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Fewer Crowds & Stunning Views on
Orcas Island’s Turtleback Mountain
Orcas Island’s Moran State Park typically gets lots of attention. But for those
looking to savor equally stunning views without the sometimes-crowded hiking trails,
Turtleback Mountain offers a stunning alternative.
SPANNING 1,578 ACRES, TURTLE-
BACK MOUNTAIN Preserve is a newer
addition to the island’s trails. It was
originally owned by the Chairman of
the Weyerhaeuser company. But in 2006
it was purchased by a group of conser-
vation groups including the San Juan
Preservation Trust.
Since then, a relatively primitive trail
system has been developed totally more
than 8 miles of trails and two trail-
heads. The two sides of the mountain
have decidedly different looks. At the
north end, former logging roads offer
exceptional mountain biking and trail
running.
The casual hiker generally prefers
the south end, where easy-to-moderate
elevation gains and breathtaking views
abound — like the 2.9-mile Ship Peak
Loop.
Start from the southern parking lot
and head through the ravine. After you
cross a creek, the trail will split. Head to
the left, taking the Lost Oak Trail. (While
it’s a loop, this direction allows you to get
the steeper climb out of the way first.)
This section will take you under a
canopy of Douglas firs, madrones, and
Garry oaks. At .7 miles you’ll reach a
bench with a viewpoint of West Sound.
As you continue climbing the South
Trail, you’ll be treated to expanding
views of Salt Spring, Lopez, San Juan
Island, and the Olympic Mountains.
At 1.2 miles you’ll reach the West
Overlook. This was formerly the site of
a home, but it’s now outfitted with a
Distance: 2.9 miles, round trip
Elevation Gain: 860 ft.
Highest Point: 931 ft.
Dogs: Permitted on leash
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Accessible: Year-round
Tips: Bring water. There’s no fresh
source along the way.
bench. During the spring, the grounds
around you will be flooded with Camas
Lilies, also known as Wild Hyacinth or
Indian Lily. But year-round, this is a
spectacular destination for sunsets.
Continue along the trail, gradually
descending to a signed junction. Wan-
der through the mature forest, past an
old fence and several trees before taking
the steep descent into a thick forest.
Continuing on, you’ll come to the origi-
nal junction. Stay to the left to reach the
trailhead.
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