Days
<1
Motors Allowed?
Yes
Difficulty
Easy / Class A
Distance
8.40 mi (13.52 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

A paddle from Cascade Bay to Obstruction Pass Beach or vice versa is an ideal way to explore the shoreline of Orcas Island’s East Sound. This is also a great paddle option if you’re staying at Orca Island’s Rosario Resort, as you can do a there-and-back from Rosario or launch from Obstruction Pass Beach and end your trip at the Resort.

Between the two sandy beaches of Cascade Bay and Obstruction Pass Beach you’ll pass seals, porpoises, seabirds, and plenty of grand houses and yachts. Also, small beaches dot the shoreline along the route, any of which makes for a secluded landing spot for a lunch and lounging in the sun.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Wildlife. Island Views. Away from the ferry line.

Cons

Possible rough waters and/or fog. Boat traffic toward south side of Orcas Island.

Features

Lodging
Fishing
Picnic tables
Bird watching
Wildlife
Wildlife

Site characteristics: Water

Sound/Strait

Portage required

No

Location

Comments

08/27/2019
We found the dock at Obstruction Pass a great place to launch our inflatable kayak. We paddled to the west, spotting otters, and to the east around a little 'island' (perhaps visible only at lower tides). We did have to expend a bit more energy coming back around that islet against the current, which could have been much worse. A local said the currents can be going both ways in that area, so best beware.
There is a ferry just big enough to carry a large oil tank semi-truck that comes and goes from next to the dock, but it didn't seem to leave much of a wake.
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