Orcas Island, the largest of the San Juan Islands, makes a perfect weekend getaway. Not only is it the biggest island, it’s also the highest—home to Mount Constitution (2,409 feet)—and it contains Washington’s largest state park, Moran State Park. Orcas is our favorite of the easy-to-reach islands, with Washington State Ferry service from Anacortes.
As nature lovers and boating and kayaking enthusiasts, we also enjoy more remote islands like Sucia and Cypress. Orcas offers a rare balance: easy access, dramatic scenery, and a wide variety of things to do.
Transportation
Getting to Orcas Island can be part of the fun. On our most recent trip, we watched the sunrise over the North Cascades on the way to the island and the sunset on the return trip, a perfect bookend to the weekend.
Washington State Ferries runs roughly a dozen sailings per day to Orcas, including inter-island routes for those who want to island-hop. Twice we’ve lucked into the best seats on the ferry—front and center—where we could sit in our car and feel more like we were aboard a boat gliding across the Salish Sea.
Orcas also has an airport, with both land-plane and seaplane service from Bellingham, Anacortes, and Seattle. I was surprised to learn just how many flight options exist, with service from Kenmore Air, Alaska Airlines, Friday Harbor Seaplanes, and San Juan Airlines. That said, we’ve always arrived by some kind of boat.
Of course, there’s also the option of bringing your own boat or kayak, which we’ve done several times. If you arrive by ferry, having a car—or possibly a bike—makes getting around much easier, as distances are too far to comfortably walk. There is also taxi service available on the island.
What to Do on Orcas Island
Orcas Island offers an impressive range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, biking, boating, kayaking, fishing, camping, and whale watching. For those less inclined to spend all day outside, the island also has charming shops, 17 restaurants, a historical museum, a winery, and a brewery.
Moran State Park and Mount Constitution
Mount Constitution is crowned by a historic stone tower that provides panoramic views of surrounding islands, Canada’s Coastal Mountains, and the North Cascades. On a clear day, Mount Baker rises prominently in the distance, towering above Bellingham—our hometown for the past 22 years.
A paved road climbs all the way to the summit, so catching sunset doesn’t require a headlamp or a hike back down in the dark.
Beyond the mountain, Moran State Park’s 5,424 acres include five lakes, 130 campsites, and more than 30 miles of hiking and seasonal biking trails, making it a destination in its own right.
Obstruction Pass State Park
Small but scenic, Obstruction Pass State Park covers just 76 acres yet includes 1.8 miles of trails and a beautiful south-facing pebble beach reached by foot. Near the shoreline are nine primitive campsites, accessible by boat or backpacking, offering a quieter and more secluded experience.
Turtleback Mountain Preserve
Located on the west side of the island, Turtleback Mountain Preserve complements Moran State Park on the east. The preserve offers about eight miles of trails that begin in forested terrain and gradually climb into more open areas with sweeping views of the surrounding islands and waterways.
Accommodations on Orcas Island
You won’t find chain hotels on Orcas Island. What you will find is a wide range of options, from campsites—our summertime favorite—to luxury waterfront rental homes. We’ve also stayed at several small resorts with cozy cabins.
On our first visit, we stayed at Doe Bay Resort, which includes a clothing-optional spa. As we wandered toward the beach with our young kids, one of them observed, “There’s a naked man in the woods.”
I had to laugh and replied, “Yes… yes there is.”
On a recent mid-winter getaway, we stayed in a beachfront cabin at West Beach Resort. Our favorite feature was the private seaside firepit, where we sat listening to gentle waves roll ashore while sipping wine and watching the light fade.
On a couple of other trips, we arrived with a boat large enough to sleep on and rented dock space at Deer Harbor Marina, which offers great views, a convenience store, and a gift shop. Our current little Boston Whaler, however, is far too small for overnight sleeping—unless you count a brief afternoon nap.
Conclusion
With its dramatic landscapes, easy access, and mix of outdoor adventure and quiet charm, Orcas Island remains one of our favorite escapes in Washington. Whether arriving by ferry, kayak, or seaplane, it’s a place that invites you to slow down, explore, and linger a little longer than planned.