Sandy beach
No
Hike-in Required
No
Surfing
No
Snorkeling / SCUBA
No
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.

The aptly named North Beach is located at the northernmost point of Orcas Island. This is the best launching point for a paddling adventure to other nearby islands, including Sucia Island, Patos Island, or Matia Island. Kayaks are available right at the beach through a local outfitter (which also provides whale watching tours). If you’re not looking for a paddle, the beach still provides panoramic views to the previously mentioned islands, and you'll also see Canadian islands since the border is so close. Also, from North Beach you can catch a water taxi to the state park islands to the north. While not quite as adventurous, the water taxi is an easier and safer way to access the exceptional islands to the north of Orcas Island.

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Easy access and parking. Paddling rental available. Panoramic island views.

Cons

Limited parking. Private access only to east and west.

Features

ADA accessible
Fishing
Picnic tables
Lodging
Marina
Wildlife
Wildlife
Bird watching

Location

Comments

09/26/2019
With just an inflatable kayak, I wasn't planning on launching from here. I did want to just hike along the beach, however, and check it out, but the public part is very narrow, with "Private Beach" signs on both sides. Apparently, people in Washington can own their tidelands (how did I not know this, having lived here all my life?).
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