For those of you who aren’t familiar with Orcas, it’s an island in the Salish Sea in Washington, just northeast of the Olympic Peninsula. Orcas Island is a part of the archipelago known as the San Juan Islands. The islands are a popular tourist destination and are known for their small farming communities, gorgeous nature and views, and artists.
Why We Visited
Visiting the San Juan Islands has been on my list of places to visit since Jacob and I moved to Seattle in 2019. I heard so many great things about these gorgeous islands and wanted the opportunity to explore. Sadly, we never got the opportunity while we lived in the area, but with our current extended visit to Seattle, I hoped it would finally happen!
We hadn’t made any plans to visit the islands when we were on the river float trip in Montana. However, the universe works in funny ways. On the third day of our river float, we stopped at the Heaven On Earth Ranch. This ranch is the only stop on the river where you can purchase additional supplies, take a hot shower, or play a round of golf.
While here, we met a wonderful woman named Terry. She and her son were doing the float with a different group and we sparked up a conversation with them. After getting to know each other for nearly an hour and mentioning that we hoped to visit the San Juan Islands while in the area, Terry mentioned that she lived on Orcas Island and offered to have us visit! Jacob and I were so excited to have the opportunity to visit the islands and get to know our new friend better.
Getting There
People travel to the islands via ferry, airplane, or personal boats. In this case, we booked a round-trip ferry ride from Anacortes. It cost about $77 due to the fact that we bought the bus along with us, though, I believe it usually costs around $50.
Booking the ferry far in advance is most advisable. Jacob and I ended up booking our ferry about a week before leaving and didn’t have many options to choose form. We left Anacortes for the Island on the first ferry of the day at 5:55 AM and left on the 2:20 pm ferry back.
The ferry ride itself is absolutely gorgeous. You get to watch the ferry weave between islands covered in evergreens and ferns, see sailboats moored in the harbors, and watch birds and sea life thriving around you. It was magical.
Our Favorite Things On Orcas Island
We did so much during our trip to Orcas, hiking, exploring, visiting marinas, restaurants, bars, and spending time with our friend. Listed below are some of my recommendations to anyone that is lucky enough to visit.
Moran State Park
Orcas island has one very unique thing that the other islands in the San Juan archipelago don’t, Moran State Park and a mountain! Mt. Constitution in the state park is the highest point among the islands and offers an amazing view.
Aside from the mountain, Moran State Park also offers fantastic hiking, a large number of biking trails, gorgeous views, and multiple lakes to swim in. Our favorite hike in the park was the hike around Mountain Lake. It is a fairly easy 4 mile hike that offers some great views and many places to swim.
Orcas Island Pottery
This place is a MUST visit if you go to Orcas. The pottery is perfectly made and the glazes are absolutely gorgeous. Jacob and I each bought a mug while visiting and are obsessed with them.
In addition to the pottery, the property is so impressive. Nestled at the end of a wooded road, Orcas Island Pottery sits on top of a cliff overlooking the ocean and Waldron Island. The gardens are absolutely gorgeous and absolutely filled with flowers of every size, shape, and color. Also, check out the freaking tree house!! oh my gosh. I can’t express how amazing this place is.
Boathouse CiderWorks
This bar is located right next to the ferry when you get onto the island, and is very easily accessible when waiting for the ferry off the island. I am a big fan of hard ciders and let me tell you, there is something really special about this place. The ginger cider that they make is one of the best ciders I have ever had. Jacob and I bought a growler of it to take home. It is gingery as hell, but not in a spicy way, more in an earthy, gingery, good way.
They serve hot and cold apple cider (non-alcoholic), a variety of their own hard ciders, and the BEST apple cider doughnuts!! Oh my gosh, those doughnuts were amazing. I’m still thinking about them. Picture a normal apple cider doughnut with apple butter used to stick the cinnamon and sugar on the outside. It’s the most apple-y apple cider doughnut I’ve ever had.
Buck Bay Oyster Co.
This restaurant is the kind of thing people go to the San Juan Islands for (I hope). It’s a true farm-to-table restaurant. They grow all of their own produce onsite and allow you to walk through the gardens. They employ 2 full time gardeners to keep up on everything and it was quite impressive. In addition to the gardens, they operate an oyster farm in the bay next to the property. Everything we had at this restaurant was absolutely amazing.
Summertime Concerts in Eastsound
Our first night in town, Jacob and I stumbled across an outdoor concert in a small park space in the town center. We decided to stop, listen, and people watch. The music was great. Soon, the band introduced themselves and we learned that they were called Heart By Heart, a band consisting of two of the original members of the band Heart! It was amazing seeing such talented musicians in person.
Final Thoughts
We are so thankful to have had the opportunity to spend time in such a beautiful place. While staying at the most gorgeous property. Terry has a piece of heaven, rounded out with an oyster farm! Terry herself is a truly wonderful person. She was so welcoming, made us feel at home, and introduced us to some great people. Making new friends is the best.
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-Hailey