A Day At Obstruction Pass State Park - The Orcas Ohana Vacation Home

Obstruction Pass State Park is one of Orcas Islands beautiful vantage points

. The park contains the islands longest beach, Pebble Beach, which is covered by many ocean-smoothed rainbow-colored pebbles. This beach is one of the most unique in the world. An Orcas Island vacation would not be complete without gazing at the unusual pebbles found at Obstruction Pass.

Getting There

Obstruction Pass State Park is part of the Cascadia Marine Trail which is campsite network of over 50 different sites throughout the Puget Sound. There are two great ways to get to Obstruction Pass State Park. Visitors can drive about 2 miles off of the Olga to Doe Bay Road at the end of the gravel road. From there its a short half mile hike to the picnic area. It is also possible to get to the park via the water.

Hiking Trail

The trail at Obstruction Pass State park is one of the lesser-known ones on Orcas Island . The trail is only about 0.5 miles long. Despite the short length of the trail, hikers are advised to wear hiking boots as the trail is primitive and can be muddy any time of the year.

After about a hike of around 0.3 mile through lush vegetation, hikers come to the first views of the water. After that is a camping and picnic area with nine campsites, picnic tables, and pit toilets. There is also a pebble beach which is very unique in the islands. The beach is about 150 yards long in a crescent shape and is covered in tiny, marble sized, multi-colored pebbled. It is also typically strewn with driftwood. This is where hikers can get the best view the park offers, including views of Lopez, Blakely, and Obstruction Islands and sometimes the ferry passing through.

However, dont stop the hike there. Go to the right and there is an entirely different beach with a westward view that also offers a view to the north to the Moran Mansion and the village of Olga. A large rock is there which makes a great picnic spot. The entire hike is very secluded and though its only half a mile, hikers should plan on spending the entire day exploring.

Boating Options

There are three mooring cans offshore of Obstruction Park for those who decide to sail to the location. There is also enough room to safely anchor. The beach is a great location to land kayaks as well and there is a boat launch nearby on Orcas Islands North Beach.

A trip to Obstruction Pass State Park should be on any visitors list of must-see locations on Orcas Island. Be sure to plan a full day of your Orcas Island vacation for this unique park.

by: Nicki Guyton

POST COMMENT

The Best Ways To Brighten Up Your Home Light Your Home How To Choose The Right Type Of Ceiling Lights For Your Home How To Prevent Your Home From Being Repossessed Picking Your First Home Through Real Estate Investments Home Care Providers For Elder Citizens Sheds N Homes Adelaide South Using Shingle Roofing For Your Home Zac Brown Band Tickets - Summer Tour Includes The 2012 Home Run Derby Natural Floor Stone Tiles For Your Home. Know The Advantages Of Online Deals For Home Services Reasons To Install A Good Home Security System Pursue Easy Steps To Increase Your Take-home Income