Things to Do on Orcas Island

Discover the best things to do on Orcas Island, Washington! From hiking to whale watching and exploring Eastsound’s best restaurants, our guide covers ferry tips, top trails, and local gems for your perfect San Juan Islands escape.

If you’re looking for a peaceful, relaxing retreat in the Pacific Northwest, consider a trip to Orcas Island, Washington. My husband, son, our dog, and I recently spent Spring Break here, and really enjoyed our stay.

Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands and covers about 57 square miles of pure Pacific Northwest bliss. It has a unique horseshoe shape that creates a laid-back, “island time” vibe that’s perfect for families and anyone looking to recharge and relax.

This Pacific Northwest gem is famous for its lush green forests, stunning shorelines, and the majestic Mount Constitution. Like the rest of the region, there is no shortage of outdoor adventures on the island. It’s also got a creative, artistic vibe, so art lovers will enjoy the abundance of galleries.

There are no stop lights on the island, and two main streets comprise most of downtown, known as the Eastsound area. This is the heart of the island where you’ll find most of the shops and restaurants.

About the San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands are an archipelago tucked between Washington state and Vancouver Island, Canada.

The islands consist of San Juan Island, Orcas Island, Lopez Island, and Shaw Island. Each island has its own personality, but they all share incredible views and a peaceful atmosphere.

How to get to Orcas Island

Regardless of which direction you’ll be coming from, you’ll need to get to this destination either by ferry or plane. Orcas Island is, after all, an island.

If you are coming from the south on I-5, head north toward Burlington and take exit 230 for Highway 20. Follow the signs west all the way to the Anacortes ferry terminal. From Portland city center, the drive to the ferry terminal can take anywhere from 4 hours to 5 hours, depending on traffic.

Traveling to Orcas Island from the north involves heading south on I-5 and taking the same exit 230 in Burlington. The drive is scenic and easy, leading you straight toward your salty sea adventure.

Ferry tips

Make a reservation for your vehicle and passengers online as early as possible, especially during the busy season when spots for vehicles fill up fast.

Arrive at the terminal at least 45 to 60 minutes before your scheduled departure to ensure a smooth boarding. You are required to be checked in through the toll booth at Anacortes at least 30 minutes prior to departure time.

Once you’re on the boat, head to the upper deck for some wonderful views of the San Juan Islands. Keep your eyes peeled for seals and maybe even a whale or two while you enjoy the ride. We didn’t see any wildlife on our trip, but there are many reported sightings from ferry rides.

The ferry ride from Anacortes to Orcas Island may take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half. This usually depends on whether or not the ferry has stops at other islands.

For reference, on our trip, our ferry ride from Anacortes to Orcas Island took one hour. Our ride from Orcas Island to Anacortes, including a stop at Lopez Island, took an hour and a half.

Three hikes on Orcas Island

Some of my favorite parts of Orcas Island are the hiking trails. We loved hiking here. The forests are so lush, even more than the forests we’re surrounded by where we live in Portland, Oregon.

Cascade Lake Trail
This easy three-mile loop is perfect for a family stroll because you can loop back and do the shorter loop in just about 40 minutes. The trail takes you right along the edges of the lake. It’s mostly flat and offers plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the peaceful lake scenery. This trail is super dog-friendly. Ace loved it!

Mount Constitution
For the best views on the island, hike or drive to the summit of Mount Constitution in Moran State Park. The stone observation tower at the top gives you a 360-degree look at the surrounding islands.

Turtleback Mountain
This trail offers a variety of paths that lead to incredible overlooks of the San Juan archipelago. It’s a great spot to catch a sunset if you time your hike just right.

Other outdoor adventures

Whale Watching
Hop on a boat tour to see orcas, humpbacks, and minke whales in their natural habitat. It’s a thrilling experience that you and your kids will never forget it!

Kayaking
Paddle through the calm coves and look for starfish and seals along the rocky shoreline. Several companies offer guided tours that are perfect for beginners and experts.

Bioluminescence Tours
During the summer months, you can take a night kayaking tour to see the water glow with tiny organisms. It’s a magical, glowing experience that feels like paddling through the stars. So cool!

Art on Orcas Island

Orcas Island Pottery

Step into a whimsical wonderland that feels like a secret garden tucked away on a 100-foot bluff overlooking the Salish Sea! As the oldest studio pottery in the Pacific Northwest, this magical spot invites you to follow winding footpaths through old-growth cedars into rustic cabins and treehouses overflowing with vibrant, handcrafted ceramics.

You can wander through lush gardens filled with fountains and quirky outdoor displays while watching local artisans at work in their studios.

Crow Valley Gallery

There are a few art galleries in Eastsound, and one that we really enjoyed was Crow Valley Gallery. This is a celebration of Northwest creativity that represents over 70 incredible local and regional artists. From colorful pottery to original paintings and intricate metalwork, these are unique Pacific Northwest art pieces that capture the spirit of Orcas Island.

Wine tasting on Orcas Island

We LOVED our wine tasting experience at Doe Bay Wine Company!

Located right in the center of town, this is one of the best small town wine shops we’ve visited in all of our travels. We opted for the 4-wine tasting ($32 each), which included two white wines and two red wines that are part of the owner’s Orcas Project label. These are small production wines made in collaboration with different winemakers in Oregon and Washington.

I highly recommend stopping by this charming bottle shop and tasting room. They offer a fantastic selection of smaller production Pacific Northwest wines as well as international wines.

Where to eat on Orcas Island

If you’re staying on the island for a few days, you’ll find a good variety of cafes, bars, and restaurants. Here are the restaurants and bakeries we visited during our time in Orcas Island.

The West Side Kitchen

The West Side Kitchen was our favorite restaurant during our stay on Orcas Island. This spot is a must for anyone craving fresh, creative flavors with a modern island, often Asian, twist.

We enjoyed the green curry, beef bulgogi rice bowl, and fried chicken. Everything was delicious!

You order at the counter, then your name will be called when your order is ready. Seating can be a challenge: there are just a few counter seats inside, and a few tables on the patio, but you can always get your order to go and enjoy it at the waterfront or a nearby park.

Olga Rising

Our top pick for breakfast on the island. This beloved cafe serves up incredible fresh pastries and breakfast hot dishes that will start your day off right. It was the best coffee we had on the island, too. The cute, cozy atmosphere makes it a favorite for locals and visitors alike.

Brown Bear Baking

Another popular spot for breakfast, Brown Bear Baking excels in buttery, flaky croissants and giant pastries of all kinds. The open kitchen allows you to watch the bakers in action while you wait for your treats.

Madrona Bar and Grill

Located right on the water in Eastsound, this is the spot for classic Northwest seafood and stunning bay views. We enjoyed fish and chips, ravioli, and the day’s special, shrimp scampi. We’re told their burgers and fresh fish tacos are also always a hit with the whole family.

Where to shop on Orcas Island

There are lots of cute shops in Eastsound. Here are two local spots that stood out for us.

Darvill’s Bookstore

As soon as we walked in, I knew this place was magical. I love bookstores, and this one has the best vibes and aesthetics. This iconic independent bookstore also features a coffee bar, making it the ultimate place to browse for your next beach read. The views of the water from the back of the shop are absolutely breathtaking.

The Print Shop

This is a boutique screen printing studio in the heart of Eastsound. Located right across from The West Side Kitchen, I kept staring at all the cute merch at The Print Shop while we ate our lunch. And then I bolted across the way as soon as we were done.

This is a total gem for anyone who loves unique, locally inspired art. You can watch the artists hand-pull prints in real-time, and they even offer “custom” options where you can choose your favorite island design to be printed on-demand!

Where to stay in Orcas Island

Orcas Island offers a delightful variety of accommodations, ranging from historic inns to waterfront resorts.

Most main hotels are concentrated near the ferry terminal at Orcas Landing, the central village of Eastsound, or nestled in secluded spots like Deer Harbor and West Beach.

Prices typically range from $150 to over $400 per night depending on the season and the level of luxury. Many properties offer a cozy, coastal Pacific Northwest aesthetic.

If you want to be right in the heart of the action, the historic Orcas Hotel & Cafe offers charming harbor views and immediate access to the ferry. Meanwhile, the Inn at Ship Bay provides an upscale, locavore-focused stay with stunning water views just outside of Eastsound.

For a more rustic, family-oriented vibe, the West Beach Resort provides beachfront cabins and cottages equipped with kitchens and fire pits.

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