Obstruction Pass State Park

Olga, WA

Available Activities

Hiking
Camping
Picnicking
Beachcombing
Whale Watching
Kayaking

By Sarah MitchellOutdoor Editor & Trail ExpertFebruary 5, 2026 · Updated May 15, 2026

🏆 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

⚠️ Primitive Conditions: There is no running water, no electricity, and no trash service. This is a pack-in/pack-out park. Bring all drinking water and supplies. Carry out everything you carry in. The half-mile walk from parking means all gear must be carried by hand.

💡 Pro Tip: This is the quietest, most primitive park in the San Juan Islands — a hidden gem on Orcas Island. The rainbow pebble beach is magical at low tide for beachcombing. Kayakers can use the dedicated Cascadia Marine Trail campsite. No reservations — first-come, first-served only. The park is administered by Moran State Park — call their office for current conditions.

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.

About the Author

Sarah Mitchell

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

Last updated: May 15, 2026