Turtleback Mountain

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 Deals

West Beach Resort

West Beach Resort

3.5 out of 5
190 Waterfront Way Eastsound WA
West Beach Resort
Outlook Inn

Outlook Inn

3 out of 5
171 Main St Eastsound WA
Outlook Inn
Deer Harbor Inn

Deer Harbor Inn

3 out of 5
33 Inn Lane Deer Harbor WA
Deer Harbor Inn
Landmark Inn on Orcas Island

Landmark Inn on Orcas Island

3 out of 5
67 Main St Eastsound WA
Landmark Inn on Orcas Island
Deer Harbor Cottages

Deer Harbor Cottages

2 out of 5
68 Inn Ln Deer Harbor WA
Deer Harbor Cottages
Rosario Village

Rosario Village

2 out of 5
1400 Rosario Rd Eastsound WA
Rosario Village
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.

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