We ended up hiking in two different places in our attempt at this hike. There were beautiful views everywhere and we had the trails completely to ourselves, which was very peaceful. A trail map or at least a picture of the trailhead map really is a must on this hike. There are good signs throughout, but it is difficult to understand how they connect to each other. There are two entrances a North and a South. If you want a really easy hike pick the South entrance. If you want a more moderate climb, choose the North.

Parked at the North TH, I was the only vehicle there. Coming from the ferry and north on Crow Valley Rd, the entrance is just before the Crow Valley School Museum. It's easy to miss the black sign. The well-groomed trail climbs steadily; I stopped at the North Valley overlook which is signed. There are two benches sitting upon a rocky area. A hitching post is available nearby as this wouldn't be a safe place for horses. It's a nice place for a break. Heading out on to the main trail, I continued up toward the Waldron Lookout. There is an open area with a bench about halfway between the two viewpoints. Another great picnic spot! Continuing up, I reached the North Valley viewpoint; this one is in the trees and overlooks Waldron Island. It's on a steep rocky drop off and there is a split rail fence to keep people from venturing out too far and taking a tumble. Here the trail splits, right heads to another viewpoint. Straight continues in a southwesterly direction. All trails are open to hikers. In order to preserve the area, some trails are open to equestrian use on odd days and bikes on even days. Some trails are marked for hikers only. That being said, I saw no one on my 5 mile hike. At the turn off to the Waldron viewpoint, there is a swampy area. In the water is the remains of a rusting old vehicle. Grasslands and forest line this wide trail. Lots of little critters and birds, too. A great hike for kids and those with dogs. There is an outhouse shortly up the trail. Be warned, there is no water nor trash cans. Carry water in, carry your trash out. Don't leave it in the outhouse like someone did. Not cool. A map is available online (see link below) and at the trailhead, if you'd like to snap a photo to refer to. 5 miles and 950' of elevation gain.

This trail system is a gem. The trail to Turtlehead (Orcas Knob) is easy enough for all kinds of hikers, with some great views. Unfortunately for us and another group, the north trailhead on Crow Valley Rd. is easy access for car prowl activity. Our vehicle was damaged when vandals tried to break into it by prying the front passenger door away from the body above the window. The alarm likely went off, or a car drove up so they didn't get in. Interior was clean, with nothing visible. But a new 4Runner, with the paper registration on the rear window, likely was attractive to the vandals. Another vehicle was hit later after we had left. Both side windows smashed. We found that when we drove through the trailhead after filing the sheriff's report in Eastsound on the way back to our inn. I alerted the San Juan Preservation Trust which owns and manages this property, and posted about this on TripAdvisor.

This was my first hike in years and it was very easy to follow the path with a few outlooks along the way. The trail has two entrances (North and South); we entered at the North entrance. The trail starts to incline from very beginning and can be very challenging as the elevation quickly increases but don't let this discourage you if you have your heart set on the hike as the overlooks are breathtaking. Tip: take plenty of water and maybe a snack. The trail does not loop back around so you go back the way you came. There are a couple of loops after the long trek (I did not make it this far) but you go back to the main trail to get back to the trail head. Overall a very fun trail and worth the trek.