Largest and most mountainous of all the islands
Orcas Island is the largest and most mountainous of all the San Juan islands and is the second most populated. Unlike San Juan Island, the ferry to Orcas will not drop you off in town. Eastsound is the social hub of the island, and it is located eight miles down the road from the ferry landing. If visitors have boarded the ferry without a car or bike, they will find transportation to Eastsound in the taxis that run every day or the shuttle service offered by request in the spring and summer.
The Horseshoe Highway leads all the way to Olga. Cyclists can take Crow Valley Road instead to avoid the ferry traffic that populates the Horseshoe Highway. Orcas’ terrain is challenging and full of hills, but bikers will find that the lush topography is worth the extra effort.
Eastsound is home to restaurants and bakeries offering coffee, sandwiches, soups and seafood. Art lovers, foodies and deer lovers alike will enjoy the local scene on Orcas Island.
Freshwater lakes are a popular draw on Orcas Island. Cascade Lake is a part of Moran State Park, offering boat rentals, a swimming area, picnic shelters and three campgrounds. Kilbrew Lake is known for its birdwatching. For sightseeing, Mount Constitution towers over the entire San Juan archipelago.
Visitors who enjoy hiking can try their hand at the Mt. Constitution Loop trail, which is a steep 6.6 miles. Bikers will find 19 different mountain biking trails spanning over 29 miles throughout the park. Hikers, bikers and drivers can all be seen making their way up the mountain when the weather is favorable. The roads, bridges and historical tower of Mount Constitution were all constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
The southeast side of the island offers Deer Harbor, a relaxing and laid-back community with a small sandy beach, marina store and a small grill that also serves local Lopez Island ice cream. The marina has 110 slips for transient moorage, along with showers and bathrooms.
Olga sits eight miles south of Eastsound. There you can walk the long wooden dock and take in the view or grab a bite at Buck Bay Shellfish Farm.
Doe Bay Resort is a popular destination with rustic treehouse accommodations and spa amenities.
Rosario Resort is peaceful and historical. The hotel was once the personal mansion of Robert Moran, a Seattle shipbuilder. The 54-room mansion has been converted into a restaurant, spa, hotel and museum. Visitors can walk through Moran’s private living quarters, the organ room and library.
Orcas Island often leaves visitors wondering how soon they will be able to enjoy another vacation on this mountainous Eden in the sea.
More information can be found at visitsanjuans.com and orcasislandchamber.com.
