Orcas Island Camping Adventure: Moran State Park Escape 🇮🇹
With a perfect weather forecast, we escaped to Moran State Park on Orcas Island - one of the San Juan Islands but far less crowded than its famous neighbors 🏕️ This island served as the mystical setting for What Remains of Edith Finch, and while the sunny weather didn't deliver the game's eerie atmosphere, it gave us something even better: pure Pacific Northwest bliss ☀️🌲 Moran State Park Essentials 📍 Reserve via: recreation.gov (highly recommended - spots fill fast!) 🚗 Parking: Discovery Pass required (buy online or at park entrances) 🛂 Check-in: Friendly rangers at the entrance kiosk who share insider hiking tips Our Campsite: #29 at Midway Campground ✨ Pros: Picture-perfect sunsets over Cascade Lake 🌅 Walking distance to restrooms with (slow but warm) showers 🚿 Convenient firewood vending machine (no lugging wood needed!) ⚠️ Cons: Slightly sloped terrain (good luck with your tent stakes!) Close proximity to road and neighboring sites (bring earplugs if light sleepers) Nighttime raccoon visitors (secure your food!) 🦝 Must-See Highlights ⛰️ Cascade Lake/Mountain Lake: Crystal-clear swimming holes 🌄 Cascade Falls: Easy 0.7-mile hike to a beautiful waterfall 🏔️ Mt. Constitution: The highest point in WA's San Juans with 360° views - we spotted Mt. Baker and neighboring islands from the summit 🗻✨ Orcas Island Extras 🌟 Eastsound Village: Quaint shops (many only open weekends) Earth Day celebrations during our visit 🌎💚 🏺 Orcas Island Pottery: Stunning handmade ceramics in a garden setting 🌸 🥾 Turtleback Mountain: Panoramic trails with San Juan Islands views 🦪 Olga's Buck Bay Shellfish Farm: Summer-only fresh seafood (plan accordingly!) Getting There ⛴️ Ferry Tips: Book 2 months ahead for summer trips Arrive 30 mins early at Anacortes terminal 1-hour scenic ferry ride (bring motion sickness remedies if needed) #CampingInParadise #SanJuanIslands #OrcasAdventures #MoranStatePark #WashingtonStateParks #GlampingWithViews #WeekendGetaway #CascadeLakeMagic #PacificNorthwestVibes #IslandLife