Backcountry Pilot • Orcas Island this weekend?

Orcas Island this weekend?

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Orcas Island this weekend?

I think this may be a great weekend to visit the San Juans and ride my bicycle. All hotels are booked up but in the past I've camped on the field at Eastsound/Orcas Island.

I called the manager but have not heard back yet. Can you still camp there? I seem to remember they had a shower? Anyone ever ride road or mountain bikes there?
Mountain Doctor offline
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Re: Orcas Island this weekend?

You can camp on the grassy area east of the little terminal building, I believe they recently updated the bathrooms too.

I've done some road biking there, roads are a bit narrow but most people drive at grandmas speed. Rode up Mt. Constitution once, 2 hours up and about 20 minutes down! Would love to do some mountain biking there if there is such a thing, unsure about that.
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Re: Orcas Island this weekend?

Thank you!

I plan to do that ride, a few times... (Training for the Seattle to Portland Double Century).

I think the mountain biking there is world class but most of the good trailed CLOSED between mid-May and September!
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Re: Orcas Island this weekend?

Mt biking is real good there, and yes it is closed now.
I have seen people camp in the grass behind the parking area (to the north)
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Re: Orcas Island this weekend?

Hey Bill long time no chat! Yes there's still camping there, east side of runway, north of the ramp, and there's a shower in the corner of one of the hangars. My dad (whom you've met) is based there and feel free to call him and he can give you way more details. 360-317-6291.

Alternatively, you (and anyone else here) is welcome to join my family and my dad at Cavanaugh Bay this weekend if you'd like. Camping Friday-Monday. May take another quick day trip to Sullivan lake but we're waiting to hear back if it will be open by the weekend. Wife and both kids will be with me this time! Weather should be great!
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Re: Orcas Island this weekend?

I've not flown into the San Juans, but I have sailed those waters a number of times. Absolutely enchanting.
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Re: Orcas Island this weekend?

BlindPilot wrote:Hey Bill long time no chat! Yes there's still camping there, east side of runway, north of the ramp, and there's a shower in the corner of one of the hangars. My dad (whom you've met) is based there and feel free to call him and he can give you way more details. 360-317-6291.

Alternatively, you (and anyone else here) is welcome to join my family and my dad at Cavanaugh Bay this weekend if you'd like. Camping Friday-Monday. May take another quick day trip to Sullivan lake but we're waiting to hear back if it will be open by the weekend. Wife and both kids will be with me this time! Weather should be great!


You talked me into it :P

I'll do Orcas/Friday Harbor another time and I will plan to head up to Cavanaugh Bay and camp beside you and your family this weekend, weather permitting.

I'll plan on arrival Saturday AM and departure Sunday at about 5 PM or so.

If all goes well, I look forward to seeing you all.

Also I'll hold onto your dad's contact information. Thank you gain!
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Re: Orcas Island this weekend?

Asta wrote:I've not flown into the San Juans, but I have sailed those waters a number of times. Absolutely enchanting.


Now you sail AND fly, almost at the same time in a floatplane! The best of both worlds!
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Re: Orcas Island this weekend?

Mountain Doctor wrote:
BlindPilot wrote:Hey Bill long time no chat! Yes there's still camping there, east side of runway, north of the ramp, and there's a shower in the corner of one of the hangars. My dad (whom you've met) is based there and feel free to call him and he can give you way more details. 360-317-6291.

Alternatively, you (and anyone else here) is welcome to join my family and my dad at Cavanaugh Bay this weekend if you'd like. Camping Friday-Monday. May take another quick day trip to Sullivan lake but we're waiting to hear back if it will be open by the weekend. Wife and both kids will be with me this time! Weather should be great!


You talked me into it :P

I'll do Orcas/Friday Harbor another time and I will plan to head up to Cavanaugh Bay and camp beside you and your family this weekend, weather permitting.

I'll plan on arrival Saturday AM and departure Sunday at about 5 PM or so.

If all goes well, I look forward to seeing you all.

Also I'll hold onto your dad's contact information. Thank you gain!


Awesome! We're planning on heading into town Saturday after breakfast for the community days to look around....we'll wait for you if you're interested in going, or catch up with you later..what time are you thinking you'll be here?
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Re: Orcas Island this weekend?

Maybe 9:30 or so if all goes according to plan.

Town? What town? :lol:

I was thinking maybe we could go to Sullivan Lake Sunday AM?

BTW my cell# is 509-438- seventy-six seventy-six.
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Re: Orcas Island this weekend?

Mountain Doctor wrote:Maybe 9:30 or so if all goes according to plan.

Town? What town? :lol:

I was thinking maybe we could go to Sullivan Lake Sunday AM?

BTW my cell# is 509-438- seventy-six seventy-six.


Sounds good! We'll look for you then. We had the same thoughts on Sunday, but after making some calls, wsdot is still working on some maintenance and it hasn't officially opened yet... Bummer.
My number is still 509-987-320seven
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Re: Orcas Island this weekend?

Mountain Doctor wrote:Maybe 9:30 or so if all goes according to plan.

Town? What town? :lol:

I was thinking maybe we could go to Sullivan Lake Sunday AM?

BTW my cell# is 509-438- seventy-six seventy-six.


Sounds good! We'll look for you then. We had the same thoughts on Sunday, but after making some calls, wsdot is still working on some maintenance and it hasn't officially opened yet... Bummer.
My number is still 509-987-320seven
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Re: Orcas Island this weekend?

Cool

I have some plans for Monday but they are flexible so I may stay another night.
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Re: Orcas Island this weekend?

Just made it here and it's beautiful!
Also just found out Sullivan lake is open now so we'll probably head there Sunday!
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