turtleback mountain

Awesome hike but our car was broken into, but nothing was missing as we don't have anything worth stealing but still windows were smashed.

We love hiking. It doesn't have to be epic to be great. The hike to turtlehead (or Orcas Knob) was well signed and the newer trail was well maintained. The first half is and old logging road in excellent shape. The trail to orcas knob took us thru woods and came out on an overlook with gorgeous views of the straits and islands. But so disappointing to come back to the trailhead and find our truck had been vandalized. After going to town and filing a report with the sheriff we headed back to our inn in deer harbor. We stopped at the same trail head just to see it again and found another truck had really been damaged: both front door windows were smashed. We called the sheriff to report it. We just feel awful that such a great little preserved spot is attracting vandals. Suggestion: clear out the bush between the trailhead and Crow Valley Road. That will remove the visual barrier that vandals rely on. And put up a wildlife camera. With a sign indicating high prowl area and video surveillance.

This is a mountain??? Please don't go there. At the very most this is a hill, and even that is being generous. But, like everything around here, very pretty!

We did this hike on a very misty, drizzly morning. It's a beautiful hike with what I'm sure are stunning views on a clear day. Everything was shrouded in mist/ fog on the day we were there and we wouldn't have had it any other way. Tough hike though, so be ready!

We hiked from the south parking lot to the West Overlook and Ship Peak. The rewards are good for this relatively short hike. There is some elevation gain as Ship Peak reaches 931 ft. We had planned to do the loop including the Lost Oak Trail, but we never found it. No big deal as the trails are mostly out in the open and it's easy to navigate.

We started at the North trail head and hiked to Turtlehead. The first part of the trail was more like fireroad. But then you branch off only a hikers only trail that went through a beautiful mossy forest and the view from Turtlehead outlook was spectacular!

We parked at the north trailhead and hike to the North Valley Overlook, Waldron overlook, and then the Turtlehead overlook. After the first two, I wasn't sure if the last one would be worth the effort out and back. It was, in spades. It is a little hard to get information about the trails--the pdf on their website seems to be missing elements that should be on the legend. Specifically, the triangles represent key elevation marks, and therefore, likely the best views. (it appears that the best viewpoints might be Turtlehead (1005 ft) and Raven Ridge (1519 ft).

We did the north trail entrance. This hike is strenuous but the path is wide. I believe its about a 900 foot climb. It is actually a road in the preserve but closed to the public. I feel this hike is different from a lot of western WA hikes in that it seems to have more of a grassy meadow feel to it. There are two outlooks.

Viewing this mountain from the road approaching it, gives you a false sense that the hike is gradual. We started at the south end and the climb was on a nicely groomed path, but the elevation comes fast. This is a good workout. 1300 ft approx of elevation gain to the top. The views are worth the effort. Not for the beginner hiker. The parking area at the south end is not well marked. Just look for other parked cars, and you are at the right spot.

Perfect hike with kids - amazing views of mountains and neighboring islands. Some elevation gain, but our boys (5 and 8) did just fine.