Cascade Lake

Orcas Island, Washington

Cascade Lake is a beautiful lake located in the rural and hilly Orcas Island, the gem of the State Juan Islands in Northwest Washington. It is the most popular lake in Moran State Park, the fifth largest state park in the state.

Though the lake is rural, it’s around 10 minutes away from UW Medicine Primary Care Orcas Island Clinic and an hour away from the PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center. It’s around 3.5 hours from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Orcas Island Elementary, Middle, and High School are located in Eastsound.

The lake is a family-friendly location for swimming and picnics by the water. A Moran State Park favorite, the Sugar Shack, sells drinks and ice cream to swimmers at the lake.

History

Ironically, though orcas can be seen near the island, the island’s name has nothing to do with the whale. Rather, it was named after Juan Vicente de Güemes Padilla Horcasitas y Aguayo, the Viceroy of Mexico who sent an exploration expedition to the Pacific Northwest in 1791.

Nevertheless, whale-watching tours off the coast of Orcas Island will allow you to see amazing creatures such as orcas, minke whales, and harbor seals.

Fun On and Off the Water

Paddleboat and kayak rentals are available at the nearby bait shop and hikers and cyclists can take advantage of the Cascade Lake Loop Trail, which features several overlooks to stop and view the lake as well as Moran State Park’s Mount Constitution.

For a modest fee for non-campers, the boat ramp at the Midway Campground can be used to access the lake year-round. However, boating is ideal in the summer and fall.

The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, which are abundant. It is also home to coastal cutthroat trout as well as kokanee and largemouth bass.

Being in the San Juan Island area, saltwater fishing opportunities are ample. Anglers may catch salmon, flounder, lingcod, and halibut. Fishing charters can be booked in the nearby town of Eastsound.

Moran State Park has many opportunities for camping. There are over 120 campsites available for both primitive and RV camping. Campgrounds have restrooms and showers as well as clean water. The park is home to many wild animals including over 250 species of birds. Keep an eye out and you might also see bald eagles, deer, and rabbits.

But if that’s not enough, Orcas Island offers a wide variety of activities from whale-watching tours to music festivals.

Around Town

A popular destination for art enthusiasts, Orcas Island Artwork is one of the finest selections of local art and crafts on the San Juan Islands. Orcas Island Artwork is a co-op of around 45 local artists and includes pottery, sculpture, jewelry, glass, wood, paintings, prints, wearable art, fiber, and more.

The Orcas Center hosts over 40 performances per year by local and professional artists. It’s also home to the Orcas Island Jazz Festival annually on Labor Day weekend.

Island Lake Living

If you love art or are looking for a family-friendly rural location in a beautiful part of the country, Cascade Lake may be the place to look for your next lake home!