Judd Cove Falls
RATING - 9.0
VR - 1.0 (Tiny) HR - 1.0 SR - 8/20
TYPE OF APPROACH - Trail
DIFFICULTY - Easy
LOCATION - Orcas Island
TYPE - Cascades
HEIGHT - 15'
WIDTH - 5'
DIRECTIONS - Take the ferry to Orcas Island. Upon disembarking, turn left and drive along the main road towards Eastsound. In about 6.5 miles you'll pass the golf course. In another 1/2 a mile you'll pass a small barn on the right that is painted by the Senior class each year. Shortly after this, the road will turn towards the right. Take a right onto Judd Cove Road on the inside of the corner. Drive a few hundred feet and park. Follow the road about 500' to the beach.
I have known about this little waterfall for about 8 years. It can be seen from the main road into Eastsound, but I always assumed the waterfall was on private property until recently. This small creek is fed by several small lakes and ponds, including those on the Orcas Island Golf Club. It's very small, but runs with remarkable consistency (probably partially from the sprinklers on the golf course in the summer. The creek cascades about 15' into Judd Cove. When the tide is low, you can walk right up to the waterfall. Near the beach is a brick building that is all that remains of an old lime kiln from the 1880s. While the waterfall itself isn't that great, this is a pretty cool area that would be a nice spot for a little family picnic if you happen to be on the island.