Turtleback Mountain was our first hike on Orcas Island, and the best one we did.
Hiked: early June
Best time to hike: year round
Distance from Seattle: not for a day trip – 2 hours to Anacortes, plus 1 hour ferry ride, and then a 10-minute drive from the ferry terminal
Accessibility: Entirely paved highway and road
Length & elevation: 3 miles round trip, 860 feet elevation gain
Difficulty: Easy
Crowds: Light
Trail views: Sound, Orcas Island, forest, other islands
The trail is really well signed and easy to follow. The trailhead starts at a dirt lot with a map and a port-a-potty. We followed the signs for Ship Peak in search of views and had a lovely time.
After winding through the forest, the trail opens up to some more grassy and meadow areas with sweeping views across the water.
This hike was really nice. Even though it was cloudy and grey, it was still beautiful. It was the place we started our trip to Orcas Island at, and it kicked off our trip in a fabulous way. If you’re visiting Orcas, I wouldn’t miss this trail!
Having so much fun in the wind
Elizabeth Seeks 