Visit Orcas Island — Gem of the San Juan Islands

Pick your pleasure on Orcas Island. It’s a magical mix of arts and culture, lush forests, placid lakes and endless outdoor possibilities. Charming villages of Olga, Deer Harbor, Westsound and Orcas Village dot the island as centers of culture, art and cuisine. Relax and enjoy the island’s quality sampling of restaurants, boutiques, art galleries and museums.

For a dose of the great outdoors, hop aboard a whale watching and wildlife tour. Rent a kayak and see the island paddling along its shores, or jump on a bike and cruise the countryside. Hike the rugged old growth trails of the 5,000-acre Moran State Park to see the expansive marine vistas from the summit of Mount Constitution. On your way, watch for soaring bald eagles, wild deer, fox, rabbits or more than 250 species of birds that can be seen here throughout the year. Taking in the the sunset over Puget Sound, with fog clinging to the island’s forests, can make truly be a spiritual experience.

Miles of shoreline ribbon the island with numerous beaches, both public and private. Surrounding land masses offer the San Juans protection from harsh weather, so the islands enjoy a year round climate that is more moderate than other locations in the Pacific Northwest.

The islanders gather in several quaint villages dotted around the island, with Eastsound being the major hub of island activity. Each community is unique and celebrates its individuality in different ways throughout the year.

This beautiful island has something for everyone … kayak in the Puget Sound; climb a mountain trail to enjoy the beautiful vistas; see Orca whales and marine wildlife; stroll through Eastsound village, exploring the small town shops; enjoy a wide array of superb dining choices; or simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty of Orcas Island. The Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce hopes a visit to our island is in your plans. Please let us know how we can help.

2013 Orcas Island Events

Saturdays (May – Sept; 10 am – 3 pm). Farmers Market on Eastsound Village Green
Saturday, May 25 (11 am start). Kaleidoscope’s Annual Pet Parade in Eastsound
Saturday, May 25 (11 am – 3 pm). Wolf Hollow’s ‘Bite of Orcas’ in Eastsound
Saturday, May 25 (6 pm – 9 pm). Education Foundation’s ‘Food for Thought’ benefit dinner
Friday & Saturday, June 21 & 22. Martin Lund’s One World Music Festival @ Orcas Center
Saturday, June 22 (12 noon). Solstice Parade through Eastsound
Saturday & Sunset, June 29 & 30. Orcas Island Garden Tour
Wednesday, July 3 (dusk – 10:30 pm). Deer Harbor Fireworks Show
Thursday, July 4 (10 am – 3 pm). Orcas Museum’s Historical Days Celebration in Eastsound
Thursday, July 4 (dusk – 10:30 pm). Eastsound Fireworks Show
Saturday, July 6 (11 am). Orcas Island Community Parade
Saturday, July 20 (10 am – 3 pm). Olga Daze Celebration in Olga
Wednesday – Saturday (July 31 – Aug. 3). Kindling’s Fest
Friday – Sunday, August 2 – 4. Orcas Fly-In (website)
Wednesday – Tuesday, August 7 – 13. Doe Bay Fest (website)
Saturday, August 10. Orcas Island Public Library Fair (website)
Friday, August 9 – Sat., Aug. 24. Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival (website)
Friday – Sunday, August 16 – 18. Orcas Island Artists’ Studio Tour (website)

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