- Author: Sharon L. Rico
Two years ago we drove to Anacortes, Washington, boarded a ferry to Orcas Island for a two-week vacation. We traveled with our neighbors in two separate vehicles. Taking walkie-talkies to communicate with each other made the 850-mile trip fun. We shared audio books, comparing our favorite stories. The trip back to Vacaville was not nearly as much fun. Our neighbors left a day before us. By the time we disembarked from the ferry in Anacortes, it was about 11:30AM on a Friday. Driving through Seattle was a nightmare and an accident in Tacoma slowed us down to 10 mph for 2 hours. We swore if we EVER went back we would fly instead of drive.
Several weeks ago, we returned to Orcas again and we DROVE. We tried to plan the trip smarter and though it's a long drive, the trip was marvelous. Why the fascination with this island? Orcas is one of the San Juan Islands in Washington. Observing the ferry dock in the early 60's on an unplanned vacation, we promised each other to come back someday. Someday was almost 50 years later. A friend, who lives on Orcas, offered us her beach home in Eastsound, so off we went for two weeks.
Orcas is the largest of the islands with a population of almost 5,000 full time residents, less populated than San Juan Island. It has 56.9 square miles with Rolling Meadows, rocky beaches, family farms and forests of Douglas firs, cedar and Madrons. Orcas is shaped like a horseshoe. Between the ferry landing and the village of Eastsound, you will see rolling farmland with sheep, cows and deer.
Orcas (or killer whales) are in the waters of the San Juan Islands. They are playful, intelligent and social animals that make unique sounds to communicate with each other. They feed on salmon and use sound to find fish for food. Traveling by ferry from one island to the other, you can see Orcas breach in the distance. If you are lucky, you may see a pod of Orcas swimming off shore. Orcas can be seen all year in the San Juan Islands, but regularly May through September. In 2005 the Orca whales were placed on the endangered species list.
My husband and I were in awe of Orcas Island and the natural beauty. We walked along the rocky beach and observed bald eagles. In the quaint downtown area, deer walk from one side of the street to the other. They are protected, so feel quite safe among humans. We've been told the deer swim from island to island. There are seals that hang out along the boat docks. In addition there are mallard ducks, colorful Eider, and the rarely seen Horned Puffin. And of course, the great blue heron, the largest heron in North America that can be seen on lakeshores or inland rivers.
The sunsets on Orcas are a kaleidoscope of colors. Breathtaking and ever changing! A world of sailboats, kayaks, and small picturesque marinas, Lighthouses and summer homes dot the shoreline.
The tallest point on Orcas is Mount Constitution. rising to 2,409 feet. At its summit stands a stone observation tower constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1036. The view from this point is stunning. The best route to take to get to the top is through Moran State Park. Orcas has 247 days of sunshine. There are 4 islands served by the ferry system. Orcas has no stoplights, probably not needed since the maximum speed limit is 40 MPH.
Shipbuilding millionaire and Seattle mayor, Robert Moran, built Rosario Resort at the turn of the century. This enormous mansion is a landmark on the island and the ironwork, brass and mahogany woodwork makes you feel you are inside a luxury ocean liner. The dining room windows look out over Cascade Bay, where one can watch glorious sunsets. There is a museum within the mansion showing the history of Orcas Island.
Orcas offers many family adventures such as camping, hiking, swimming, biking, paddle boats, fishing, sightseeing, checking out tide pools, collecting driftwood,
Kayak tours, horseback riding, and sailing, whale watching and farm tours. Summer plays, two pottery shops (my favorite is Orcas Island Pottery) off Enchanted Forest Road. It was built overlooking the ocean, has a unique tree house and incredible dahlia gardens.
Would I return to this charming island where life is slow and peaceful? In a heartbeat!