Orcas Island

Travel Guide

Orcas Island featuring a lake or waterhole and landscape views
Orcas Island featuring street scenes
Orcas Island which includes views, mountains and forest scenes
Orcas Island
Orcas Island which includes mountains, views and landscape views
Green mountains and freshwater lakes, wildlife spotting, hiking and cycling trails all make for a memorable vacation 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.

Outlook Inn
Outlook Inn
3 out of 5
171 Main St, Eastsound, WA
The price is €323 per night from 17 Mar to 18 Mar
€323
includes taxes & fees
17 Mar - 18 Mar
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! (459 reviews)
"Quaint and comfortable."

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2025

Outlook Inn
Landmark Inn on Orcas Island
Landmark Inn on Orcas Island
3 out of 5
67 Main St, Eastsound, WA
The price is €161 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
€161
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Eastsound. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (150 reviews)
"Really lovely room"

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2025

Landmark Inn on Orcas Island
Deer Harbor Inn
Deer Harbor Inn
3 out of 5
33 Inn Lane, Deer Harbor, WA
The price is €148 per night from 21 Mar to 22 Mar
€148
includes taxes & fees
21 Mar - 22 Mar
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Deer Harbor. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Skull Island State Park and West Sound Marina are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (171 reviews)
"So cozy, & so beautiful! Wonderful amenities, like toiletries, coffee/tea, makeup towel. Lots of outlets, comfortable bed, soft pillows, & warm blankets! Great view, gorgeous property. The room & buildings are stylish— traditional, but elegant. Perfect islands style look & feel. Booking & checking ..."

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2025

Deer Harbor Inn
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.
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, concierge services, and patios. Popular attractions Darvill's Bookstore and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (279 reviews)
Beautiful & Well-Appointed Orcas Home Base
"We stayed at this property in February 2025 with an 8-month old baby and found it incredibly suited to our needs. It was easy to find from the ferry, very conveniently located near downtown Eastsound and all of the restaurants and shops, and extremely well outfitted. We had everything needed to cook, ..."

Reviewed on 20 Feb 2025

Modern Home with Stunning Water View
The 'Captain's Suite' at Sea Star Lofts -- On the Waterfront!
The 'Captain's Suite' at Sea Star Lofts -- On the Waterfront!
Eastsound
Book a stay at this beach condo in Eastsound. Enjoy a beach locale, concierge services, and patios. Popular attractions Darvill's Bookstore and Orcas Island ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (145 reviews)
Great location and amazing view!
"The Captains suite is centrally located, the view is outstanding. It has all the things you need for an amazing stay in Eastsound."

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2025

The 'Captain's Suite' at Sea Star Lofts -- On the Waterfront!
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! (93 reviews)
"Best sunsets!"

Reviewed on 14 Jan 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do