Cypress Island Natural Resources Conservation Area

So many great things to do at this site. Relaxed and swam by day, fabulous hikes with amazing views, and did a bioluminescence tour in the kayaks after midnight on the northern end of the island that was heart stopping. Like so many of the island sites in the area, well maintained with newer bathroom facilities.

When I visited Cypress it was by sailboat. We crossed Rosario Strait from Orcas to the Pelican Beach campground. The beach is relatively steep so we had to be careful anchoring. There are incredible hikes on the island including one to Eagle Cliffs that has the best sunset views. Eagle Cliffs is closed for parts of the year to allow Peregrine Falcons time to nest in peace. There are also ponds and wetlands scattered around the island and chances to view wildlife in quiet.

There are mooring buoys scattered around the island and other options for camping (I believe) but Pelican Beach was wonderful because it's maintained by a club of sailors that frequent the island in their unique handcrafted wooden sailboats.

This is an amazing spot! You can take your own boat or get a local ferry ride to the island. It's nicely wooded and has awesome areas (with picnic tables) to call home. The scenery is breathtaking and if you're lucky you might even see some orcas swimming by.

Like all of the islands in Marine Island State Park system, the area is equipped with vault/pit toilets that are nicely maintained (at least at the beginning of the fall). You may want to bring your own TP if that's your thing.