Orcas Island — Gem of the San Juan Islands
People visit Orcas Island to enjoy the island's natural beauty. The wildlife enjoys it as well. Come to Orcas to enjoy Orca whale watching and observe the varied marine life, including otters and porpoises. Stop and watch deer graze on lush green hillsides, or look skyward to see bald eagles soar overhead.
A visit to this island getaway will provide you with ample opportunities for indoor and outdoor activities, including an essential visit to Moran State Park, Washington's premier state park and the largest public recreation area and park in the San Juan Islands, home to the most popular attraction and highest point in the San Juan Islands, Mount Constitution. Whether you hike, bike or drive to the top, you will marvel at the amazing vistas from its 2407-foot summit (Don't forget your camera!) This famous state park is popular for hiking, biking, bird watching, and features beautiful campgrounds and numerous lakes and waterfalls. Cascade Lake, the island's largest fresh water lake, features a swimming area, non-motorized boat rentals, camping sites, and hiking trails popular with all visitors. Public parks dot the island and you are encouraged to explore them all. Miles of shoreline ribbon the island with numerous public beaches, and private ones. Your recreation needs will surely be met, whether it's kayak rentals, bicycle rentals, sailing, fishing, or a leisurely walk on the beach. You won't find a more exciting recreation area in the San Juan Islands than Orcas Island!
Orcas Island enjoys more days of sunshine and a more moderate climate than many locations in the Pacific Northwest, thanks to the surrounding land masses that offer protection from harsh weather. Orcas Islanders gather in several quaint villages around the island, with Eastsound the town center and hub of island activity. The hamlets of Doe Bay, Olga, Rosario, West Sound, Deer Harbor, and Orcas Village round out the different communities on Orcas Island. Each community is unique and celebrates its individuality in different ways throughout the year.
Your visit to the island won't be complete unless you get a chance to sample the shopping, activities and attractions that make Orcas Island a year-round destination. A rich variety of Artists call Orcas Island home and their Arts & Crafts are on display in local shops and museums. Whether you're staying in a charming bed & breakfast, an island resort, or vacation rental, no trip to Orcas is complete until you've walked among the vendors of our summertime Farmer's Market, where produce and local goods abound. The produce seller you meet in the morning is likely supplying garden-fresh menu choices for your lunch or dinner at one of the island's outstanding restaurants.
Are you ready to visit Orcas Island? If so, give a call or email the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce and we will send you a free Visitor Guide and Map to help you make your island dreams come true.
|
