Orcas Island Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Orcas Island showing landscape views and a lake or waterhole
Orcas Island featuring street scenes
Orcas Island featuring landscape views, views and forests
Orcas Island
Orcas Island which includes landscape views, forests and general coastal views

Green mountains and freshwater lakes, wildlife spotting, hiking and cycling trails all make for a memorable holiday in the Emerald Isle.

Orcas Island is the largest island of the San Juan Islands, an archipelago located off the northwest coast of Washington State. Orcas is so lush it is known as the Emerald Isle. Visit Orcas Island to enjoy its combination of mountains and lakes, wildlife spotting and sea adventures, peaceful villages and island art.

Most of this horseshoe-shaped island is rural and hilly, with scenic roads weaving through verdant forests and orchards and passing hamlets and villages. The roads are a pleasure for drivers and a rewarding challenge for cyclists. Start in Eastsound, the island’s largest village. Learn about island history at the Orcas Island Historical Museum, shop for fresh produce and handicrafts at a farmers market or visit the galleries of local artists.

Rent a boat at Deer Harbor and visit the neighbouring San Juan Islands. Visit a pottery workshop or pull fresh oysters and clams from the water at Olga. Rejuvenate the body with yoga classes and spa treatments at Doe Bay.

Orcas Island offers adventure opportunities for all levels of fitness, including hiking, cycling, fishing and boating. Visit the 5,200-acre (2,100-hectare) Moran State Park, where over 30 miles (48 kilometers) of trails lead to freshwater lakes, waterfalls and mountain peaks. Hike to the 2,409-feet (734-meter) high Mt. Constitution to enjoy views of the Olympic Mountains and Vancouver Island. Enjoy picnics and leisurely walks around Cascade Lake then follow trails to viewpoints and nearby Cascade Falls.

Don’t miss out on a whale-watching tour and the chance to spot gray and humpback whales and orcas. April to October is the best period for sightings. Sign up for a sea kayaking excursion and visit the outer islands of the archipelago.

Traveling to Orcas Island is an enjoyable experience. Catch a ferry from Anacortes and take in the remote island scenery on the way to the Orcas Village ferry landing. The island is also served by Orcas Island Airport, which receives flights from Anacortes and Seattle.

Rosario Village

Rosario Village

2 out of 5
1400 Rosario Rd, Eastsound, WA
The price is AU$271 per night from 16 Oct to 17 Oct
AU$271
16 Oct - 17 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Eastsound. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Popular attractions Rosario Mansion Museum and Cascade Lake ...
7.2/10 Good! (70 reviews)
"Miss the mansion. Also, key code did not work and we had to borrow another visitor's phone to contact office for a new code. They need management there. There were a few minor repairs needed in the bathroom; I took care of the squeaky hinges and tightened the toilet seat. Left the tub trim and TP ..."

Reviewed on 5 Sept 2025

Rosario Village
Outlook Inn

Outlook Inn

3 out of 5
171 Main St, Eastsound, WA
The price is AU$434 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$434
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Eastsound. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 meeting rooms, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (499 reviews)
"Comfortable room, first floor with our 6 mo puppy. No view, but quiet, lots of parking."

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2025

Outlook Inn
West Beach Resort

West Beach Resort

3.5 out of 5
190 Waterfront Way, Eastsound, WA
The price is AU$308 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
AU$308
3 Nov - 4 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach cabin in Eastsound. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Popular attractions Orcas Island Golf Course and North Beach ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (103 reviews)
"Beautiful cabins and amazing views!"

Reviewed on 23 Sept 2025

West Beach Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
West Beach Resort

West Beach Resort

3.5 out of 5
190 Waterfront Way, Eastsound, WA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach cabin in Eastsound. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Popular attractions Orcas Island Golf Course and North Beach ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (103 reviews)
"Beautiful cabins and amazing views!"

Reviewed on 23 Sept 2025

West Beach Resort
Dog-friendly wood cabin with full kitchen & free WiFi near the water

Dog-friendly wood cabin with full kitchen & free WiFi near the water

Eastsound
Stay at this cabin in Eastsound. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Summit Learning Center and Mt. Constitution ...
7.6/10 Good! (29 reviews)
"I only utilized the downstairs bed and it was comfortable. I cooked most of my meals. The location, for me, was wonderful: in an old forest. Lovely!"

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Dog-friendly wood cabin with full kitchen & free WiFi near the water
Modern Home with Stunning Water View

Modern Home with Stunning Water View

Eastsound
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Eastsound. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and concierge services. Popular attractions Darvill's Bookstore ...
10/10 Exceptional! (304 reviews)
"Windows and shower door need better cleaning."

Reviewed on 24 Sept 2025

Modern Home with Stunning Water View
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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