Orcas Island - San Juans

Orcas Island

Orcas Island is located in the San Juan Islands archipelago in Washington State, consisting of over 300 islands.  Eastsound is the commercial center of Orcas Island.

Orcas Island has a spectacular natural setting, with an abundance of coves, inlets and pristine mountain lakes to explore, and is the largest and hilliest of all the San Juan Islands.  This stunning location is a key attraction for a permanent population of artists and sculptors, whose influence is evident in numerous art galleries and pottery shops.

Orcas Island is located in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, and has a temperate climate, enjoying 250 days of sunshine a year.  This makes it ideal for a range of recreational activities including kayaking, boating, biking, swimming and hiking. Orcas Island is busiest during the summer months of July and August, however anytime of the year is a great time to visit.  Check average temperatures on Orcas Island.

Directions to Orcas Island Ferry

Orcas Island can be accessed by a 50-minute ferry ride from Anacortes, the gateway to the San Juan Islands.  Peak travel times to Orcas Island are Thursday and Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings.  All day Sunday is busy for returning visitors.  It’s recommended you arrive at the ferry two hours in advance in peak times over summer.   Check the Anacortes to Orcas Island Ferry schedule.

Things to do on Orcas Island

A Scenic Byway was designated in 2008, making it easy to find the most popular highlights around the island.  This 47-mile Scenic Byway travels west-east, starting at the Orcas Village ferry terminal, and ending at Doe Bay.

The TripFaves Orcas Island Scenic Byway Guide covers off the main attractions, including:

1. Visit Orcas Village: Orcas Village is a tiny hilltop town overlooking the ferry terminal. Have lunch on the porch of the historic Orcas Hotel.
2. Visit Deer Harbor Marina: Pick up a coffee at the general store at the end of the pier.
3. Shop at Crow Valley Pottery:  Find the perfect gift by browsing a large selection of locally made pottery and glassware, housed in a charming 1866 log cabin.
4. Shop at Orcas Island Pottery:  Admire stunning bluff-top water views from the gardens of the pottery shop.
5. Enjoy galleries & restaurants in Eastsound:  Spend hours strolling through the commercial center of Orcas Island. Walk the maze at the Emmanuel Church, pick up a scrumptious pie at "Passionate for Pies", have a coffee at "Rose's Cafe", and then finish the day with a delicious meal at the "New Leaf Cafe" in the historic Outlook Inn.
6. Visit the Pioneer Museum:  Exhibits from the pioneering days of Orcas Island are housed in six authentic 1870’s cabins in Eastsound.
7. Visit the Moran Museum at Rosario Resort:  The public is welcome to explore this historic cliff-top mansion with incredible views of East Sound, formerly the retirement home of Seattle Mayor, Robert Moran.
8. Drive to Mt Constitution (2,409 ft):  Experience incredible views of the San Juan Islands by driving to the summit of Mt Constitution.  Climb to the top of a stone viewing tower at the summit.
9. Swim, rent a boat at Cascade Lake:  Relax at this beautiful wilderness lake, located at the entrance of Moran State Park.
10. Vist Orcas Island Artworks: Stop at the Orcas Island Artworks in Olga, an artist's cooperative established in 1981. See the James Hardman Gallery upstairs, and eat at Café Olga downstairs.
11. Eat at the Doe Bay Cafe:  Enjoy a meal while overlooking the enchanting Doe Bay Cove.

Other things to do on Orcas Island

The San Juan Islands are one of the best places in the Pacific Northwest for Orca Whale Watching (mid-April thru September). Book a Whale Watching Tour and witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, or join a Kayaking Tour and see an array of other wildlife including sea lions, harbor seals, porpoises and bald eagles.

Visitors can also book a Lighthouse Boat Tour to nearby islands, including a trip to the Patos Island Lighthouse, and Turn Point Lighthouse on Stuart Island.

**A full list of tour operators and rental companies is provided in the table below**

Orcas Island hotels, inns, rentals

View the list of lodging, hotels and rentals in the table at the bottom of the page.  Options include:

• Cottages on the water: Place at Cayou Cove, All Dream Cottages
• Romantic B&B’s & Inns:  Turtleback Farm, Inn on Orcas Island, Kingfish Inn, Kangaroo Inn
• Historic Hotel:  Orcas Hotel
• Resort & Spa:  Rosario Resort
• Waterfront Cabin:  The Cabin on Spring Bay, West Beach Resort, Doe Bay Resort
• Vacation Rentals:  Eagles Nest, Barbary House, Orcas Island Cottage

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