Orcas Island Activities
Orcas Island Activities. Favorite Orcas Island attractions with photos and descriptions so your vacation will be perfect, easy, memorable. Here is a list and details about most of the attractions on Orcas Island, starting with the Visitor Information Center in Eastsound.
The Washington State Ferry docks at the little village of Orcas, WA, at the south end of the island. If you'd like to make additional inquiry about other Orcas Island attractions, then make your way north along Orcas Road to Eastsound and the Orcas Island Information Center.
More details about San Juan Islands Transportation options are here.
Ask your Orcas Island activities or other questions of a local volunteer, pick up a map of the island, and take any of various brochures featuring the San Juan Islands.
Orcas Island Information Center
65 N Beach Rd., PO Box 252, Eastsound WA 98245
+1-360-376-2273
info@OrcasIslandChamber.com
https://orcasislandchamber.com/
Orcas Island Historical Museum
Orcas Island Historical Museum
181 N Beach Rd, Eastsound, WA 98245
+1-360-376-4849
www.orcasmuseum.org
Hours: Wed-Sat 11a-4p
Admission: $5
Comprised of six historical cabins containing upwards of 6,000 artifacts within various exhibits recording local Orcas Island history. This very pleasant stop features life in the last century on Orcas Island.
Orcas Island Activities: Beautiful Nature
Moran State Park
Moran State Park
3572 Olga Rd., Olga, WA 98379
+1-360-376-2326
https://parks.state.wa.us/547/Moran
Summer Hours: 6:30a - 10p
Winter Hours: 8a - dusk (as early as 4p)
Tripadvisor Reviews of Moran State Park on Orcas Island WA
The views...oh my goodness! The views are no doubt the reason Moran State Park is the #1 attraction on Orcas Island.
Additionally, the peak of Mt. Constitution hosts Ellsworth Storey's Tower. The tower looks like a medieval castle, and serves as a museum of sorts with historical displays. Take the stairs to the top for stellar views.
Getting there: From Eastsound, take Olga Road to the east and south. Pass or stop for several photo opportunities as you drive along Cascade Lake. (Cascade Lake is stocked with fish - Sport Fishing information relative to Cascade Lake is here.)
Bear left on Mt Constitution Road; bear left again to stay on Mt Constitution Road, which will take you to the summit of Mt. Constitution and the tower.
If you enjoy hiking, you'll find trails near the summit of Mt. Constitution:
- 1.3 mile trail (2.1 km one way) starts at the parking lot and roughly circles Summit Lake. Return to the parking lot via the road.
- 2 mile trail (3.2 km one way) starts at the west shore of Mountain Lake and terminates at Twin Lakes. Retrace your steps to return to your vehicle.
The Summit Gift Shop and Sugar on Top concession stand are both located at the end of Mt. Constitution Road. Buy a gift and grab a sandwich, coffee, and ice cream cone!
Summit Gift Shop
+1-360-376-3111
www.friendsofmoran.com
Seasonal Hours: May through September: 11a-4p every day.
The Summit Gift Shop is manned by volunteers and offers unique gifts and local souvenirs.
Sugar on Top (located at the top of Mt. Constitution)
Sugar Shack (located on the shore of Cascade Lake)
360-376-4665
www.Orcasadventures.com/sugar-shack
Seasonal Hours. Offers sandwiches, drinks, ice cream snacks.
Obstruction Pass State Park
Obstruction Pass State Park
860 Trailhead Rd, Olga, WA 98279
+1-360-902-8844
https://parks.state.wa.us/553/Obstruction-Pass
Obstruction Pass State Park is located a tad south of Olga, WA. It boasts 10 campsites, 3 buoys, more than a mile of public saltwater beach access, and a 0.6-mile interpretive trail from parking lot to the beach. Camping is primitive, with no potable water.
Even if you choose not to camp here, this is a wonderful place for easy hiking, amazing views and picnicking, either in the forest or on the beach.
Turtleback Mountain Preserve
The top of Turtleback Mountain scrapes 1000 feet, not quite as tall as Mt. Constitution, but the views are every bit as impressive. In fact, it is said that the locals prefer to hike this mountain.
Turtleback Mountain Map and Directions
In 2007 the Turtleback Mountain Preserve was purchased by the San Juan County Land Bank and set aside for public use. It is laced with trails, some of them designated multi-use. Access these trails from the South Trailhead and North Trailhead. Find directions, map and details in printable PDF form at the above link.
Orcas Island Activities: Shopping
Orcas Island Pottery
Orcas Island Pottery
338 Old Pottery Road, Eastsound WA 98245
+1-360-376-2813
www.orcasislandpottery.com
Hours: Every day 10am – 5pm
Beautiful pottery shop on a bluff overlooking the water. Located to the southwest of downtown Eastsound. The grounds are whimsical, creative, scenic, including even a treehouse.
Find an AMAZING array of colors in absolutely beautiful pottery pieces. The designs, variety, and colors are captivating. 3rd and 4th generations of potters own the place, plus guest potters have created some pieces. If you love colorful pottery, a piece from Orcas Island Pottery will become a treasured memento of your Orcas Island activities.
Orcas Island Artworks
Orcas Island Artworks
11 Point Lawrence Rd, Olga, WA 98279
+1-360-376-4408
www.orcasartworks.com
Summer Hours: Every day, 10a – 5p
Winter Hours: Every day 10a-4p
Orcas Island Artworks is a co-op gallery containing a large collection of local art described as “inspired.” Check them out at the website above; they have an online store.
(Hungry? Catkin Café is on the premises.)
Orcas Island Activities: Shellfish, Farmer's Market
Buck Bay Shellfish Farm
Buck Bay Shellfish Farm
117 E J Young Rd, Olga WA 98279
+1-360-376-5280
www.buckbayshellfishfarm.com
Hours: Mon-Sat 11a-6p, Sun 12p-5p. Open seasonally to visitors; closed during winter.
Buck Bay Shellfish Farm makes for a colorfully rustic visit. Purchase ultra-fresh oysters, clams, crab, scallops, cod, lobster, halibut, and more.
Buck Bay is very scenic - you might also like to book their vacation home on the premises, which comes with complimentary oysters...mmm!
See Orcas Island Washington: Lodging.
Orcas Island Farmers Market
Orcas Island Farmers Market
N Beach Road, Village Green, Eastsound, WA 98245
+1-360-317-8342
http://orcasislandfarmersmarket.org/
Summer Hours: Saturdays at the above address.
Winter Hours: Saturdays during October and through most of November, 11a-2p, at Oddfellows Hall, located on Haven Street just south of Main Street on way to Madrona Point.
Obtain picnic fixings, flowers, gifts, souvenirs and more.
Orcas Island Activities: Winery and Brewery
Orcas Island Winery
Orcas Island Winery
2371 Crow Valley Rd, Eastsound, WA 98245
+1-425-314-7509
www.orcasislandwinery.com
Hours: Thur-Sat 12n-6p, Sun 12n-5p.
Orcas Island Winery is a boutique winery operated by father and son crafting "the finest wines Washington has to offer.” Two to three acres of grapes are grown on site.
Island Hoppin' Brewery
Island Hoppin’ Brewery
33 Hope Lane, Eastsound, WA, 98245
+1-360-376-6079. www.Islandhoppinbrewery.com
Hours: 12n-9p every day
Lots and lots of craft beer. Get a flight of beer and taste your way through it, along with light snacks and bar food. Great ambience; available are ping-pong games, foosball, and various board games.
You’re welcome to bring your own picnic lunch/food – they even recommend local restaurants and eateries. Get it to-go and bring it to the brewery.
Orcas Island Activities: Near Orcas Island
Sucia Island State Park
Sucia Island State Park, on Sucia Island
+1-360-376-2073. Camping and Groups: +1-360-376-2073
https://parks.state.wa.us/594/Sucia-Island
Summer Hours: 6:30a–dusk
Winter Hours: 8a-dusk
Access is by boat/kayak only.
Due north of Eastsound and Orcas Island is the small island grouping of the Sucia Islands. They come with names like Snoring Bay and Fossil Bay, where bones of a T Rex-like dinosaur were found.
The Sucia Islands offer hiking trails, and are excellent for diving, boating, kayaking, and camping. Recreational license required if you wish to fish or harvest shellfish (see WDFW website).
Lastly, take a look at San Juan Islands Vacation for details on other vacation attractions and activities on other San Juan Islands.
Have You Traveled Around the San Juan Islands?
Share Your Travel Stories and Photos Here!
Share Your Travel Stories and Photos Here!
Whether you're a local who has lived here for years, or you've come as a visitor to our area, we'd love to hear from you! Do you have a great story or an interesting experience while in the San Juans? What was your means of transportation? And what about reviews? Did you take any exceptional photos taken during your travels around the San Juan Islands? Please, share your stories and photos with us!
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