🏆 Official Guide: Obstruction Pass State Park — A 76-acre primitive coastal wilderness on the southeastern tip of Orcas Island in Washington’s San Juan Islands — with 9 walk-in campsites, a rainbow pebble beach, Cascadia Marine Trail access, and no running water.
Obstruction Pass State Park is a secluded, 76-acre wilderness on the southeastern tip of Orcas Island — one of the San Juan Islands in Washington’s Puget Sound. The park offers a primitive, pack-in/pack-out experience: a half-mile trail through coastal forest leads to a crescent-shaped beach of unique ocean-smoothed, multicolored pebbles. Nine walk-in campsites and three offshore mooring buoys serve hikers and kayakers on the Cascadia Marine Trail.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | SE tip of Orcas Island, San Juan Islands, WA |
| Size | 76 acres |
| Campsites | 9 walk-in (first-come, first-served) |
| Water | None — bring all drinking water |
| Toilets | Composting toilets only |
| Parking | Discover Pass required |
The Beach
The park’s crescent-shaped beach is famous for its “rainbow pebbles” — ocean-smoothed stones in dozens of natural colors. It’s one of the most unique and beautiful beaches in the San Juan Islands, perfect for beachcombing, tidepooling, and kayak launching. Three offshore mooring buoys are available for boaters (fees apply).
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Hiking | 1.8 mi of trails + 0.6-mi interpretive trail |
| Kayaking | Beach launch — Cascadia Marine Trail campsite |
| Beachcombing | Rainbow pebble beach — tidepools |
| Camping | 9 walk-in sites — fire pits, picnic tables |
| Boating | 3 mooring buoys offshore |
| Wildlife | Bald eagles, harbor seals, possible orca sightings |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation?
No — all 9 campsites are first-come, first-served. There is no reservation system. One campsite is designated for Cascadia Marine Trail users (kayakers and small-boat travelers). A Washington State Discover Pass is required for vehicle parking.
Is there water at Obstruction Pass?
No — there is no running water or potable water anywhere in the park. You must bring all your own drinking water and supplies. Composting toilets are the only facility available.
How do I get to Orcas Island?
Orcas Island is accessed by Washington State Ferries from Anacortes, WA. The ferry carries vehicles and passengers. From the ferry landing, Obstruction Pass State Park is about a 20-minute drive to the southeastern tip of the island.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Moran State Park (a short drive away) and Upright Channel (a short drive away).
Park Location
Plan your gear for Obstruction Pass State Park
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