20 Amazing Things To Do On Orcas Island in Washington

One of the most beautiful islands found in the San Juan Islands is Orcas Island. Shaped like a giant horseshoe, this island is a wellness paradise of tasty farm-to-table eateries, dazzling handcrafted artwork, verdant gardens, and wooded state parks featuring gorgeous vistas.

For the beach bums there’s pristine secluded beaches tucked along the mountains while history buffs can find a historic pottery studio that’s one of the oldest in the Pacific Northwest. If you’re an adventure enthusiast, there’s plenty for you to do as well. Whether you prefer kayaking along the coast or exploring the endless forest — Orcas Island has something for everyone.

To unearth all the adventure and wellness attractions found on Orcas Island, I was invited as a guest by the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau to tour the island. All opinions in this piece are my own. So, keep scrolling to find the best things to do on Orcas Islands.

Feel free to jump ahead!

Where is Orcas Island?

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Orcas Island is located north of Seattle, Washington in the U.S. It’s part of the San Juan Islands which encompasses 172 islands and reefs according to the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau. To reach the islands, there are two main travel routes visitors can take — the ferry or an airplane.

Ferries to Orcas Island depart from the Anacortes station and typically take an hour to get there. While the San Juan Island ferry disembarks downtown at Friday Harbor, the Orcas Island ferry arrives at the small village of Orcas Village.

Here you’ll find a grocery store, a historic hotel, some shops, and a restaurant with a cozy patio. Keep in mind if you’re visiting from Seattle, the Anacortes station is about an hour and half drive from Seattle.

However, if you’re planning on flying, you can fly right out of Seattle to reach the islands. Just note that these planes are tiny! The smallest plane I flew on was a three passenger plane and this included the pilot!

Some airlines I recommend using are Kenmore Air and San Juan Airlines. I’ve flown on each of these and had a great experience all around.

When’s the best time to visit Orcas Island?

One of the best things about visiting beach cities (at least in California) is that anytime of year is great time to visit since the weather seems to be more temperate. Orcas Island is very similar. But, the winters can be long and cold. The harsh winter conditions causes the island to basically shut down.

That said, I wouldn’t recommend visiting during this time. Rather, consider visiting in spring or fall to experience the islands low tourist season. You’ll get a more intimate feel for the island and it’s also more sustainable for the island since foot traffic is more spread out.

Summer is also a great time to visit as it’s the San Juan Islands peak tourism season.

What are the best things to do on Orcas Island?

Below you’ll find a list of the best activities to do on Orcas Island for almost any season. Whether that’s devouring tasty farm-to-table meals, hiking through the evergreen trees, or admiring the local artwork — you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy!

Be sure to pack plenty of layers as temperatures can drop when you’re staying close to the beach. Even a light jacket during summer nights can do wonders!

Also if you’re planning on visiting the other islands — San Juan, Lopez, and Shaw Island — read this popular island guide to find out the best things to do.

1. Learn about the island at Orcas Island Marine Interpretative Area

The Orcas Island Marine Interpretative Area is located next to the ferry terminal on Orcas Island. As you walk up the hill you’ll find this interpretative area to your left. It’s pretty small, but the mural is very informative and vibrantly embellished. It also offers a sweet vista point overlooking the water and ferries.

Continue up the hill to check out Orcas Village. Here you’ll find the Orcas Village Store, the Orcas Hotel which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the hotel cafe.

2. Visit Orcas Island Artworks

On the east side of the island is Orcas Island Artworks. It’s a popular spot for viewing an extensive collection of beautiful art pieces. Roam around to discover various items ranging from paintings, jewelry, and glass to sculptures and wooded art pieces. Each of the pieces you’ll find here are crafted by local craftspeople and artists.

3. Take a walk through the historic downtown

The historic downtown in Orcas Island is called Eastsound. It’s a tad smaller than Friday Harbor at the San Juan Islands, but it’s just as mighty. Meander through the various shops downtown, grab a glass a wine, or devour some tasty food from one of many tasty restaurants in town.

If you love a good coffee shop and bakery, Eastsound also has you covered. My favorite bakery I highly recommend trying is Brown Bear Baking.

4. Devour a pastry from Brown Bear Baking

Brown Bear Baking is a small batch bakery that whips up some delectable French pastries. On the menu you’ll also find pillow-y breads, buttery croissants (sorry, they aren’t gluten-free or dairy-free), tarts, and egg quiches.

While they don’t have gluten-free options, they do have wheat-free options for those who are allergic to wheat. Otherwise the dairy-free and gluten-free options include all their hot beverages, fresh fruit, and the cutest outdoor seating area. Tasty drinks, peaceful ambiance — what’s not to love?

5. Hike Obstruction Pass State Park

What I love about this roughly 80 acre state park is that its one of the most secluded state parks I’ve ever been too. The park is located on one of the furthest sides of the island and, because Orcas Island is horseshoe shaped, some of the trails wind along the crescent coast line.

That said, the best hike here is Obstruction Pass Trail — a 1.4 mile loop that’s rated as easy on All Trails. It leads to some excellent campsites and some stunning secluded beaches. If you’re craving an ocean dip, this is a spot I highly recommend visiting!

6. Attend the film festival(or a different festival)

Orcas Island is famous for it’s film festival which features local and non-local artists. It happens during the fall, but throughout the year Orcas offers several other local festivals and events. Some festivals you’ll find on the island include:

• Orcas Island Lit Fest
• Doe Bay Fest
• Orcas Island Film Festival
• Orcas Island Pride

Click here to found out about more festivals, exhibits, and events.

7. Chase waterfalls and views at Moran State Park

Inside Moran State Park there’s an abundance of beautiful trails and many of those trails (not all) lead to some cascading waterfalls. Some of the best trails I recommend hiking are the Cold Springs Trail (4.3 miles out-and-back), Cascade Falls (0.8 miles), and Cascade Loop Trail (2.6 mile loop).

There’s also Mount Constitution, which offers the best and most scenic view in the park. To get here you can drive up, bike up, or hike via several different trails like Twin Lakes or Cold Springs and Little Summit Trail.

8. Swim in the Salish Sea

Warning; it’s pretty cold during the fall! I hiked first to work up a sweat, then jumped in for some cold water immersion therapy. That being said, if you’re planning on hopping in try to go during the hottest part of the day. But if swimming isn’t your forte, consider having a picnic by the sea instead!

9. Tour the Doe Bay Garden

If you’re a plant mom (or dad!) you’ll want to consider checking out this lovely garden. The Doe Bay Garden is attached to the Doe Bay Resort and Retreat and yields produce for the tasty cafe, Doe Bay Café.

In the garden there’s an assortment of edible flowers, leafy greens, broccoli, various varieties of tomatoes, herbs, and more.

10. Grab lunch at Doe Bay Café

After exploring the Doe Bay Garden, head to the Doe Bay Café for a true farm-to-table experience. Here you’ll find fresh eggs crafted into fluffy omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and freshly picked seasonal fruit.

So if you’re a fan of berries, I highly recommend ordering a side of them as they’re the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Honestly they were the best I’ve ever had!

Sit inside the restaurant for a cozy meal or dine outside on the large deck to take in the Salish Sea. Here you’ll find a spectacular vantage point, while about hundred feet away you’ll discover the rocky shores of the sea.

11. Wine taste at Doe Bay Wine Company

If you’re a fan of wine tasting, Doe Bay Wine Company is the spot to visit! It’s located downtown and features various wines ranging from reds and whites to rosy rosés. Some of the wine bottles even have handmade prints that highlight different animals on the island such as crustaceans, raccoons, and squids.

12. Visit Orcas Island Pottery

Orcas Island Pottery is a fairy tale property waiting to be explored. It’s perched atop the coastal bluffs and hidden within old cedar trees for a whimsical escape.

Inside you’ll find a beautiful garden and an abundance of colorful, handmade pottery. In fact, according their website Orcas Island Pottery is one of the oldest pottery studios in the Pacific Northwest.

They also have towering tree house that overlooks the entire property. Climb to the top to experience its unique charm and to see the spectacular view it offers.

13. Grab dinner at Kingfish

If you’re looking for yummy vegan and gluten-free options, Kingfish at West Sound has a some excellent options to choose from. The chef is extremely creative and pulls from many local ingredients found throughout the island. Think roasted purple cauliflowers atop white beans in an aromatic tomato stew.

For a more elevated experience, consider grabbing dinner outside so you can bask beneath the orangish sunset while dining.

14. Get drinks (and tapas) at New Leaf

Whether you prefer a cocktail or mocktail (which has zero-percent alcohol), New Leaf at Outlook Inn has some pretty tasty drinks. I ordered a mocktail and was pleasantly surprised by its burst of flavor.

Here you’ll also find small bites (did someone say tapas like in Spain!) to share. Think marinated olives, pan-fried brussel sprouts with a dijon mustard glaze, yummy salads, and more. Keep in mind, this eatery is only open Thursday to Monday from 4:00 – 9:00pm and it’s located downtown.

15. Go stargazing on Orcas Island

For the best stargazing experience travel a little outside of Eastsound to avoid any light pollution and you’ll see the darkest, moonlit skies!

16. Rent a bike on Orcas Island

There a couple different bike shops in town that offer bike rentals, e-bike rentals, and bike tours. If you’re looking for e-bikes, check out Orcas Bikes, but if you’re wanting a mountain (or road) bike, I suggest renting from Wildlife Cycles.

17. Sunbathe on one of the many beaches found on Orcas Island

There’s no shortage of beaches on Orcas Island, after all, it is a island! Because of it’s horseshoe shape, I’ve found the island offers a generous amount of secluded beaches. Visit the beaches in Obstruction Pass State Park for a quiet retreat, meander through the small beach at Eastsound, or sunbathe at another beach that catches your eye.

18. Dine at Madrona Bar & Grill

Located beachside in downtown Eastsound is Madrona Bar & Grill. This restaurant serves up some flavorful dishes and offers some beautiful views on their outdoor patio. What I love most about this restaurant is that it offers some great dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options.

For instance there’s a portabello burger, a vegan burger, gluten-free buns, and plenty of fresh house salads. For non-vegans you’ll find grilled salmon, linguine and clams, and more.

19. Hang with locals at Lower Tavern

For those who love exploring the night life in the city, I highly recommend exploring Lower Tavern. This tavern is a hot spot for locals and it’s a great place to grab a drink after a long day. Grab some bar snacks if you’re feeling hungry or challenge a local to a game of pool!

While the tavern closes at 10:00 pm, sometimes the barkeep will stay open a wee bit later depending how popping the joint is. I visited after the film festival and the tavern was well open at 10:45 pm.

20. Book an orca whale watching tour on Orcas Island

This is a must do activity if you’re visiting the San Juan Islands in Washington as the islands are famous for whale watching! While I booked an orca whale watching tour on the San Juan Island with Maya’s Legacy Whale Watching, there’s also some excellent options on Orcas Island.

Keep in mind that no matter what season you’re visiting, it’s always colder on the water. So, I highly recommend packing layers, snacks, and bringing lots of water. If you’re prone to motion sickness don’t forget your dramamine or try these acupressure wristbands as I’ve found they work great too.

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