Discover Orcas Island: A Guide to the Most Visited Tourist Attractions

Tucked away in the heart of the San Juan Islands in Washington State, Orcas Island is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. This picturesque island offers a blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and an abundance of activities for all ages. In this blog post, we will explore the most visited tourist attractions on Orcas Island, highlighting the must-see spots for an unforgettable experience.

Moran State Park

Spanning over 5,000 acres, Moran State Park is Orcas Island's crown jewel and a must-visit destination. Home to the island's highest peak, Mount Constitution, the park offers over 30 miles of hiking trails, winding through lush forests, around pristine mountain lakes, and culminating in stunning panoramic views from the summit. While hiking, keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that call the park home, including black-tailed deer, bald eagles, and river otters. For those who prefer water activities, rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the serene Cascade Lake or swim in the refreshing waters of Mountain Lake.

Cascade Lake Trail - Moran State Park, Orcas Island, WA

Eastsound Village

Eastsound Village is the charming and bustling heart of Orcas Island. The picturesque village, with its waterfront park, is lined with delightful shops, galleries, and restaurants offering local and seasonal cuisine. Don't miss the Orcas Island Historical Museum, where you can learn about the island's rich history and culture. The weekly farmers' market is also a popular event, offering fresh produce, artisanal products, and a chance to meet local farmers and craftspeople.

Eastsound Village during the holidays

Turtleback Mountain Preserve

The Turtleback Mountain Preserve, located on the western side of the island, is an ideal spot for hiking and wildlife watching. With over 1,500 acres of protected land, the preserve offers a network of well-maintained trails that lead to breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and the distant Olympic Mountains. The varied landscapes, from dense forests to open meadows, provide a habitat for diverse flora and fauna, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts.

Views from Turtleback Mountain Trail

Orcas Island Pottery

As one of the oldest pottery studios in the Pacific Northwest, Orcas Island Pottery is a must-visit for art lovers. Set in a beautiful garden overlooking the ocean, the pottery studio showcases the works of talented local artists. Visitors can peruse the gallery, watch artists at work, and even take a pottery class to try their hand at this ancient craft.

Orcas Island Pottery - beautiful gardens with their pottery displays

Pottery display at Orcas Island Pottery

Deer Harbor

Located on the southern end of the island, Deer Harbor is a picturesque and serene spot, perfect for a relaxing day by the water. The harbor offers numerous activities, such as whale-watching tours, fishing trips, and sailing excursions. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, or take a kayak out on the calm waters to explore the nearby islets and coves.

Orcas Island offers an unforgettable experience for visitors, with its diverse attractions, stunning landscapes, and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of local culture, the island's most visited tourist attractions provide something for everyone. With its unspoiled beauty and endless opportunities for exploration, Orcas Island is a destination that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

If you’re looking to visit Orcas Island, be sure to view the availability of our fabulous vacation rentals at Orcas Island Getaway!

Ferry reservations for summer sailings almost here.

2019 Summer Ferry Reservations to/from the San Juan Islands!

Beginning April 23rd at 7AM, the first 30% allotment of space will become available to reserve for sailings for the busy summertime in the islands. Reservations will be available for sailings between June 23rd through September 28th, 2019.

Reservation space is released in 3 tiers:

Ferry Sailing to the San Juan Islands

San Juan Islands 30/30/30 tiered release of space occurs at 7AM 2 months prior to each season start date, then 2 weeks, and then 2 days prior to each sailing date. Reservations for the Summer 2019 sailing schedule will be available for the San Juan Islands beginning April 23, 2019 in the 1st tiered release.

Helpful Hints about ferry reservations in the San Juan Islands:

There’s no charge to reserve your sailing, but a credit/debit card number is required to hold your reservation (there is a no-show charge based on vehicle size)

• You are not pre-paying for your ticket when you make a reservation, you're simply securing a spot on your desired sailing.

• Your ferry ticket will still be purchased at the ferry terminal in Anacortes. Your ticket will be for a round-trip sailing, so you won’t need to purchase another ticket on Orcas Island heading back to Anacortes

• Reservation holders have priority and limited spaces per sailing are available for drive-up travelers. If you don’t have a reservation, at busy times you may wait multiple sailings for a space.

• Arrive to the terminal at least 30 minutes before the scheduled sailing. Arriving up even a few minutes late will lose your reservation and you’ll be placed in the “standby” queue.

  • Insiders tip: Don’t arrive late! :)

• Reservations are easily modified and/or canceled up to the day before your travel reservation if your travel plans change. Remember 30% of capacity is released 2 weeks and another 30% is released 2 days before the sailing date.

So now what?

Below are some screenshots from the Ferry Reservation Website.

When you visit the site, you’ll want to click on the green RESERVE NOW button in the middle of the page. From there, it’s pretty straightforward to complete a reservation on your dates of interest.

Visit www.takeaferry.com and click the “Reserve Now” button to begin.

ENTER YOUR TRAVEL DETAILS

Selecting all of your details and adding the reservation to your card for checkout.

NEED MORE HELP?

If you have any questions, you can call a Washington State Ferry agent toll-free at 1-888-808-7977 from 7:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Pacific, seven days a week.

We hope you found this helpful and we look forward to having you stay at Orcas Island Getaway! As always, we’re happy to help answer any other questions that might come up.

P.S.  Follow us on Instagram for fun photo's around the islands! http://www.instagram.com/orcasislandgetaway
 

Orcas Island's 25th Annual Pet Parade

2014 Pet Parade near Eastsound's Village Green

If you're traveling to Orcas Island over the Memorial Day weekend this year, you'll have to make sure that you're in Eastsound near the Village Green on Saturday, May 23rd.

Kaleidoscope Pre-School and Child Care Center organizes the island's furry friends Pet Parade each year and has some with exciting categories for the entrants. 

The Pet Parade begins at 11:00 a.m. and end at the Eastsound Village Grounds in the heart of downtown where participants receive a trophy or ribbon. Also enjoy kid-friendly food and customized Kaleidoscope t-shirts after the parade. Full details about the Pet Parade can be found here.

The Orcas Island Chamber also heard rumors that the Children's House Honorary Mayoral candidates will be in attendance, so you'll be able to keep your eye out on the next political pet!

Farmers Market:
After the pet parade, be sure to stop by the local Orcas Island Farmers Market for some fresh produce, crafts and even some food vendors to satisfy your appetite. 

Check out some of the fun photo's from the 2014 Pet Parade below.

For some more great photo's of the entrants in the 2014 parade, be sure to visit Pawki's website.

Enjoy the weekend!