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.  The San Juan Islands are also one of the best places in the Pacific Northwest for Orca Whale Watching. 

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.

Must See Attractions 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.  It’s possible to drive from one end of this horseshoe shaped island to the other in under an hour, yet a minimum of two days is required to visit key attractions, including:

• WEST SIDE:  Orcas Village, Deer Harbor, Crow Valley Pottery
• CENTRAL:  Eastsound Village
• EAST SIDE:  Rosario Resort, Moran State Park, Doe Bay

West side attractions

After driving off the ferry, your first stop is Orcas Village perched on a hill overlooking the ferry terminal.  The most visible landmark is the historic Orcas Hotel, with commanding views of Shaw Island from its café and patio.  The Orcas Village Store is adjacent to the ferry terminal, and a great place to stock-up on supplies.  Whale watching and kayaking tours can be booked at nearby Orcas Island Eclipse Charters (360 376 6566).  To explore the island at a more leisurely pace, visitors can also rent scooters at Orcas Mopeds (360 376 5266),   The steep, winding road away from Orcas Village levels out after a few minutes.  If time permits, take the turn-off to Deer Harbor Marina where visitors can walk along a pier lined with luxury yachts and boats, and pick up a coffee at the local store.

After visiting Deer Harbor Marina, travel north towards the main commercial hub, Eastsound.   Along the way, stop at the "Crow Valley Pottery” housed in an 1866 log cabin.   In summer the cottage garden is decorated with an eclectic range of pottery, glassware and art available for purchase.  Pottery lovers should also plan a side-trip to nearby “Orcas Island Pottery”, and enjoy an incredible bluff-top location with superb water views.  The tree-house will be a hit with kids.

Central attractions

Eastsound Village is located in the central, midpoint of the horseshoe shaped island, and is the perfect location for lunch.  Some waterside dining options include The Madrona Bar and Grill, Allium Restaurant, and New Leaf Café and Lounge.   It’s easy to while away an entire afternoon exploring the galleries, gift shops, bookshops and boutiques at Eastsound, or relax in a café.  The attractive waterfront features some historic buildings, including the Emmanuel Church with a small maze on its grounds.   To gain a deeper appreciation of the history of this island, visit the Orcas Island Historical Museum featuring six original log cabins from early settlers.

East side attractions

Travel down the east side of the island from Eastsound Village to historic Rosario Resort, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Wealthy ship-builder and former mayor of Seattle, Robert Moran, built this mansion between 1906-1909 as a retirement home.  In later years he generously donated the tract of land that became Moran State Park.   Even if you’re not a guest at the resort, visitors are welcome to explore the museum and rooms on the upper floors of the mansion, featuring photographs and original furnishings from the Moran family. Stroll along the promenade at the front of the building to see the cliff-top swimming pool. 

After visiting Rosario Resort, continue to drive down the island to Moran State Park. Cascade Lake becomes visible shortly after you pass through the Moran State Park Arch, and has an attractive beach area with a kiosk, boat rentals and swimming, and campsites along the water’s edge.  After driving past this lake, you will soon see the turn-off to Mt Constitution.  

As the road climbs up Mt Constitution, stop at Mountain Lake, a true wilderness lake ringed by thick forest.  The road then continues another 10 minutes to the parking lot at Mount Constitution.  At 2,409 feet, Mount Constitution is the highest point in the San Juan Islands, and offers the best views of the San Juan Islands, Mount Baker, the Cascades, Bellingham and Vancouver Island, and possibly some of the most breathtaking views in Washington State.  The overlook, viewing tower and gift shop are just a short walk from the parking lot. 

As you travel back down the mountain, drive south until you reach Olga, and stop at the Orcas Island Artworks, featuring the James Hardman Gallery upstairs and Café Olga downstairs. 

Finally, continue east another 20 minutes towards Doe Bay Resort and Retreat.   The café at Doe Bay serves delicious organic lunches and dinners in a charming setting with plenty of ambience.  After eating, take the 5-minute walk down to the adjacent cove.

Island Whale Watching

Book a Whale Watching Tour and witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.  See an array of other wildlife including sea lions, harbor seals, porpoises and bald eagles.  Whale Watching Tours on Orcas Island include:

• North Shore Charters
• Eclipse Charters
• Deer Harbor Charters
• Outer Island Expeditions
• (contact details in table below)

Orcas Island Recreation

Review contact details in the table below for a wide range of recreational activities:

• Kayaking:  Shearwater Adventures, Outer Island Expeditions
• Charter Fishing:  Outer Island Expeditions
• Lighthouse and Island Tours:  Outer Island Expeditions
• Boat Rentals: Orcas Island Boat Rentals
• Golfing:  Orcas Island Golf Club
• Bike Rentals: Wildlife Cycles
• Moped Rentals: Orcas Moped
• Horseback Riding:  Turtlehead Trails, Orcas Island Trail Rides

Orcas Island Lodging

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