Steven's Peak-bagging Journey

August 2, 2026

250m

Orcas Island, WA

Rosario Hill is one of the pimples on Orcas Island but because it’s officially named and boasts over 100 m prominence it still “counts” as an independent peak. The entire hill was basically a residential area so to tag the “true summit” requires trespassing the private properties. There’s no mountaineering interest whatsoever and the “ascent” is one of the worst “trash-bagging” that I’d ever done. However, on the other hand this isn’t a “freebie” due to the logistical problems so I was also intrigued somehow.

I was camping with Clair and Cheesecake and the plan was to slam all P100m objectives on Orcas Island in one day. Rosario Hill was the 4th one tagged (3rd one for me since I didn’t count Mt. Constitution as a peak “bagged” in this trip as I had already done it 10 years earlier). I decided for Clair and Cheesecake to stay in the vehicle since it was simply not wise for them to join me on the outings that potentially could have some consequences.

I parked below Raphael’s starting point as driving further seemed a bit too sketchy. I opted to walk the road but bailed into the forest as soon as it made sense. I did spend some time studying the satellite images prior to the trip and plotted a route that could more or less avoid direct confrontation with those houses, but I didn’t think there’s an absolutely safe way. The lower half of the route felt “okay” as I was able to weave my way around by mostly staying in the bushes, but higher up I had to take of the highest roads. The true summit was within sight from several houses so I did no lingering besides taking an obligatory victory selfie.

I then dashed down following my own GPX. Retracing the route would be difficult without the GPS technology as I did have to correct the bearing a few times. Fortunately no one was around and it also started to drizzle a little bit. Once back to the vehicle I immediately drove us away to Eastsound and then it was time for lunch.