Ultimate Guide to Visit Orcas Island: Top Attractions, Activities, and Tips

Where is Orcas Island?

Orcas Island is located on the northwest coast of Washington State, the northwest corner of San Juan County. The island’s largest and most populated town is Eastsound where you can find more hotels and restaurants. 

There are Four other Small Towns on Orcas Island that you can visit, Olga, Doe Bay, Deer Harbor, and WestSound. you must visit these towns to discover many amazing things.

What is Orcas Island Known For?

Orcas Island, often called the “Gem of the San Juans,” is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and vibrant local culture. This Pacific Northwest treasure is known for its majestic forests, tranquil bays, and panoramic views from Mount Constitution, the highest point in the San Juan Islands. 

Beyond its scenic landscapes, the island is cherished for its charming communities, farm-to-table cuisine, and thriving arts scene. Orcas Island is Also Known For Its Beautiful Beaches and Waterfalls. 

Whether you’re seeking peaceful retreats, wildlife encounters, or a taste of island life, Orcas Island offers a unique blend of experiences that capture the essence of the Pacific Northwest.

What is the weather like on Orcas Island?

Orcas Island is an awesome place to visit any time of the year. The average weather forecast for orcas is 55°F. Orcas Island benefits from the rain shadow effect of the Olympic Mountains, receiving less annual rainfall (approximately 26 inches) compared to Seattle, making its weather more temperate and enjoyable year-round. 

SUMMER:

The best time to visit Orcas Island is summer. In the Summer season the weather at Orcas Island highs around 50°F To 70°F. It is perfect weather to explore the island and enjoy the beach. Also, remember this is the time when tourists come from all over the world and the place gets busy. 

People visit Orcas Island to witness the biggest creature in the world, the whale. Yes, From Deer Harbor You Can go and See Orca Whales including Other Sea Animals at Orcas Island. Whales are Sighted on San Juan Island whole year round, Best Time To Watch Whales at orcas In the month of August. 

If you want to visit Orcas Island in summer, prepare for it and book the hotels and ferry passes in advance both ways(if you want to go there by ferry).

SPRING: (March to May): 

Temperatures range from 40°F to 60°F (4°C to 15°C), with increasing sunshine and occasional rain showers. Wildflowers begin to bloom, making it a beautiful time to visit.

WINTER:

Winter starts in late November and ends in February. In winter the weather at orcas highs around 37°F To 48°F. In winter it’s less crowded so, If you don’t like crowds or noise this is the time for you to explore Orcas Island. 

You can find rooms easily in winter, Personal Opinion From Doa Bay Resort Enjoy the sunset View with a hot spring bath. 

How to get to Orcas Island?

For Getting Orcas Island you can choose a variety of ferry, seaplane, or private charter planes. 

By Ferry:

You Can Reach Orcas Island by Washington ferry system from Anacortes. There are 4 ferries serving the island of San Juans, But not every ferry stops at Orcas Island. so plan your visit and check the schedule of the ferries. for more information and reservations Visit Washington State Ferries. 

If you want to travel from Seattle to Orcas island it will take around 3 hr 20 minutes so in my opinion, you go to Anacortes and visit Orcas by Ferry.

From Anacortes, it will take around 60 minutes to reach Orcas Island, you can take some books or enjoy some time by taking selfies or pictures. That’s what I did.

For a Limited Time in the summer season, there is an island shuttle van that runs through every island point.

NOTE: IF WANT TO BRING YOUR CAR YOU HAVE TO MAKE A RESERVATION FOR THAT TOO. 

By Plane:

If you want to visit Orcas Island by airways you can choose from various northwest locations, including Seattle Sea-Tac Airports, Lake Union, Or Lake Washington. You can Hire Some Regular or charter planes too.

By Plane, it will take to reach Orcas Island around 45 to 55 Minutes.

Getting Around On Orcas Island:

Once you reach the island you need a car or bike to go to your hotel rooms. For that, you can bring your car or you can rent a car. Drive wherever you want to go on the island then leave it there for the employer to take the car.

To explore the island you can rent E-bikes or bicycles from the points. You can have all the facilities on Orcas Island. 

Where to Stay On Orcas Island: Hotels, Resorts, and more

There are some amazing hotels, resorts, and Inns to stay on the orcas’ island. Also, you can rent through Airbnb. You can rent a Room/House from locals. The local people are very friendly and the nicest people.

Orcas Hotel:

Orcas Hotel is Located At Ferry Landing, so if you don’t want to bother yourself to find hotels or Cabins it’s a good option for you.  It’s a very famous hotel for its warm hospitality. If you don’t want to stay here at night, instead you can have your lunch or other snacks.

Moran State Park:

My Favorite Place to Stay on the island is Moran State Park. You can have so many options here, there are 151 Campgrounds in Moran State Park, Reserve through the Washington State Park Website.

From Moran state park you can access most parts of the island and do so many things from your list of buckets.  

Outlook Inn (Eastsound):

Outlook inn is located in the middle of Orcas Island and perfect location to explore the island. Outlook Inn has been Welcoming Travelers Since 1942 so it’s a pleasure to stay at this historic place. 

Rosario Resort (Near Eastsound):

If you are visiting Orcas Island with a group you should stay at a resort, and Rosario is the best at Orcas Island. With an outdoor pool, this resort will give you old vibes. The view of the cascade cove from the outdoor pool is incredible. 

Hobbit House/TreeHouse:

If you are a HOBBIT fan and Want to Stay in a HOBBIT House then you must go to Doa Bay and reserve a Cabin, it’s not just a cabin it’s full of experience. 

With a Queen Size Bed, and a mini-fridge you can have other amenities, and this is a pet-free accommodation. 

Where to Eat and Drink: The Best Restaurants and Bars on Orcas Island

#Lower Tavern (Eastsound):

Lower Tavern is located at 46 Prune Aly, Eastsound at Orcas Island.  Outside it’s more like a bar but you can have breakfast to dinner and other varieties of delicious foods at reasonable prices. 

This Place is very good and the food is also very satisfying. You can have other facilities too with a parking lot and free wifi. I tried the salmon burger and it was very delicious. You should try this when you visit Orcas Island.

#Hogstone’s Wood Oven

If you are a pizza lover you should visit Hogstone’s for their variety of wood-fired pizzas. The menu is limited here and you have to make reservations for the food.

#Rosario Resort and Spa

This is a historic resort. If you don’t want to stay here no problem you can have the delicious food of Rosario. With a variety of food options, a poolside bar, and other accommodations, you can spend some quality time at Rosario Resort and Sp.

#New Leaf Cafe

With a Great View of the Harbor, the New Leaf cafe is worth visiting. The food and services are the best. This cafe is very famous for its breakfast and brunch with seafood.

On a related note, The egg benedict from the New Leaf Cafe is the best on the island. 

#Mijitas Mexican Kitchen

If you want to taste some Mexican Dish or Latin Cuisine you can always count on Mijitas. With both outdoor and indoor seating facilities, This is a popular place so get your reservation early.

#Doa Bay Resort and Cafe:

After visiting Olga’s side or staying there, have some dinner or Lunch at Doa Bay. The food and hospitality are good, most importantly the cafe supports the local farmers so you can have fresh food.

#Clever Cow Creamery

For refreshing your taste, ice cream is a great choice and Clever Cow Creamery will provide you with amazing flavor and a varied selection of ice creams at Orcas Island. 

You should go there, especially for an ice cream party, Clever Cow Creamery Located at 109 N Beach Rd Eastsound.

The Best Things to Do in Orcas Island, Washington

From hiking to kayaking There are so many things you can do On this wonderful island. You can visit the museum or go and watch the big creatures, the orca whales and other sea animals.

If you are a fan of sports you can spend some time playing golf or tennis. This island is pretty big and there are a lot of things you can do. If you don’t plan your visit accordingly you may find yourself in a difficult situation as to what you should do. Therefore I already posted an article for you so check out the 15 Best Things To Do At Orcas Island, No. 8 is my personal favorite.

The Bottomline:

I believe now you know most of everything, from how to get there to where to eat I tried to cover everything in this guide to Orcas Island.

FAQ:

What is the rainy season at Orcas Island?

The Rainy Season starts in October and ends in April. although, in November chances of rain slightly increase than in other months.

Do you need a passport to go to Orcas Island?

Ans: No Passport is required for US Citizens to visit Orcas Island. If you are from outside the US then Passport And Visa are Required.

Does Snow on Orcas Island?

Ans: Not Really, But only Seen Some Snow after a snowstorm, and it is also rare.

Are there Ubers available on Orcas Island?

No, there are no Ubers but you can rent a taxi or e-bike.

Are Dogs Allowed at Orcas Island?

Yes, You Can Take Your Dog With You.