Orcas Island Trail Rides, Washington, United States

5crazykatie333 5:00 PM Mar 24, 2013

MUST DO on Orcas Island
My husband and I went horse back riding as an anniversary/bday gift from my mother (I got married on my bday). This was one of the best experiences of my life. We went on an 1 1/2 hour ride on trails deep in Moran State Park. We did not encounter any other people as we traveled past bubbling streams and lush green forest. Our wrangler, Robert, was a very nice man with an infectious laugh and upbeat personality. He made sure to explain all the safety rules of riding and the horses we rode, Patience and Chester, were very tame. I wish we had signed up to do a longer ride, but we will undoubtably be back to ride again. I encourage every guest on Orcas Island to go horse back riding. Sidenote...don't forget to tip your wrangler (not only for the priceless experience but also because he has to dismount his horse and kick any manure of the trail)

5Lisa J 5:00 PM Jul 17, 2014

Orcas Island Trail Rides through Old Growth Forest to Top of the World
THE BEST trail riding experience I've ever been on. Robert, Jo and Ginger (dad, mom and daughter) lovingly care for their horses who go home with them at night. The horses are clearly very well cared for and were rested and watered between afternoon rides. Robert was patient and funny with the kids who came on the first half of our ride, making them feel at ease right away. He also gave everyone a wonderful riding lesson before heading out, showing how gently he handles horses and how to use effective and easy cues. I rode Chester, who is a sweetheart and my husband rode Patience, who is an angel. Both are sure-footed and sensible, and they barely batted an eyelash at the hordes of young hikers at the beginning of the ride. They moved out nicely for us but were gentle and quiet for the kids on the ride before us. The ride itself is indescribably beautiful, winding up through pristine old growth forest dappled in mist and sunlight. Once we passed Cascade Waterfall, we only saw one other person on the trail for the three and a half hour ride. At the top of the trail we were able to see the sound and for miles . Highly recommend this to anyone with or without kids who love riding horses and want to see a part of the forest from the backs of some wonderful horses and that would otherwise be a very long and exhausting hike. Wear long pants and covered shoes.