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Obstruction Pass State Park
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.
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
- A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks. For regulations, fishing season information, or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
- San Juan Islands state park brochure (PDF).
Boating features
Located on Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands, Obstruction Pass offers three moorage buoys.
Boat moorage
Moorage fees are charged year round for mooring at docks, floats, and buoys from 1 p.m. to 8 a.m. Moorage permits are available at parks offering moorage.
this park offers phone in buoy registration
How it works:
- When you arrive at a buoy, call the phone number on the mooring ball.
- Provide your buoy number and length of stay (3 nights maximum).
- Pay with a credit or debit card or provide your Annual Boat Moorage permit number.
- There is a $4.50 convenience fee to register by phone.
- All buoys are first come, first served and $15 per night.
Campsite information
The park has nine primitive campsites, one Cascadia Marine Trail campsite, and four composting toilets (two in the campground, two at the trailhead). All sites are first come, first served. The Cascadia Marine Trail campsite is for use by those arriving by human- and wind-powered watercraft only.
There is approximately 1/2-mile walk from the parking lot to the campsites.
Check-in time is 2:30 p.m.
Check-out time is 1 p.m.
Fees
For fee information, check out our camping rates page.
Historical information
Obstruction Pass was formerly managed by the Department of Natural Resources and has been under the care of Washington State Parks since 2005.