MOUNT CONSTITUTION VIEWPOINT
Drive up (or hike!) to Mount Constitution for an unbelievably breathtaking views of the surrounding San Juan Islands, Cascade Mountain range, and Olympic Mountain Range.
ORCAS ISLAND HIKES
1. Cascade Lake Loop (2.7 Miles)
The Cascade Lake Loop is one of the most popular hikes in Moran State Park as it's easily accessed from the main parking lot entering Moran State Park. The trail leads you around the north and west side of Cascade Lake with amazing views of the lake nearly the entire hike. Treat yourself after your hike to a ice cream cone or coffee from the snack shop.
How to get there: The main parking area at Cascade Lake in Moran State Park, and head on the trailhead to the right (north side of Cascade lake).
2. Mountain Lake Loop (4 miles)
Mountain Lake Loop is a beautiful 4mile hike around Moran State Park's largest lake, Mountain Lake. Hikers will experience several terrains and vistas, including gorgeous lake views, rocky hills, thick woodlands and treelines marshlands on the well maintained trail.How to get there: Drive up Mt. Constitution Road and follow signs to Mountain Lake. Ample parking is available with restroom access.
WHALE WATCHING
1. Deer Harbor Charters, 360 376 5989, www.deerharborcharters.com; 3-hour tours from Rosario Marina, great naturalist guides
2. Eclipse Charters, 360 376 6566, www.orcasislandwhales.com;
Biggest whale watch boat with protected and comfortable cabin, from ferry landing
3. Outer Island Excursions, 360 376 3711, http://www.outerislandx.com/;
Whale watch tours and water taxi from Northbeach/Eastsound
Kayak Rentals are available in several areas of the Island, including the popular location on the picturesque Crescent Beach and Cascade Lake in Moran State Park. If you're looking for guided tours, there are several choices available from different guides. Pick your area, and there's bound to be a guided operation. Some include: the Ferry Landing, North Beach, Rosario, Deer Harbor, and even directly at Doe Bay (our home-base for the weekend!).
1. Shearwater Kayak Tours offers guided tours directly from Doe Bay. For more information call 360-376-4699 or book your reservation directly online.
2. Crescent Beach Kayak offers kayak rentals from Crescent Beach, conveniently located in Eastsound in protected East Sound Bay. For more information call 360-376-2646 or visit their website.
3. Orcas Adventures offers kayak rentals, as well as row boats, paddle boards and canoes at Cascade Lake in Moran State Park. For more information call 360-376-4665 or visit their website.