If you’re into waterfalls, mossy forests, and easy hikes with big payoffs, you’re gonna love this.
Orcas Island might be known for its cute towns and mountain views, but it’s also hiding some seriously awesome waterfalls.
This mini road trip will take you to 4 awesome waterfalls on Orcas Island, and they’re all so close to eachother that you can practically walk between all of them from the first one.
Some are big, some are small, but all of them are totally worth the trip.
1. Cascade Falls
Cascade Falls is the tallest waterfall on Orcas Island, dropping a dramatic 40 feet through a mossy forest straight out of a fantasy movie.
You’ll find it inside Moran State Park, about 3.5 miles past the main entrance off Olga Road.
The hike to reach it is a quick and easy 0.5-mile walk from the Cascade Falls trailhead, with just a few roots and rocks to step over.
The water crashes down in a skinny chute, then fans out into a rocky pool that’s super popular with photographers (and the occasional brave hiker dipping their toes).
If you’re short on time but still want that wow moment, this is one of the fastest waterfall payoffs on the whole island.
2. Rustic Falls
Nearby, Rustic Falls is smaller but totally charming in its own woodsy, tucked-away kind of way.
It’s right off Mount Constitution Road, only about a 0.1-mile walk from the roadside pullout, so you can be there in like two minutes flat.
This little waterfall slides gently over a wide rock face, dropping around 10 feet and making a soft, soothing sound that’s way more peaceful than its louder neighbor.
There’s a cute wooden bridge nearby, which makes the perfect spot to snap a quick photo or just chill and listen to the water.
It’s the kind of stop that’s quick and easy, but still feels like you’ve discovered something special in the middle of the forest.
3. Cavern Falls
Keep following the trail past Rustic Falls and you’ll hit Cavern Falls, which feels way more hidden and dramatic.
This one tumbles about 17 to 20 feet into a rocky nook surrounded by ferns and trees that practically swallow it up.
You’ll reach it about 0.2 miles in from the Rustic Falls trailhead, so it’s an easy add-on if you’re already exploring the area.
The waterfall flows through a narrow gap in the rocks and it’s got a mystical feel to it, especially on misty mornings.
It’s not the biggest or loudest, but Cavern Falls definitely wins for atmosphere and you might even have it all to yourself.
4. Hidden Falls
Last stop on the waterfall tour: Hidden Falls, and the name totally fits.
You’ll find it deeper in Moran State Park, about 0.5 miles up the trail from the Cascade Creek trailhead, just upstream from Rustic Falls and Cavern Falls.
This one drops around 8 to 10 feet into a shady, fern-filled ravine that feels super quiet and peaceful.
The trail is a bit more winding with some uphill sections, but the payoff is a waterfall that feels more hidden compared to the others.
It’s the perfect finale to your Orcas Island waterfall mini road trip.
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