Orcas Island

Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands in Washington State, United States, and a year-round residential and visitor destination in the Salish Sea. The island is known for its wooded hills, shoreline, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Major visitor draws include Moran State Park with its lakes, trails, campgrounds and the summit road to Mount Constitution, which is the highest point in the island group and features an observation tower. Eastsound serves as the island’s principal village with ferry terminal connections, shops and services.

The island has a mixed economy of tourism, local services and seasonal recreation, with hiking, boating, cycling and wildlife watching among common activities. Visitor access is primarily by Washington State Ferries from Anacortes; private boats and small aircraft also call at the island.

Orcas Island is located in the San Juan archipelago off the northwest coast of Washington State, accessed from the mainland via ferry from Anacortes and situated within the Salish Sea.

• Access: A vehicle and passenger ferry service links the island to Anacortes on the Washington mainland; small private and charter flights also serve the island.
• Best viewpoint: Mount Constitution's summit offers wide views and is accessible by park roads and hiking trails, making it a primary viewpoint for visitors.

What to See #

• Moran State Park: Moran State Park - a 5,252-acre park on Orcas Island featuring trails, campgrounds and the summit road to Mount Constitution.
• Mount Constitution: Mount Constitution - the highest point in the San Juan Islands at about 2,409 feet, with an observation tower that affords panoramic views over the archipelago and surrounding waterways.
• Eastsound: Eastsound village - the island's main service and commercial hub with ferry connections, shops and accommodation options.