Crescent Beach Trail

A gift of 7.5 acres of marsh behind Crescent Beach on Orcas Island (just east of Eastsound Village) was donated to the Preservation Trust by Robert F. Buck in 1986. Subsequently, in 1990, an adjoining 2 acres of wetlands was donated by Stephan Gerrard. The wetland area contains important wildlife habitat (home to deer, otter, muskrat, and a multitude of avian species) and will remain in a natural and undisturbed condition under the Trust’s stewardship. The wildlife habitat value of this wetland was further enhanced when the San Juan County Land Bank protected several hundred acres in the marsh and Crescent Beach area, making this a favorite stop for residents and visitors alike to stretch their legs, view wetland species along the marsh’s trail system, or gaze down the long fetch of East Sound.

protects a rich shoreline and intertidal zone,
a network of freshwater wetlands, and Douglas-fir forest. Over 2,000 feet of
sand and gravel beach are open to the public. A portion of the tidelands are
also leased to a small oyster farm. Wildlife watchers may see osprey, river
otter, and a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl. To minimize human impacts
to this popular beach, visitors are asked to take extra care to leave marine
life and drift logs undisturbed. Please be respectful of adjoining private
uplands, beaches, and the oyster farm. Do not trespass.

Access Info

Take Orcas Road for 8 miles. Turn right on
Main Street and continue straight through
Eastsound Village. Main Street becomes
Crescent Beach Road just east of town.
Parking areas are located on the left
(north) side of the road at 8.2, 8.4, and 8.6
miles. To reach the northern parking area,
continue on to the T intersection at 8.9
miles. Turn left on Terrill Beach Road.
At 9.3 miles, turn left on Mount Baker
Road. Parking area is on the left at
9.7 miles from start of trip.