Crescent Beach Preserve

Just outside the little town of Eastsound on Orcas Island is a sweet little beach that offers some nice rambling; the perfect place to walk off a meal, or simply take in low tide and the lovely animals that come with it. You'll see shorebirds and maybe even a deer or two. They're bold on this island. 

You'll want to spend most of your time on the beach here, but if you desire a little longer hike, look for a bluff above the beach, and find the woodland trail. This ambles through the forest and an old orchard. 

You're heading north, and you'll want to continue this way through a fir grove with an understory of salal. The trail then guides you west, crossing a wetland, protected for birds and animals on the islands. These lush areas are important to the ecosystem, and in turn, it's important you stay on the trail here! 

Hike back north through the orchard and a large meadow, likely a pasture. It's nearly flat here, perfect for little explorers. Introduce them to the variety of trees and grasses you see, including pines and the gorgeous madrona with its papery bark. You may also be surprised to see aspens. These are an unusual sight in Washington, but they add their beauty in fall with their golden leaves.

You'll finally arrive at an old road bed, and another trailhead that simply dead ends at Mount Baker Road. Pick up a ride (if you have one here) or turn around and walk back to the beach. Be sure to leave time for playing in the sand.