Things to do on Orcas Island & the San Juan Islands
Orcas Island is the largest island in the San Juans. The horseshoe-shaped island is a magical mix of lush forest, farm valleys, placid lakes and stunning mountains, all wrapped around a beautiful fjord. Eastsound is considered to be the hub of Orcas Island, offering casual to fine dining, boutiques, galleries, a performing arts center, a first-run movie theater, and a history museum. The Funhouse (a children's discovery center), a world-class skate park, and tide pools are nearby.
The panoramic view of islands, water and mountains from atop 2,409-foot Mount Constitution is a must-see. Situated in 5,000-acre Moran State Park, the mountain is marked with foot trails that the Civilian Conservation Corps carved in the 1930s. It's possible to drive within 100 steps of the top, then walk to the viewing area or up the view tower. Moran State Park also offers lakes for swimming, paddle boating and fishing; waterfalls along 30 miles of tranquil trails, and camping. Whale watching, sea kayaking and golfing can also be enjoyed on Orcas, as well as numerous festivals and a May-September Farmers' Market. Art and pottery galleries are dotted throughout the island; you can even make your own pottery at a couple of them.
Areas of Orcas Island
East Sound located smack in the middle of beautiful, horseshor-shaped Orcas Island, Eastsound is th eisland's commerical center. Small town friendly in a big way, Eastsound offers restaurants, shops, and galleries, as well as the Orcas Island Historical Museum. Summers feature a Saturday Farmers Market along with Thursday brown bag concerts outside the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, built more than 100 years ago. The villae's cultural hub is the Orcas Center, which presents plays concerts as well as serving as a metting place for various civic groups. The Islands grocery store Island Market is also located in this part of the island. Map of Eastsound
Deer Harbor hidden at the west end of Orcas Island is Deer Hrbor which is often missed by vistiors. It's a shame because this is shuch a sleepy harbor village which boasts some of the best water views anywhere. The harbor's kayak, charter and boat rental conessions offer pleanty of opportunities to enjoy water up close. Headland House is located about 7 minutes from the Deer Harbor Marina. Map of Deer Harbor
Art Galleries
Orcas Island Artworks the Orcas Island Artworks located in Olga offers the finest selection of local art and crafts in the San Juan Islands. We represent more than sixty Orcas Island artists and crafts people, working in pottery, sculpture, jewelry, glass, wood, paintings, prints, wearable art, and fiber. Phone 360-376-4408
Artas Usuwil is a Jewlery Designer located in Deer Harbor Phone 360-376-6424
Crow Valley Pottery the focus is on artists creating original poeery works an exciting gallery unmatched in the islands for its breadth of artists. Phone 360-376-4260
Orcas Island Pottery a favorite destination for visitors to Orcas Island. The oldest pottery in the Northwest, it is located on West Beach only 3½ miles from Eastsound, in an area of old growth cedars and Douglas fir, on a 100 foot high bluff overlooking President's Channel. When you turn off the main road onto the long driveway into the woods, you feel like you are going into a fairyland. As you enter the O.I.P. parking lot you will notice a sign for the 'Foot Path' that leads you down into the yard. There you will find different pathways to go on to discover this magical place with its beautiful gardens and fountains. It's a whimsical adventure. Phone 360-376-2813
Bicyle Rentals
Bicycle Rentals Orcas Island is the perfect venue for a family bike ride we recommend Island Bicycles as they carry a full line of bicyles for the entire family everything from mountain bikes to childrens bikes you can reach them at 360-378-4941
Dolphin Bay Bicycles Located at the Orcas Ferry Landing, Bicycle rental, custom frames and bicycle sales and repair. Phone 360-376-4157 or 360-317-6734
Orcas Moped Rentals Conveniently located near the Orcas Island Ferry Landing. They have Mopeds and Scooter cars for rental by the hour or for the day. New Novar Bicyles also available by the hour, daily or weekly rental. Car rental is available by reservation. Open April - October. Phone 360-376-5266
Wildlife Cycles full service bicycle shop that offers bicycle sales, service, and rentals. Stop in for road and mountain Phone 360-376-4708
Boat Rentals & Sailing
Northwest Classic Day Sailing offers 3-hour day-sails aboard a classic wooden sloop from May to October, departing from Deer Harbor Marina. Learn to sail, steer and handle the lines as much or a little as you desire. Bring food for a floating picnic. They will navigate your through the scenic heart of the San Juans. Longer trips from Rosario and the Orcas Landing are also available. Phone 360-376-5581
Orcas Island Sailing sailing Lessons and Bareboat Charters situated in the center of East Sound, which has the best winds in the San Juans for learning how to sail. Four boats to choose from, 18' - 26'. Located at Rosario Resort. Phone 360-376-2113
Orcas Boat Rentals and Charters offers Power, paddle and sailboats for rental. Half or full day from 14 to 24 ft boats. Some skippered charters also available. Phone 360-376-7616
Charters & Whale Watching
Deer Harbor Charters offers wale watching, ECO tours and operates out of the Deer Harbor Marina and Rosario Resort. Phone 360-376-5989
Emerald Isle Sailing Charters spend six-hours aboard a gorgeous 54' boat offering daysails from scenic Deer Harbor. They also offer three to twelve day tours of the entire San Juans, Desolation Sound, Great Bear Rainforest, SE Alaska. Skipper is also a gourmet chef. phone 360-376-3472 or 866-714-6611
Orcas Island Eclipse Charters whale and wildlife tours with trained naturalists, fast, well-maintained vessel with inside seating for 48. Group tours, weddings at sea, mainland to island destinations. Charters include binoculars. A visit to Orcas Island would not be complete without the thrill of seeing a whale. Phone 360-376-6566 or 1-800-376-6566
Community Theater
Orcas Theatre and Community Center theater events, lobby art gallery, community events, and more. Please visit us online for current schedule. Phone 360-376-2281
Farmer's Market
Orcas Island Farmer's Market Assocociation every Saturday from May 1st through mid October. 10:00a.m.-3:00p.m. Fresh locally grown produce, flowers and plants. Meet the farmers, local artisans & craftspeople. Homemade soaps, textiles, baskets, jewelry, candles, pottery and much more! Phone 360-298-8823
Fishing
Sport fishing is available all year round in the San Juan's but the most species are available for catch in July through November. Salmon, Rock Cod, Ling Cod, Halibut, Shark, Red Snapper, Steelhead, Sturgeon and more. Freshwater Fishing Rainbow Trout, Bass at Cascade Lake. Fishing license can be purchased at Eastsound Sporting Goods Phonge 360-376-5588. Two day permits available for $8.00 Opening day is April 30th
North Shore Charters located on the north shore of Orcas Island and offer a variety of boat charters oriented to your fishing desires. Phone 360 376 4855
Trophy Charters conducts saltwater fishing charters off of the San Juan Islands Serving San Juan Island, Orcas Island, Seattle, Tacoma and Bellingham. Phone 360- 378-2110 or Cell 360-317-8210
GeoCaching
Geo-Caching Sites near Headland House: Geocaching (pronounced geo-cashing) is a worldwide game of hiding and seeking treasure. A geocacher can place a geocache in the world, pinpoint its location using GPS technology and then share the geocache's existence and location online. Anyone with a GPS device can then try to locate the geocache as we have tons of great GeoCache Sites within 3 miles of the house. Geocaching is great fun for familes that enjoy hicking and what can be more exciting than to be looking for a treasure!
To located a GeoCache site click on the official website Official Geocaching Website
Never heard of GeoCaching Before ??? To View GeoCaching in Action click here YouTubeVideo
Golfing
Orcas Island Country Golf Club public course designed and built in 1960 and reminiscent of old Scottish country clubs, the course concept took advantage of gentle rolling hills and natural water hazards to make play challenging for both amateur and professional golfers. The 9-hole course, 3-tee format, has a total 18-hole yardage of 5,930 including two long par 5's and several challenging par 4's. The course rating is 67.8/69.8 slope 115/115. A quaint cafe with casual lunch overlooking this beautiful course. Phone 360-376-4400
San Juan Golf and Country Club the Pacific Northwest Golf Association rates the San Juan Golf Course as the second best nine-hole course in the state. The Seattle Times calls it "the best golf in the San Juans." The layout has two sets of tees for the front and back nines allowing for an 18-hole golfing experience. The facility also offers a driving range, practice greens, and hand and power carts. For those who prefer tennis, the club has two quality courts available for play seven days a week. The facility is privately owned and open to the public. PGA golf professionals are available for individual and group lessons. Ther clubhouse features a fully-stocked pro shop with name-brand golf apparel and merchandise. The restaurant & lounge is open daily and features country club cuisine served in a comfortable setting with a view of the golf course, bay, and Mt. Baker. Phone for tee times 360-378-2254
Hiking & State Parks
Moran State Park Cascade Lake Video showing rope swing at Moran State park with is walking distance from Timber Lodge. click on Rope Swing to see video
Gnats Nature Hikes come and enjoy a guided hike at Moran State Park or on one of Washington's Outer Island Marine Parks. Learn about the natural history and plant life of the islands. Any weather is good for hiking. Come hiking under a canopy of trees to forget the drizzles Phone 360-376-6629
Moran State Park/Obstruction Pass
Moran State Park is a 5,252-acre camping park with five freshwater lakes and over 30 miles of hiking trails. Atop the 2,409-foot-high 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. Phone 360-376-2326
Orcas Island Skateboard Park The park is 20 miles from the Ferry landing, half mile from the airport. From the ferry, follow the main road towards Eastsound, but don't turn right into town, follow towards the airport. Go past the airport, and the skate park is about 1/2 mile on the right, at Buck Park
Horseback Riding
Orcas Island Trail Rides open all season with Fall/Winter specials on all trail rides. Offers backcountry horse trail rides. Experince the hidden backcountry of Orcas Island on horseback. Explore enchanting old growth forest, meander through grassy meadows, climb a mountain trail to the top of Mt. Pickett for a breathtaking view of the San Juan Islands. Guided tours through Orcas Island parks. Phone 360-376-2134
Turtlehead Trails offers private guided horseback rides & lunch rides which can include swimming &/or hiking, depending on preference. Turtlehead Trails also offers a half day & full day Horsing Around Program for children aimed at teaching basic horsemanship skills. In addition, private lessons are available for children & adults. Phone 360-376-3649
Kayaking
Body Boat Blade International is a kayak school and kayak retail store. They specialize in high quality instruciton for paddlers at any skill level. Phone 360-376-5388
Orcas Island Kayaks a source for kayak rentals with affordable hourly, half day and daily rates. They offer single,double and triple kayaks for rent. Located at Obstruction Pass, at Lieber Haven Marina. Phone 360-376-2472
Osprey Tours Sea Kayak Adventures guiding kayak tours in the San Juan Islands for 15 years. They handcraft the kayaks at the shop on Orcas Island and Kayaks are designed in a traditional style consistent with the kayaks crafted by the Aleutians of Alaska. One hour, 1/2 day, full day and overnight kayak tours available. Phone 360-376-3677
Sea Kayak Adventures orcas outdoors and paddle in the beautiful West Sound Bay of Orcas Island they can be reached at 360-376-4611
Shearwater Sea Kayak Tours experience the San Juan Islands by sea kayak. Explore stunning shorelines and islets with trails and tide pools. Eagles, seals & porpoise are common sightings. Small groups in stable double kayaks led by experienced guides. 3-hour and Day Tours offered from several locations on Orcas Island. Scheduled and custom tours available. No experience necessary. Phone 360-376-4699
Marina's
Deer Harboro Marina offers full Marina services: Guest & permenant moorage, 125 slips, 30-amp power, fresh water, laundry, restrooms/showers, pump-out, garbage disposal, gas/diesel. Deli & snack bar; espresso, groceries, beer, wine, ice cream, whale watching, kayak tours, bike rentals, fun for the whole family. Located at 5264 Deer Harbor Road Phone 360-376-3037
Movie Theater
Sea View Theatre is on A Street in Eastsound on Orcas Island. phone 360 376-5724
Orcas Island Historical Museum offers exhibits, presentations and speakers, tours, research assistance, the annual Historical Day Fair. Phone 360-376 4849
The Funhouse a not-for-profit community center that fosters fun and learning with dozens of hands-on kid-friendly science exhibits, complete audio and video production studios, huge library of educational films and documentaries, pitching cage, art studio, climbing wall and a half dozen DSL computers to surf the Net or check your e-mail! Video pods for viewing one of our 800 videos, a small library, and a lounge and gaming area with pool table. Most importantly, The Funhouse provides the Orcas Island community with a safe place for kids to hang out, learn, play and explore their creativity. Phone 360 -376-4010 or 360-376-7177
Spa & Health Club
Orcas Spa a wonderful Day Spa and Athletic club that also offers massages, body treatments, manicures and pedicures. You can obtain a day pass for $15.00 plus tax. Phone 360-376-6361
Sun Stone Spa & Gallery Sun Stone Spa offers Balinese Foot Bath/Reflexology, various massage techniques, harmonic sound sessions, accupuncture, and facials. They also offer private classes in couples massage and yoga/stretch. Phone 360-376-SPAS (7727) ,
Scenic Flights
Magic Air Tours scenic flights over the San Juans in a 1929 Travelair biplane. Over 15,000 passengers have flown with then on the most beautiful scenic flight in America. Two can fly together wearing leather helmets and goggles. The flight will be the highlight of your trip. Phone 360-376-2733 or 800-376-1929
Wineries
Lopez Island Vineyards is a family run winery, producing fine wines from estate organically grown grapes and select vineyards in the Yakima Valley. We are pleased to offer our beautifully landscaped winery gardens for your intimate outdoor wedding location on Lopez Island. Our organic gardens and contacts assure that your event will be as green and sustainable as possible. Located at 724 Fisherman Bay Road, Lopez Island Phone: 360- 468-3644
San Juan Vineyard has a full vineyard and tasting room with gift shop. we boast our line-up of award-winning wines including our estate Siegerrebe and Madeleine Angevine. Taste wine in a historic, turn-of-century tasting room; enjoy the ambiance of our grounds, small wedding chapel available. Located at 3136 Roche Harbor Road on San Juan Island. Phone 376-378 wine.