Along for the ride: Orcas Island, WA

From the Columbia River area we take I-5 northward in a beeline for Anacortes to catch a Washington State Ferry for Orcas Island. This route takes us by downtown Seattle, aka the Emerald City because of it's surrounding greenery. Seattle was inhabited by Native Americans for over 4000 years before the advent of the white man. Its first major industry was timber, then as a gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush, and more recently for aeronautics and high tech. A lively jazz scene helped develop the careers of Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, and rock star Jimi Hendrix. It's a great city to visit and we would like to see the EMP Museum started by Microsoft co-founder, Paul Allen, but we are on a mission to see the San Juan Islands.

We arrive at the Anacortes Ferry Terminal about an hour before the noon departure to Orcas Island. Although we don't have prior reservations, it is mid day during the week, so we pay our fare and line up before boarding. Since it's a gorgeous day and bald eagles are flying, we don't mind waiting, besides it's a good time to take photos.

Seattle - the Emerald City

Ferry staff direct traffic lanes

Anacortes Ferry Terminal

Out on Puget Sound with Mount Baker in distance

Lopez Island Ferry stop

We stop briefly at Shaw Island, which is the smallest San Juan Island and the least populated with only 420 year round residents. It looks like a beautiful island and worth exploring another time.

Blind Bay on Shaw Island

Private home and dock on Shaw Island

Before long, we are disembarking on Orcas Island with a year round population of just over 5000 and home to Moran State Park. Surprisingly the San Juan Islands enjoy a nicer climate than nearby Seattle. The rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains keeps the annual rainfall down to around 30 inches, about the same as Corralitos.

Orcas has long been a quiet island with small farms. During the 1960's it was popular with the Back to the Land Movement with an influx of new residents buying up old family farms. We chose to stay at the West Beach Resort because it's in a less populated area and has sunset views to the west. Unfortunately, we are only able to secure two nights as they are booked up for the weekend. With it's close proximity to the Seattle metro area, the San Juan Islands are popular for weekend get-a-ways. Next time we will be booking ahead.

Small sheep farm supplying wool for local weavers

Disembarking ferry

Entrance to West Beach Resort

Campsite @ West Beach

Peter enjoying a beer at the camp store

Kayakers prepare for an paddle

Boating pier

The next morning we set out to explore the island. Our first stop is Buck Bay Shellfish Farms which is locally famous for its fresh oysters and clams. Unfortunately, it's closed today {sigh}; however, we very much enjoy the drive around the coastline.

Aw shucks - it's closed

Hippies use side door

Orcas Island coastline

Our next stop is the remote Doe Bay Resort, which still retains its "hippie" vibe complete with yurts, domes, and inexpensive campsites.

Store at Doe Bay

Right on cue - the doe's arrive

Great yurt and tent campsite location

Shoreline by Doe Bay

We then drive back to Eastsound, the largest population area on Orcas Island. It's a quaint touristy town and we only stay long enough to have lunch and stock up on supplies. We are surprised by the large inventory of wines and spirits available at the Island Market. It's then we realize how many well heeled tourists regularly visit Orcas Island. We have an excellent, although not cheap, lunch at the Madrona Bar & Grill with beautiful waterfront views. After lunch, we drive to the southern trail head at Turtleback Mountain Preserve and hike off our lunches up to the summit and back.

Church in Eastsound

Peter waiting for lunch @ Madrona Bar & Grill

On the trail at Turtleback Mountain

Expansive view from Turtleback Mountain

The next morning comes all too soon as we would have liked to stay longer on Orcas. Oh well, that means we just have to come back. We pack up and drive to the line up at the Ferry Terminal. The good thing about returning to Anacortes is the return ferry fee is included in our initial fare, so there's nothing to pay.