Cascade Lake lies within Moran State Park located on Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands of Washington state. A relatively flat 2.7 mi perimeter trail loops around the lake. It makes for a great walk and takes about an hour. We've been coming here to camp for the last 20 years. This lake is idyllic, especially in the early morning. The hike is simple for kids and the trail is beautifully maintained. There is a short stretch on the east side where you have to walk along the road that runs next to the lake edge. Not a big deal.
Side trails lead down to Rosario Resort or up Mount Constitution. A new wood bridge crosses a narrow inlet on the lake and there are high rocks for jumping into the lake for the adventurous. There's a wonderful day-use area with a shallow beach, boat rentals, concessions, a fishing pier, and rustic picnic shelters built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. There's simply nothing not to love about this place.
