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Getting Here and Getting Around

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Activities and Adventures

Washington State Ferries

  • Your Orcas Island adventures will probably begin with a ride on the Washington State Ferries.   Be sure to book your round trip reservations right away. The ferries often fill up during the summer months and holidays.

    • www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/

    • Bring your patience, you are dealing with boats, the elements, people and “Island Time”.

    • Most ferries have food and beverages on board or you can bring your own. 

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Kenmore Air

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Personal Watercraft

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Wildlife Cycles

  • Located in Eastsound and the only bicycle rentals on the Island.   They rent bicycles by the day, 3 days or weekly. They also have guided bike tours, information on bike routes and maps depending on the type of experience you are looking for. Friendly, experienced staff.

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Rental Cars

  • M&W Auto Sales manages car rentals on Orcas Island.  They have two self serve locations, one at the ferry landing and one at the airport.  Calling for reservations is recommended but I have also included their website.  They advertise unlimited Island miles.

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Outer Island Excursions

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Crescent Beach Kayak Rentals

  • Located approximately 1.5 miles from North Beach Outlook on Crescent Beach.  This location has less current than most other locations because of the protected bay.  There is usually a wind that will blow you back in. Rentals only, no tours.

 

Doe Bay Kayak Rentals

  • Off the beaten path, Doe Bay is on the furthest side of the Island.  There are interesting small Islands near here that allow many opportunities for viewing the wildlife.  Over the years, we have seen eagles, sea lions, porpoise, orange and purple starfish, jellyfish, sea otter, king fishers and blue heron.  They provide only guided tours and not rentals.

 

Wildlife Cycles

  • Located in Eastsound and the only bicycle rentals on the Island.   They rent bicycles by the day, 3 days or weekly. The also have guided bike tours, information on bike routes and maps depending on the type of experience you are looking for.  Friendly, experienced staff.

 

Moran State Park

  • The gem of the Island.  As the 4th largest state park in Washington State, Moran State Park boasts several lakes, 38 miles of hiking trails with some allowing bicycles, the highest point in the San Juan Islands at Mount Constitution and some of the best views and vistas!  Cascade Lake has a snack bar, paddle boat and canoe rentals during summer months. A state parking pass is required, also known as the Discover Pass.

 

Land Bank Hikes

  • San Juan County and Orcas Island have had the foresight to purchase and preserve land for public use.  There are many hiking and walking trails to visit. These areas are often less traveled than some of the more well known hikes in Moran State Park.

 

Orcas Island Golf Course

  • A 9-hole course set up with an 18 tee layout, featuring gently rolling hills and natural water hazards.  Golf club and cart rentals available. Reservations recommended May thru September.

 

Orcas Island Trail Rides

  • Would you like a different perspective on Moran State Park?  Try visiting on horseback. They offer a wide range of guided rides for different experience levels.  Beginners age 7+ welcome. Reservations recommended.

 

Stanley Steamer Tours

  • Travel back in time on a 1912 Stanley Steamer Mountain Wagon that seats 10 passengers. Start at the Orcas Island Historical Museum in Eastsound then journey past old homesteads, one room schoolhouses, century old orchards and scenic waterfront roads.

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The Moran Mansion at Rosario Resort

  • Self-guided tours of the Moran Mansion are open to the public from 8am-9pm daily

  • Organ concert and Rosario Historical Narrative.  Christopher Peacock provides a fascinating, humorous and talented presentation on the history of Robert Moran and the mansion including his playing the pipe organ.  Free - 4pm Tuesdays through Saturdays in the spring, summer and fall. 

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Orcas Island Pottery

  • Here you will discover the beautiful, colorful creations of local artists at a location that is enchanting.  You arrive through an old growth forest to a hidden gem of high bluff waterfront where you can enjoy the view of the President’s Channel.

  • Much of the pottery and art are displayed outdoors.  The gorgeous and varied colors make this a magical experience.

  • Open year-round April – October 10am-5pm, November – March 10am-4pm

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Discover and Share

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My husband and kids jumping off the bridge at Crescent Lake

Tasty Treats, Drinks and Dining

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Clever Cow Creamery

  • Delicious locally made ice cream and homemade waffle cones.  Walk by, smell the cones, you will want to go in. 

  • Open everyday Noon - 10pm during summer. Eastsound

 

Brown Bear Baking

  • Homemade pastries, breads, quiche and coffee.  Always busy, seating can be limited.  Located in the heart of Eastsound.

  • ​Open 8:00am-4:00pm for breakfast and lunch, closed on Tuesday

 

Mia's Cafe

  • This one is a hidden gem in Eastsound.  Always fresh ingredients and the chef has a talent for creating ever changing delicious menus.  Beer and wine on tap as well.

  • Open for breakfast and lunch 8:00am-3:00pm, closed Sunday and Wednesdays.​

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Catkin Cafe

  • Hardy fare for breakfast and lunch.  Homemade soups and breads, baked eggs, cookies and pastries.  Always a wonderful special on the menu board (last time, I had the lamb meatballs!)  There is a bonus Artworks Gallery here, featuring local artists: woodworking, paintings, textiles, wool, jewelry and more.

  • Located in Olga, past Moran State Park

  • Open 9am-3pm Wednesday - Sunday

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Doe Bay Cafe

  • They grow most of their own food in an impressive garden.   A vegetable forward menu with locally raised meats and northwest seafood.  Beautiful views of Otter Cove.  Some evenings they have open mic night in the restaurant also. 

  • Located beyond Olga on the far side of the Island
  • Hours vary by day and by season so plan ahead. 

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Island Hoppin' Brewery

  • If you are up for a 30-minute walk each way, you can walk past the airport to the brewery. Or it's a 5 minute drive. Grab a locally made pint of beer and enjoy the patio or tasting room.  Light snacks/peanuts are available, or you can bring your own food. 

  • All ages welcome.  Open 11am-9pm daily through summer.

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The Barnacle

  • A cozy little bar whose bartender makes wonderful craft cocktails and elixirs.  Some small plates available but there is no kitchen.  

  • ​Closed Monday & Tuesday, generally open from 5pm-10pm. 

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BoatHouse CiderWorks

  • Waiting for the ferry?  Why not try a locally brewed cider!  They use organic apples, berries and fruits some with alcohol and some without. 

  • ​Walk by and see if they are open, hours vary. 

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The Orcas Island Hotel Cafe and Octavia's Bistro

 

Mijitas Mexican Kitchen

  • Mexican food made with fresh local ingredients.  Their food is made with love!  In the summer months you can sit outside near the taco bar. This is a favorite with locals and tourists alike.

  • Generally open from 4pm-9pm but lunch is served from 11am-2:30pm during the summer season on some days. They don't have a website but reservations are recommended and confirming hours is a good idea. Eastsound

    • 360-367-6722

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Pizzeria Portofino

  • Delicious pizza piled high with your favorite ingredients. The salads and calzones are also very good.  Dine in with a view of Eastsound in the distance or take it to go. Nice selection of beer and wine. 

  • 4pm-8:30pm daily​ 
    • 360-376-2085​

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The Madrona Bar & Grill

  • Waterfront dining and full bar.  Fantastic food (burgers, seafood and steaks) and friendly service.  They have a great happy hour in the bar.  I really enjoy the atmosphere of this restaurant.

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The Loft at Madrona

  • This is the big sister of the Madrona Bar & Grill, located upstairs.  An elegant dining experience with more expansive views and a larger deck. 

  • Reservations are highly recommended. 

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The White Horse Pub

  • An Irish pub with a northwest twist.  Fish and chips, burgers and Irish dishes (think shepherd's pie).  Wonderful waterfront view.  Don't let the entrance foul you (it could use and update), the food is good and so are the prices.

  • All ages welcome.  11:30am-midnight daily​

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Buck Bay Shellfish

  • This is the pièce de résistance of the Great Northwest.  Here you can purchase fresh local shellfish from the source.  You can take the oysters and clams with you (I have a shucking knife at the house) or you can have them do it for you on site and eat them there.  Say hello to the friendly dog, chickens and rooster!

  • Open 11am-6pm daily, 11am-5pm Sunday

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The Lower Tavern

  • This local's hang out is also fun for visitors and has the best value for food and drinks. It's a great place to watch your favorite sports teams on one of many big screen TVs.  Trivia, karaoke and live music nights.

  • Open 11am-2am, kitchen closes at 10pm most nights

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Island Market

  • Perhaps you would rather cook and eat at North Beach Outlook.  We have a great market in Eastsound with a great selection of everything you might need for breakfast, lunch and snacks, a family meal, barbeque or romantic dinner at our house. Fresh local breads and a bakery, lovely vegetables, staples, and be sure to ask the butcher/fish counter what is fresh, they will steer you in the right direction

  • Open 7am - 10pm daily

 

Discover and Share

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