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

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Map
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Map of Orcas
  • 1 Eastsound — the largest populated area on Orcas Island.

There are several smaller communities scattered across the island:

  • 2 Deer Harbor Deer Harbor, Washington on Wikipedia
  • 3 Doe Bay Doe Bay, Washington on Wikipedia
  • 4 Olga Olga, Washington on Wikipedia
  • 5 Orcas Village — built around the island's ferry terminal.
  • 6 Westsound West Sound, Washington on Wikipedia

Get in

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Orcas Island Ferry Landing

By ferry

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Washington State Ferries operates the Anacortes / San Juan Islands route:

The ferry also makes stops at:

The ferry schedule is complicated. There's a sailing about once an hour in the summer, a little less often in the winter. One vessel makes several interisland loops, while the other vessels run from Anacortes to one or more islands and back.

Reservations are recommended for the San Juan Islands ferry, especially for summer weekends, when the wait for loading cars can be notoriously long. It is not unusual to wait in line for many hours, and missing the last ferry can mean a desperate search for accommodations to spend an unplanned night on the islands.

By seaplane

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Get around

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By car

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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, . 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

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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

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See

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Do

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Eastsound at daybreak
  • Moran State Park, on the eastern side of the island, has an amazing view atop Mt. Constitution, from a stone tower built by the public works of the Roosevelt era.
  • 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

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Eat

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Drink

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Sleep

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Moran Mansion at the Rosario Resort is listed on the National Register of Historic Places

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.

Moran State Park has four campgrounds.

Go next

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This region travel guide to Orcas is an outline and may need more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. If there are Cities and Other destinations listed, they may not all be at usable status or there may not be a valid regional structure and a "Get in" section describing all of the typical ways to get here. Please plunge forward and help it grow!