We recently enjoyed a few days on Orcas Island, the largest island in the San Juans. Accessible only by air or sea, we took a ferry from Anacortes, north of Seattle for a scenic 1¼ hour sail to Orcas Island.
Orcas is slightly larger, but less populated than neighboring San Juan Island. Orcas is shaped like a pair of saddlebags, separated by fjord-like Eastsound, with Massacre Bay on the south side, and tiny Skull Island just off the coast. We drove through the hamlet of Eastsound, the island’s commercial center and the largest populated village on the Island. Smaller hamlets include Orcas (where the ferry lands), West Sound, Deer Harbor, Rosario, Olga and Doe Bay.
The main beauty of this hilly island is its lush forests and sweeping green farmland. Our destination, 5,252-acre Moran State Park, is one of the most beautiful spots in the Pacific Northwest. Here hikers can enjoy 38 miles of trails ranging from gentle forest paths to challenging ascents. For those looking for a demanding hike, Mount Constitution fills the bill with a 2,409-foot summit—the highest point in the San Juan Islands. A castle-like tower stands at the summit. Stairs leading to the top will reward the ambitious climber views that include the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, Mount Baker and Mount Rainier. Spread below are the green forested San Juan Islands, Canadian Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island.
Wildlife and plants are abundant on Orcas. Blacktail deer, river otters, mink and raccoons are common in the park. Bald eagles, kingfishers and great blue herons can be seen year round. In the winter, trumpeter swans and a variety of ducks are found on Cascade Lake.
We found the campsite spacious and moderately private. The park is quite hilly which might be restrictive for some people. Space for large rigs is limited. I suggest always making reservations, both for the ferry and for camping.
Orcas Island is a Northwest treasure whether you want to camp, or stay at one of its several bed and breakfasts or resorts. It’s a magical mix of arts and culture, lush forests, placid lakes and endless outdoor possibilities. Come see for yourself what the locals call “The gem of the San Juans.”
To make reservations:
Washington State Ferries https://secureapps.wsdot.wa.gov/Ferries/Reservations/Vehicle/default.aspx
Washington State Parks:
https://parks.state.wa.us/223/Reservations