Journey to the remote islands of Puget Sound to experience true peace. Orcas Island is the largest of these rugged islands in the Northwestern corner of Washington. On this island you’ll find lush forests, a bustling art scene, and abundant wildlife. There are endless things to do on Orcas Island!
My family visited Orcas Island on a trip to Washington and it was one of my favorite parts of the trip. The constant chatter in my head slowed down, I was able to breathe deeply as I took in the stunning surroundings. 😌 It felt like a place I could go to get away from it all.
Taking a trip to Orcas Island is the perfect way to spend a weekend or a few days to slow down and enjoy the sounds and sights of nature. I’ve got you covered with this guide on visiting Orcas Island which includes the best activities, where to stay, and when to go!
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Table of Contents
Best Things to Do in Orcas Island
Although this island is large, it’s fairly quiet, with just 4000 locals living there. Despite that, there are so many amazing things to do on Orcas Island. From art gallery hopping to kayaking through the water, you’ll find something for everyone. Read further to find out how to fill your trip!
1. Go Whale Watching
The San Juan Islands are known for having a plethora of sea life diving through the waters. Go out on a boat tour and you may see orcas, humpback whales 🐳, sea lions, or bald eagles. It’s one of the best places in the continental US to go whale watching!
We visited in October and went on a tour with Deer Harbor Charters, which is towards the end of whale watching season. But, we saw a pod of orcas playing in the waters! It was so special and we followed them around for half an hour. It was a magical experience!
2. See the Views at Mount Constitution
Mount Constitution is the highest point in all of the San Juan Islands. Rising half a mile up in Moran State Park, you can see panoramic views over Puget Sounds with astounding views across the water as well. On a clear day, you can see Mount Baker and Mount Rainier! 🏔
I couldn’t get over the amazing scenery that you could see from the viewpoint! It was gorgeous in all directions.
Luckily, Mount Constitution is easy to access. You simply drive up to the top of the mountain and park right there. From the parking lot, you’ll walk to the viewpoint where there is a stone tower. You can choose to see the views from outside or go into the tower itself!
3. Hike in Moran State Park
Explore the wilderness of Moran State Park. This forested park has plenty to do with campsites, hiking trails, and kayaking areas. It’s a wonderful place to spend some time enjoying the quiet of Puget Sound.
There are a number trails in Moran State Park. 🥾 I highly recommend the one to Cascade Falls at just under a mile, you get to visit 3 flowing waterfalls. It’s a great one for the whole family!
Trails in Moran State Park:
4. Explore the Art Scene on Orcas Island
On this remote island, the art scene abounds. 🎨 With plenty of places to peruse the local art. It’s a great way to spend a rainy day or learn more about the area. Visit Orcas Island Artworks to see over work from over 40 locals.
Don’t miss visiting Orcas Island Pottery! Here, you’ll find a whole property full of gorgeous pottery and fun clay statues. There’s a garden as well as two studios filled with the clay works. We all bought something to take home with us!
You can find a number of other pottery shops and galleries in Eastsound!
5. Shop in Eastsound
Eastsound is 15 minutes from the ferry port and is the real downtown area of the island. With tons of adorable shops, cafes, and restaurants it’s a great place to spend time walking around.
We stayed in Eastsound and found ourself walking through the area on numerous occasions. Start your morning with a pastry and cup of joe ☕️, before walking around and window shopping through the streets.
Best Shops & Restaurants in Eastsound:
- Brown Bear Baking
- Olga Rising
- Teezer’s Coffee House
- Cafe Aurora
- Darvill’s Bookstore
- Best Side Kitchen
- Matia
- Faraways Boutique
6. Kayak around Orcas Island
Another fantastic way to see the island is to go kayaking around it. You can rent a kayak and head out on your own or take a kayak tour 🛶 with local guides. When you’re out on the water you will see rugged landscapes as well as abundant sea life.
There are a number of fantastic kayak outfitters that will take you out for the day. It’s something that you’ll never forget!
Planning Your Trip to Orcas Island
Now that you know the best things to do on Orcas Island it’s time to plan your trip! It can be a little complicated to visit the Puget Sound area, but I’ve got you covered. You’ll find a wonderful guide to help you figure out your journey to the island below.
How to Get to Orcas Island
Because the island has few public transportation options, I recommend getting a car to visit. 🚗 That way you can get from place to place easily. If you’re flying in, SEA-TAC Airport is just under a 2 hour drive from the town of Anacortes.
You’ll have to drive to the town of Anacortes and then book a ferry across to Orcas Island. These ferries run a few times a day and often stop at the other islands in Puget Sound. It takes about an hour, so bring a book or enjoy the scenery!
Best Time to Visit Orcas Island
Orcas Island is a fantastic destination year round, so the best time to visit really depends on what you want to do.
Whale watching season 🐋 is typically at it’s peak from June through September, but this is also the most crowded time of year because it’s summer. Summer brings sun and warm temperatures that can get into the 90s!
In the Fall, the crowds begin to dissipate, the weather gets a little cooler, and the rains begin. That being said, it’s a wonderful time to go hiking or kayaking around the island. Spring is also cool and rainy, but the waterfalls are overflowing!
Winter is the least crowded time of year, so if you are looking for peace and quiet this is the time to go! It’s mostly locals on the island at this point. Although winter doesn’t see a lot of snow, it is the rainiest part of the year there.
Where to Stay on Orcas Island
Orcas Island is a small island, but things can be kind of spread apart. I recommend staying in the Eastsound area, so that you are within walking distance of the town. Then, you can drive to further areas if you want.
We stayed at the Outlook Inn and I highly recommend it!
However, if you’d rather be farther from the scene there are a few nice hotels and airbnbs that are tucked away. These will give you the authentic feeling of being on this remote island far from much else.
Best Lodging Orcas Island:
Packing for Your Trip
Rain is a common occurrence on Orcas Island, so it’s important to pack your waterproof gear! 🌧 Weather can fluctuate with the winds that come off the water, so pack layers for your journey to the island. You can read about some gear I recommend below.
Packing Essentials Orcas Island:
Final Tips for Visiting Orcas Island
Truly take in the Orcas Island experience by allowing yourself to slow down on your trip. Plan a couple of things, but then spend a lot of your time exploring and roaming through this island. Just don’t forget to pack a rain jacket and prepare for some cooler weather. You’ll fall in love with this serene area!
Let me know if you enjoyed this guide in the comments!
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How fun! This would be the perfect place to kayak 😍
It definitely is!