort and Olga. Trail was not too difficult, although a couple trails were narrow and on cliffs. Well worth the drive, I'm planning to camp at one of the 9 or so sites on the beach next time im on the island.
- Justin on Tue, February 12, 2008

Add Your Comments
Please Enter ONLY Comments. DO NOT ENTER Questions or requests for information. They will NOT be answered and will be deleted. You need to contact the establishments directly for answers to your questions.

Want us to link your web site? Just Fill Our our link request form by clicking here.

See something you like? Something you don't like? Send us your feedback. Let us know what you want to see on San Juan Islands, it's your web site! Email us at webmaster@kulshan.com