Top Things To Do On Orcas Island - San Juan Islands

Maybe your like

Our Homes @ Rosario @ Rosario Sea Views @ Bracken Fern @ West Sound @ Enchanted Forest Reviews Orcas Blog Orcas Island Attractions

Orcas Island Attractions

Orcas Island is known for its stunning scenery, charming villages, and abundance of outdoor activities. This page lists the top things to do on Orcas Island, including hiking, biking, kayaking, whale watching, and visiting historical sites.

Whether you plan your trips minute-by-minute, or allow spontaneity to help guide your path, here are some helpful resources during your trip to Orcas Island.

TOP THINGS TO DO ON ORCAS ISLAND

and how to find them...

Food & Drink

Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce&San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau

The Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce does a great job providing an updated agenda of what's going on each week around the island. Whether there's a festival, musician or artist on the island, or other fun things to do, you're sure to know about it through the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce weekly one-page guide to what's happening on Orcas Island. You’ll also find updated restaurant hours in their weekly dining guide.

The San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau has information on the other nearby islands if you're venturing off to San Juan Island or Lopez

Visit Moran State Park and Mt. Constitution

Visit Moran State Park is a 5,579-acre camping park with five freshwater lakes and over 30 miles of hiking trails. One of the most popular destinations on Orcas Island. Atop the 2,409-foot Mt. Constitution, the highest point on the San Juan Islands, there stands a stone observation tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936. The tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands, the Cascade Mountains, and a variety of Canadian and American cities. Learn more about the 4th largest State Park in Washington herefor more information on activities, history, maps and more.

A view from Mt. Constitution and the observation tower.

Mt. Constitution Video

A view of Mt. Baker from the top of Mt. Constitution in Moran State Park

Hiking on Orcas Island - Get Your FREE Guide Here

There are so many great hikes on Orcas Island for visitors to enjoy, it might be hard to fit them all in during your stay. Download our free guide to learn about some of our favorite hikes!

Located on Orcas Island's east side, Moran State Park boasts over 30 miles of hiking trails with varying difficulty levels, but nearly all with fantastic views or unique surroundings. You can find hikes around lakes and waterfalls, as well as old-growth forests as a protective canopy.

Turtleback Mountain Preserve is located on Orcas Island's west side and has 2 locations where trailheads begin. The North Trailhead is located on Crow Valley Road. Hikers can expect to see great views of Crow Valley at the lookout while the south trailhead is located just off Deer Harbor Road and fantastic views to the south and west during your hike.

Not sure which hike you would like to take? Be sure to grab your FREE Insiders Guide to Amazing Hikes on Orcas Islandto see our picks.

The Beaches of Orcas Island, Washington

Cascade Falls Video - New Years Day

Top Spots for Sunsets On Orcas Island

This topic is so popular, we wrote a blog post a couple years ago with some of our favorite spots to catch sunsets here on Orcas Island.

Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall - you'll find beautiful sunsets (and sunrises) across the island.

Check out our full post and information at the link below:

Insider Tips for Amazing Sunsets on Orcas Island

Cycling and Mountain Biking on Orcas Island

If you're a cyclist or mountain biker, check out the great information about cycling and riding on Orcas Island here.

Here, you'll find maps and routes for cyclists with mileage and turnoffs.

Bike Rentals on Orcas Island:Wildlife CyclesOrcas Bikes

From September 15 through May 15, many hiking trails in Moran State Park are opened for mountain biking. Wildlife Cycles also offer a nice selection of bikes for rent and are also a great repair shop (speaking from experience) should you need service of your own bike while on the island.

Explore Obstruction Pass State Park

Views on the trail from the parking area down to the beach at Obstruction Pass State Park.

Obstruction Pass State Park is an 80-acre camping park on the South end of Orcas Island, south of Moran State Park past the village of Olga. The park is one of the few spots on Orcas Island with access to more than one mile of publicly-owned saltwater shoreline.

A half-mile trail leads visitors from the parking area to the campground and beach access. The beach is unique to the area as it's a stretch of fine gravel pockets as opposed to most of the islands rocky shoreline. And, the views are fantastic! Learn more about Obstruction Pass State Park here.

Enjoy Various Water Activities and Tours

Water activities are always a hit around the islands, with such beautiful scenery and so many protected coves.

Whether you're interesting in guided excursions like whale watching or kayaking, or exploring as your own guide, you're sure to find a mix of activities you'll enjoy.

Whale Watching Tours

Whale watching tours are very popular in the spring and summer. Be sure to book well in advance as spaces fill up quickly. The San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau has a listing of 3 highly-rated tour operators here on Orcas Island - click on the button below for more information.

WHALE WATCHING TOURS

Private Fishing & Wildlife tours

Whether this is your first time to the San Juan Islands or you’re a long-time resident, taking a private boat tour is the best way to experience the majestic San Juan Islands. There are several reputable companies offering private charters or group outings, you can check out.

Fishing Excursions

Kayak & Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Rentals on Orcas Island

Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals are available in several areas of the Island, including the popular location on the picturesque Crescent Beach and Cascade Lake in Moran State Park. If you're looking for guided tours, there are several choices available from different guides. Pick your area, and there's bound to be a guided operation. Some include the Ferry Landing, North Beach, Rosario, Doe Bay, and Deer Harbor, just to name a few.

Paddleboarding at Sunset near West Beach

Kayakers on the Salish Sea off the shores of Orcas Island

Kayaking on the freshwater Cascade Lake in Moran State Park

Freshwater Lakes and Swimming on Orcas Island

If you're looking for some freshwater activities, Cascade Lake at the entrance of Moran State Park also offers rentals right from the main beach area. There, you'll also find trailheads and other day-use features in the park, including a large swim area for public use. During the summer, the Sugar Shack offers hot dogs, drinks and espresso as well as ice cream cones.

Note: You'll need a Discover Pass for day use at Moran State Park. Passes can be purchased for $10/day or $30/year, and Moran State Park has automated pay stations at the entrance. Just look for the "Purchase Discover Pass" sign.

Shop Eastsound Village, the Heart of Orcas Island

Patrons visiting the Farmers Market @ Eastsound Village Green

Eastsound serves as the central hub for commerce and civic life on Orcas Island.

Take your time to stroll through town, taking the amazing waterfront views (Eastsound Waterfront Park) and enjoy the local shops, bakeries, restaurants and artists galleries while enjoying the laid-back pace of this small island town.

The Village Green There are often community actives taking place in the Village Green in Eastsound village. For instance, on Saturdays (May-September) you can visit the Farmers Market from 10am-3pm. Here, you'll find local organic produce, crafts, art, jewelry, clothing, pottery for sale - all of which is grown or crafted by Orcas farmers and artisans. You'll also be able to find a great selection of food vendors offering lunch to help replenish the energy you've used and will need to continue on through the day! There is no admission fee to the Farmers Market, and leashed dogs are always welcomed.

Farmers Market at Village Green in Eastsound following the 2014 Summer Solstice Parade

Read our post with some of the top restaurants on the island, and what we order when we go!

“Savor the flavor”

Orcas Island Winery

Orcas Island Winery is a boutique family-owned and operated winery & vineyard committed to crafting ultra-premium WA state wines - including a wide range of varietals- both red and white. Visit their tasting room, specially curated retail shop, modern farmhouse, and scenic grounds nestled at the base of Turtleback Mountain.

You'll surely share a few laughs with owners, Wesley and Tera Landman, too.

*With your direct supervision, they are a family and dog friendly winery!

Orcas Island Winery is located at 2371 Crow Valley Rd, Eastsound, WA 98245

Be sure to stop by the Doe Bay Wine Company's bottle shop in the heart of Eastsound Village. Here, you'll find a curated selection of wines with friendly and educational service on your selections.

The Orcas Project is a collaboration between acclaimed Winemakers and Vineyards in the Pacific Northwest, featuring labels designed by Orcas Island Artists.

Island Hoppin' Brewery is the islands first (and only) brewery on Orcas! Stop by the brewery to sample one of their several beers on tap, available in pints or taster flights.

Island Market Grocery

Woody’s Taphouse / Teezer’s Coffee

We often get asked by incoming guests if they should do their grocery shopping on the mainland before coming over to Orcas. Likely, they’re unaware of our fantastic little Island Market grocery store (it has been a local family-owned market on Orcas Island since 1897 - yes, over 120 years!). Recent renovations have enhanced the already fantastic food & beverage offerings. Enjoy Woody’s Taphouse & Teezers Coffeehouse during your visit, conveniently located in the heart of Eastsound Village.

Golf on Orcas Island

Spend a part of your day relaxing on the local 9-hole golf course. Orcas Island Golf Course welcomes all to play and even has a great selection of quality golf club rentals if you didn't bring yours to the island. There is a practice range and even the ability to have swing lessons by appointment. They have also opened a new Mini Golf Course!

A short but challenging course with a pace that is un-rushed

A view from the 9-hole Orcas Island Golf Course

Local design theme at the Mini Golf Course!

Pickleball on Orcas

Orcas Island Parks & Recreation manages 4 Pickleball Courts at Buck Park. Be sure to check out additional details here.

Image courtesy Orcas Island Pickleball Club

Explore Orcas Village

There are several shops, restaurants, and gift shops available for you to visit if you have some time back at Orcas Village while waiting for your scheduled ferry sailing.

You can explore Orcas Village while you're waiting at the ferry terminal, and be sure to take back that souvenir to remind you to come back and visit!