Orcas
Orcas Island is the largest island of the San Juan Islands, off the northern coast of Washington State. This horseshoe-shaped island is about 57 square miles, with a population of about 6000.
Cities
There are several smaller communities scattered across the island:
Get in
By ferry
The island's sole ferry terminal is in Orcas Village:
- 🌍 Washington State Ferries, 2901 Third Avenue, Suite 500, Seattle, ☏ +1 206-464-6400, toll-free: +1-888-808-7977. Ferries travel from Anacortes, Lopez Island, Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, and Shaw Island.
From the mainland, take a ferry from Anacortes.
Look at schedules ahead of time considering they change seasonally and be prepared for long waits in the summer.
By seaplane
- Kenmore Air, toll-free: +1-866-435-9524, fax: +1 425-485-4774, reservations@KenmoreAir.com. Kenmore Air seaplanes make several flights daily from downtown Seattle's Lake Union to seven locations in the San Juan Islands including Orcas Island. Kenmore Air Express also offers daily land plane service between Seattle's Boeing Field/King County International Airport (BFI IATA) and Friday Harbor Airport (FRD IATA). Complimentary shuttle transfers are available to/from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA IATA) for passengers on either Kenmore Air service. A quick and spectacular, though not cheap, way to arrive. $75-139.
Get around
By car
Orcas Island is large enough that most travelers will want a car for exploring. You can bring your car on the ferry, but there are also a few local options for renting.
- Orcas Island Rental Car (Car delivered at time and location you specify.), ☏ +1 360 376-7433, email@orcasislandrentalcar.com. Used but clean cars, mini-vans and convertibles. Delivered to you anywhere on Orcas Island. When you are done with the car, just lock the keys in it and leave; they come pick it up. Available year-round. 4-door midsize car $64.95, mini-van $84.95, convertible $104.95.
- M & W Car Rentals (Orcas Ferry Landing), ☏ +1 360-376-5157. May 15 - Oct 15 only. This Orcas Island branch of a Friday Harbor-based business usually has just one size of car available (though a van may be available on request) and only during peak season. $59.95/day.
By bike
Perhaps the most pleasant way to get around the island, especially if you aren't in a hurry, is by bicycle. You can bring your own bike on the ferry, or rent one at various outlets around the island, including in Eastsound.
By taxi
- Orcas Island Taxi, Eastsound, ☏ +1 360 376-TAXI (8294), toll-free: +1-800-942-1926, dan@orcastaxi.com. 24 hours per day. Example fare: Eastsound to Ferry dock $27.00. 5.50 drop + $2.50 per mile.
See
Do
- 🌍 Moran State Park, 3572 Olga Road, Olga, ☏ +1 360 376-2326, moran@parks.wa.gov. consists of 5,252 acres of camping park with five freshwater lakes and over 30 miles of hiking trails as well as going to the Obstruction Pass State Park.
- 🌍 Mt. Constitution. The highest point in the San Juan Islands. There is a near 360 degree view from a stone tower built by the public works of the Roosevelt era (television broadcast tower for KVOS TV makes it less than 360 degrees, but still worth it).
- Go sea kayaking with biologist guides in the prime orca whale watching waters. Abundant seals, eagles, and other marine wildlife are seen on day tours or camping trips from 2, 3 or 5 days to the smaller islands.
Buy
Eat
Drink
Sleep
With a variety of Inns you are able to pick what suits you the most. From new to vintage, small cottages to your traditional Inns, as well as resorts and hotels.
Campgrounds
- Moran State Park. There are 4 campgrounds with 130 tent sites that can be reserved through the Washington State Park website. There are also a few RV spots. The Midway and Southend campgrounds have sites on the shore of Cascade Lake.