Orcas Island is best explored by car. This little island is jam packed with outdoor activities and beautiful views.
If you don’t bring your own car onto Orcas Island, Orcas Island Shuttle rents cars and larger vans by the day and will deliver them to you with 24 hour advance notice.
If you leave your car in the lot at Anacortes and walk on the ferry, The San Juan Transit Co. offers a shuttle bus in season on weekends only, that loops Orcas Island, dropping you at many popular sites.
- Turtleback Trailhead
- West Sound
- Deer Harbor
- Eastsound Island Market
- Rosario Resort
- Moran St. Park, Cascade Lake
My suggestion..buy a day pass for $15.00 and hop on and off.
There are several itineraries created based on your interests. The Island Food and Farm Tour takes you past working farms, wineries and even a shellfish farm. Along the way stop at Island Hoppin Brewery for a locally crafted beer. Hungry? New Leaf Cafe in Eastsound offers French inspired Northwest food in the historic Outlook Inn with a beautiful view of East Sound.
Check out the Orcas Island Scenic Byway starting at the Orcas Island Ferry dock, passing through West Sound, Deer Harbor, Eastsound and Olga. Orcas Island is home to Crow Valley Pottery. Located in an old cabin, this spot has an ever changing display by local artists.
If you are an adventurous, experienced and serious bike rider, then bring your cycle or rent one on the island. Orcas is hilly and the roads are narrow. Biking is not for the amateur, but for the more experienced rider, it would be a challenging way to see the island. Wildlife Cycles. They have maps and know all the best places to bike on the island.
