Turtleback Mountain

Choose two or more items and save on your trip:

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.

Lodging Near Turtleback Mountain

Cottage-in-the-Barn on Dragonfly Farm

Cottage-in-the-Barn on Dragonfly Farm

Eastsound WA
Located in Eastsound, this cottage is by the sea, a 3-minute drive from Turtleback Mountain and 7 minutes from West Sound Marina.
Such a magical cozy place!

Reviewed on 20 Oct 2025

Opens in a new windowCottage-in-the-Barn on Dragonfly Farm
Waterfront cottage with tidelands, creek and waterfall!

Waterfront cottage with tidelands, creek and waterfall!

Eastsound WA
The price is AU$1,145 per night from 3 Feb to 4 Feb
AU$1,145
per night
3 Feb - 4 Feb
Located in Eastsound, this cottage is on the waterfront, a 1-minute drive from West Sound Marina and 6 minutes from Skull Island State Park.
The property was in a great location and well stocked. We loved finding sea glass on the property's beach.

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Opens in a new windowWaterfront cottage with tidelands, creek and waterfall!
Orchard House

Orchard House

2 out of 5
Eastsound WA
With a stay at Orchard House in Eastsound, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of West Sound Marina and Orcas Island Golf Course.
Opens in a new windowOrchard House
Don't see what you're looking for?
See all available properties in Turtleback Mountain
View all properties
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.