Obstruction Pass State Park

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Obstruction Pass State Park is one of the few public beaches on famed Orcas Island.

Though most people flock to its bigger neighbor, Moran State Park, this property's quiet beauty is unsurpassed. Opal waters lap at pebbly beaches, and madrone trees cling to bluffs. Rocky viewpoints entice picnickers, birders, lovebirds and youthful explorers.

Follow the half-mile trail through a low forest to the bluff and down to the beach. But don't forget to snag one of nine first-come, first-served primitive campsites near the south end of the park. If you arrived by kayak or canoe, stake your tent at the Cascadia Marine Trail campsite close to the water. Motoring in on a bigger boat? Tie up to a mooring buoy, and enjoy a night on the water.

Because Obstruction Pass only has 10 campsites and three buoys, overnighters will feel like they have this spot in the San Juan Islands all to themselves.

Park features

Obstruction Pass State Park is an 76-acre primitive camping park on the south end of Orcas Island, south of Moran State Park. The park is one of the few spots on Orcas Island with access to more than one mile of publicly owned saltwater shoreline.

Please note: There is no potable water at this park, and it is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out location. Please plan accordingly when visiting the park.

  1. Activities
  2. Boating
  3. Camping
  4. History
  5. Maps

Picnic & day-use facilities

Fire pits, picnic tables and toilets (composting) are provided. Water is not available at the park.

Activities

Trails

  • 1.8 miles of hiking trails

Water activities & features

  • Crabbing
  • Fishing (saltwater)
  • Personal watercraft

Other activities & features

  • Beach exploration
  • Bird watching
  • Wildlife viewing

Interpretive opportunities

There is a self-guided interpretive trail along the 0.6-mile trail to Obstruction Pass beach. The trail includes information about the geology, ecology and the cultural significance of Obstruction Pass and Orcas Island.

Additional information