Even with a bit of clouds, the views from
Mount Constitution are breathtaking.
Whimsical wall ornaments inspired by island-
grown produce are brimming with character.
l Play
There are dozens of different hikes on
Orcas, ranging from gentle strolls to
serious climbs. The half-mile hike to
Cascade Falls offers by far the biggest
reward for the least amount of effort.
In the sun-dappled forest floor, the
well-maintained path follows Cascade
Creek past a series of waterfalls. It leads
to the biggest of the tumbling displays
— a stunning 40-foot rock cliff.
Its longer, though still gentle, sister
hike continues on around Cascade
Lake in a three-mile loop. During the
summer months, the freshwater lake
is a favorite for swimming and wave-
free paddle boarding. Playful teens and
adults can often be seen jumping from
the 20-foot bridge that separates the
lake from the lagoon.
Venturing up, you’ll find strenuous
hikes, like the Mount Constitution
and Mountain Lake hike that spans
6.7-miles with a 1,500-foot elevation
gain. Resting at 2,409 feet, Mount
Constitution is the tallest peak in the
San Juan Islands. It offers glorious pan-
oramic views of the Cascade Mountains,
Mount Rainier, and Mount Baker. On
clear days you can see as far as Vancou-
ver and Victoria, British Columbia.
Those not up for the 13,000-plus-
step accent, have no fear. You’re not
alone. My girlfriend and I opted to save
our muscles too. You can reach Mount
Constitution’s peak by car.
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And whether you made the trek or
not, all are welcome to savor a scoop
(or two) of the best San Juan crafted ice
cream at Sugar on Top. Housed in a
vintage Airstream, the walkup ice cream
parlor serves sweet scoops and savory
sandwiches one smile at a time.
Should you venture to Moran State
Park’s eastern side, keep an eye out for
the Aproximada, the 80-foot ship that
rests 400 feet above sea level.
The Aproximada is nestled between
trees on the side of Mount Pickett. It
has never seen the sea. Built by App
Applegate, who hoped to one day sail
the vessel to Cuba, the decaying forest
ornament has become one of the ‘7
Wonders of Orcas Island.’
l Relax
explore: NW | The Official Magazine for kenmore air | Spring 2019
Despite having a population of less than
6,000, Orcas is home to three different
yoga studios, including Orcas Mandala
(138 North Beach Rd.), Alexander Studio
(109 North Beach Rd.), and Doe Bay (107
Doe Bay Rd., Olga). Each offers a range
Insider Tip
of classes focused on stretching and
strengthening the body.
When we visited, we opted for a
morning class at Doe Bay. The intimate
studio featured waterfront views. It also
gave us close proximity to the resort’s
luxurious spa. The clothing-optional,
wilderness retreat offers three outdoor
saltwater soaking tubs and a sauna.
Overlooking a small, protected cove, it
allows you to fully immerse yourself in
nature while your body relaxes.
In addition to stretching and soaking,
be sure to spend some time exploring
the island’s hand-crafted wares. Pots,
plates, and decorative pieces are thrown,
glazed, and fired on premise at Orcas
Island Pottery (338 Old Pottery Rd.). The
studio opened in 1954. It was originally
housed in a log cabin. While it’s long
since outgrown the rustic beginnings,
the cabin remains — a testament to the
studio’s beautiful history.
Though many of the island’s artisans
enjoy their quiet solitude, you’ll also
find them in Eastsound, the island’s
‘downtown’ of sorts. Among them is
Atelier (414 N Beach Rd.), a lifestyle
boutique featuring Orcas inspired graph-
ic tees designed by owner Nicole Kraa-
yeveld; Material Wit (123 N Beach Rd.
Suite B), a breathy jewelry store featur-
ing island-inspired minimalists jewelry
designed and made on-island by Jessie
Morrow; and the Peter C Fisher Gallery
(138 N Beach Rd. Suite. 103), where
exhibits feature current and historic
photographs of the San Juan Islands.
Orcas Island Rental Cars offers hassle free pick ups and returns at your
location of choice. 360-376-7433