Turtleback Mountain Tours and Activities

Waldron Lookout, accessible via a spur trail at 1.5 miles up the northern trail.

Turtleback Mountain is a wilderness-preservation success story.  Recently the target of a development effort on Orcas Island, a popular weekend destination for people from Seattle, it was saved from that fate largely by the efforts of one man and his organization, Tim Seifert, executive director of the San Juan Preservation Trust.  Thanks to their work, the mountain is now a wilderness area, in perpetuity.  As a bonus, a network of trails is now available to allow hikers and sight-seers a chance to explore the mountain.  The trails are beautiful and serene and not nearly as crowded as those on the more popular Mount Constitution, which sits on the other side of the island.  There are just a few open viewpoints, such as this one, but they do pack a punch.  Beyond that, the forest scenery is just fantastic.
Waldron Lookout, accessible via a spur trail at 1.5 miles up the northern trail.

Turtleback Mountain is a wilderness-preservation success story.  Recently the target of a development effort on Orcas Island, a popular weekend destination for people from Seattle, it was saved from that fate largely by the efforts of one man and his organization, Tim Seifert, executive director of the San Juan Preservation Trust.  Thanks to their work, the mountain is now a wilderness area, in perpetuity.  As a bonus, a network of trails is now available to allow hikers and sight-seers a chance to explore the mountain.  The trails are beautiful and serene and not nearly as crowded as those on the more popular Mount Constitution, which sits on the other side of the island.  There are just a few open viewpoints, such as this one, but they do pack a punch.  Beyond that, the forest scenery is just fantastic.
Turtleback Mountain is a wilderness-preservation success story.  Recently the target of a development effort on Orcas Island, a popular weekend destination for people from Seattle, it was saved from that fate largely by the efforts of one man and his organization, Tim Seifert, executive director of the San Juan Preservation Trust.  Thanks to their work, the mountain is now a wilderness area, in perpetuity.  As a bonus, a network of trails is now available to allow hikers and sight-seers a chance to explore the mountain.  The trails are beautiful and serene and not nearly as crowded as those on the more popular Mount Constitution, which sits on the other side of the island.  There aren't many open viewpoints, but the forest scenery is just fantastic.


Popular places to visit


Top Turtleback Mountain Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Orchard House

Orchard House

2 out of 5
Eastsound WA
Orchard House
Waterfront cottage with tidelands, creek and waterfall!

Waterfront cottage with tidelands, creek and waterfall!

Eastsound WA
Waterfront cottage with tidelands, creek and waterfall!
Dragonfly Pond house is a rustic, spacious, light-filled vacation rental home on Orcas Island with high ceilings overlooking a tranquil pond. Clean & comfy. Located in 7 acres of forest, it's peaceful and secluded. Close to town and the ferry.

Dragonfly Pond house is a rustic, spacious, light-filled vacation rental home on Orcas Island with high ceilings overlooking a tranquil pond. Clean & comfy. Located in 7 acres of forest, it's peaceful and secluded. Close to town and the ferry.

2 out of 5
Eastsound WA
Dragonfly Pond house is a rustic, spacious, light-filled vacation rental home on Orcas Island with high ceilings overlooking a tranquil pond. Clean & comfy. Located in 7 acres of forest, it's peaceful and secluded. Close to town and the ferry.
Sandy Beachfront, Hot Tub, Pet-Friendly, Kayaking

Sandy Beachfront, Hot Tub, Pet-Friendly, Kayaking

Orcas Island WA
Sandy Beachfront, Hot Tub, Pet-Friendly, Kayaking
West Beach Resort

West Beach Resort

3.5 out of 5
190 Waterfront Way Eastsound WA
West Beach Resort
Luxe Waterfront, Private Beach, Golfing, Hiking, Spacious Living, Close to Town

Luxe Waterfront, Private Beach, Golfing, Hiking, Spacious Living, Close to Town

Eastsound WA
Luxe Waterfront, Private Beach, Golfing, Hiking, Spacious Living, Close to Town
2BR Beachfront Cabin on west-facing beach with sunsets!

2BR Beachfront Cabin on west-facing beach with sunsets!

Eastsound WA
2BR Beachfront Cabin on west-facing beach with sunsets!
2BR Deluxe Beachfront Cabin on Spectacular West Beach!

2BR Deluxe Beachfront Cabin on Spectacular West Beach!

Eastsound WA
2BR Deluxe Beachfront Cabin on Spectacular West Beach!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.