- 100 Classic Hikes of Washington, Hiking
Hiking Guide to Turtlehead on Orcas Island
Orcas Island is known for its resident killer whales, delicious food, and fantastic recreational activities. Hiking in the Turtleback Mountain Preserve is among one of the best activities you can do on the small island in Puget Sound.
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Complete Hiking Guide to Turtlehead Trail on Orcas Island
General Trail Information
Trail Stats
Region: San Juan Islands
Distance: 5.9 miles
Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,300′
Time: 3+ hours
When to go: Year-Round
Pass/Permit?: None
Dogs?: On-Leash
Where is the Turtlehead Trailhead located?
Turtlehead Trail is located on the ancestral lands of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla tribes, Tulalip, Samish, Lummi, Semiahmoo, S’Klallam Tribes, and the Hal’qumi’num Treaty Group. We are grateful for the stewards of this land past and present. We are honored to be and recognize that we are guests on this land.
Getting to the trail
Turtlehead Trail is located on Orcas Island. To access the trail, take the Anacortes Ferry to Orca Island and head north on Horseshoe Highway for 3.5 miles.
Turn left onto Nordstrom Lane until you reach Crow Valley Road where you will turn Right. Continue on Crow Valley Road for another mile and a half until you reach the trailhead.
Trailhead Facilities
There are enough parking spots at the trailhead for about ten cars. A sign with trail information was in the parking lot and a port-a-pot was available.
Season to Visit
The trail is accessible year-round.
Passes/Permits
No permits are needed to access the trail.
Hiking Turtlehead Trail
The parking lot is small and is situated next to the Crow Valley School Museum which is open seasonally. Beginning on the North Trail, the trail is wide and flat. The elevation gain begins almost right away and is quite the lung burner! The surrounding forest is beautiful and lush.
Mile 1
Approaching the first lookout, the view is of crow valley and is a good stopping point for anyone who wants a breather. Continuing out to Waldron Overlook is the first view of the Puget Sound. After the overlook, the trail forks to the right which is the beginning of the Turtlehead Trail.
Mile 2
Up until this point, the trail was wide and gravel-y. The Turtlehead trail takes on the form of a more traditional narrow trail. The trail drops in elevation by 300 feet which will have to re-gained to get to the “turtlehead”
Check Out Another Orcas Island Hike: Mount Constitution
Each section of the Turtleback Mountain Preserve has its own story. The Turtlehead(name of trail) was donated to the San Juan Preservation Trust by Ruth Ellen Helsell Winter. On many maps it is referred to as Orcas Knob, since its absorption into the Turtleback Mountain Preserve, Turtlehead has some of the most spectacular public views in San Juan Islands.
Mile 2.5
Regaining the 300 feet to get to the Turtlehead of Turtleback Mountain, the trail meanders through thick forest and along ledges. Approaching the end of the trail, the forest opens up to a grassy area for hikers to take in the views. Make sure to take some time to enjoy the views of the surrounding islands and Olympic Mountains.
Should Turtlehead be a Classic Hike of Washington?
I am hiking all “100 Classic Hikes of Washington”. But the question is, Should Turtlehead be a 100 Classic Hike of Washington?
Turtlehead trail should be a 100 Classic Hike of Washington. The work that has gone into protecting and preserving Turtleback Mountain preserve demonstrates the importance of this greenspace. Not only does this hike offer spectacular views of the San Juans, but it is truly meaningful to the people who live there.
Let me know in the comments if you think Turtlehead should be a 100 Classic Hike of Washington!
What Should You Do After Turtlehead?
I completed this hike on a brisk morning in March and I had time to go explore another Island in the San Juans, Lopez Island to hike Iceberg Point. If you’re looking to stay on Orcas Island, the jewel of Orcas Island for outdoor adventure is Moran State Park!
Otherwise, there is plenty to do in Eastsound!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Turtlehead Trail on the Turtleback Mountain Preserve!
How long does it take to hike to Turtlehead?
Plan to hike for between 3 hours depending on your comfortability with elevation gain. Stopping at Walkdron Overlook and enjoying the views from the summit will also add additional time.
How do I get to Turtleback Mountain?
You will take the Anacortes Ferry to Orcas Island. Make reservations for both directions in advance and choose an early time slot on the way there.
What does 5.7 miles out-and-back mean?
The distance plus out and back indicates that is the total distance of the trail. If a sign says “one-way”, you will need to double the distance to know how long you will be hiking to and from the trailhead.
Pack It Up
The Turtlehead Trail is a trek I have completed multiple times and love it more and more every time I complete it. The vistas overlooking the Puget Sound are some of the best in the Islands.
Keep in mind that this trail is open to bikers and horseback riders. If you’re bringing your dog on the trail, remember that horses have the right away and you’ll want your dog to be visible so as to not spook the horses.
Another great hike on Orca Island is Mount Constitution in Moran State Park! It also just so happens to be another 100 Classic Hike of Washington.
Happy Hiking!
Meet the Author -
Sarah Borgen
I am an Educator and outdoor Enthusiast based out of Seattle and writer of Exploren Borgen! My adventures consist of weekends spent in the woods, on a hike, car camping, and taking a deep breath of fresh air. When not on an adventure, you can find me in a classroom teaching high school science! I love having a job that allows me to the opportunity to discuss things like conservation, sustainability, and accessibility.
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Meet the author
Sarah Borgen, AKA your outdoor bestie
I’m an outdoorsy educator and adventure advocate, which is why I’m passionate about creating resources – like blogs, guides, and interactive maps – to simplify your travels. I’m eager to share some of Washington’s greatest destinations and hidden gems with you.
