Orcas Island Map

Description: This map shows roads, villages, beaches, peaks, lakes, rivers, buildings, airport, and parks on Orcas Island.

Description: This map shows streets, trails, playgrounds, museums, restrooms, picnic areas, houses, buildings, cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels, monuments, parking lots, shops, churches, points of interest, and parks in Eastsound.

Description: This map shows where Orcas Island is located on the Washington State Map.

Description: This map shows roads, trails, airport, ferry landing, float plane dock, docks, moorage, gasoline, restrooms, parks, fishing, kayak put-in, golf courses, viewpoints, and points of interest on Orcas Island.

Description: This map shows tourist attractions on Orcas Island.

Description: This map shows roads, airport, bike routes, bike pullout, ferry landing, restrooms, campgrounds, trailheads, trails, and marinas on Orcas Island.

Maps of San Juan Islands

Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands, encompassing approximately 57 square miles (148 km²) of land area. Named after Viceroy Juan Vicente de Güemes Padilla Horcasitas y Aguayo, 2nd Count of Revillagigedo (not after orca whales as commonly believed), the island is known for its horseshoe shape, mountainous terrain, and thriving arts community.

The island's distinctive shape creates two primary lobes connected by a narrow isthmus, with the villages of Eastsound situated near the center and Deer Harbor on the western lobe. Mount Constitution, located in Moran State Park, is the highest point in the San Juan Islands at 2,409 feet (734 m). A stone observation tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s stands at the summit, offering panoramic views of the surrounding islands, the Cascade Mountains, and Canadian Gulf Islands.

Communities and Development

Eastsound serves as the island's primary commercial center, featuring shops, restaurants, galleries, and essential services. Other notable communities include Deer Harbor, West Sound, Olga, and Doe Bay. The island has maintained much of its rural character through careful land use planning and active preservation efforts by local conservation groups.

Orcas Island supports a vibrant artistic community with numerous galleries, studios, and performance venues. The Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival, held annually, attracts internationally recognized musicians. Agriculture, particularly organic farming and viticulture, plays an important role in the local economy alongside tourism.

Recreation and Natural Resources

Moran State Park, donated to the state by shipbuilder Robert Moran in 1921, encompasses over 5,000 acres and features numerous hiking trails, freshwater lakes, and camping facilities. Mountain Cascade Lake and Mountain Lake provide opportunities for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating. The park's extensive trail system ranges from easy lakeside walks to challenging mountain ascents.

The surrounding waters offer world-class kayaking, sailing, and wildlife viewing. Several commercial operators provide guided tours, whale watching excursions, and equipment rentals. The island is accessible via Washington State Ferries and maintains a small airport serving private aircraft and scheduled air taxi services.

Main sights in Orcas Island

How to Get to Orcas Island

Orcas Island is part of the San Juan Islands archipelago in Washington State and can only be reached by ferry, private boat, or seaplane.

By Ferry (Most Common Method)

Washington State Ferries operates regular service to Orcas Island from Anacortes, Washington.

• Drive to Anacortes Ferry Terminal (2100 Ferry Terminal Road, Anacortes, WA)
• Purchase tickets at the terminal or online at wsdot.wa.gov
• Ferry ride takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Ferries run year-round with multiple daily departures
• Reservations are highly recommended, especially during summer months
• You can bring your car, motorcycle, bicycle, or travel as a walk-on passenger

Getting to Anacortes

From Seattle:

• Drive north on Interstate 5 for about 90 minutes
• Take Exit 230 toward Anacortes/Burlington
• Follow Highway 20 West for about 12 miles to Anacortes

From Vancouver, BC:

• Drive south via Highway 99 and cross the US border
• Continue on Interstate 5 South
• Total driving time: approximately 3 hours

By Air

Seaplane Service:

• San Juan Airlines offers flights from Bellingham and Anacortes
• Kenmore Air provides seaplane service from Seattle
• Flight time: 45-60 minutes from Seattle
• Advance reservations required

By Private Boat

If you have access to a private boat:

• Multiple public marinas available on Orcas Island
• West Sound Marina and Rosario Resort Marina are popular options
• Check weather conditions and tides before departure
• Ensure proper navigation equipment and charts

Important Tips

• Summer season (May-September) is extremely busy - book ferry reservations well in advance
• Arrive at the ferry terminal 45 minutes early during peak season
• Consider bringing a bicycle or booking accommodations with shuttle service
• Check ferry schedules as they vary by season
• Winter schedules have reduced frequency