Seattle to Orcas Island: My Bucket-List Trip to the San Juans

I visit Seattle a few times a year to see family, but this trip was different.

We were celebrating my mother-in-law’s belated 70th birthday and finally making her dream of visiting Orcas Island come true. If you haven’t heard of it, Orcas is the largest island in the San Juan Islands, located off the northwest coast of Washington State. The islands are renowned for rocky shores, forests, and charming small towns. It had been on my bucket list for a while, too, so I was pretty excited to say the least.

Getting to the Island

If you’re traveling to Orcas Island by car, getting there is pretty simple. You drive about two hours from Seattle to Anacortes, then catch the car ferry. The ferry ride takes about an hour, and you pay your fee at the terminal when you arrive. I’d recommend making a ferry reservation and arriving at least 30 minutes early—showing up late, even with a reservation, could mean missing the ferry and waiting hours for the next one.

The ferry ride was honestly one of my favorite parts. I spent most of it on deck, feeling the salty breeze and watching the islands get closer. The day was clear, so the water sparkled and the mountains looked incredible.

Home Sweet Island Home

We stayed in a large, modern Airbnb in Eastsound, close to Rosario. It suited our group perfectly—five adults, a kid, and a dog. The house had beautiful water views and a hot tub, exactly what we needed after busy days exploring. It felt like a real home away from home, with plenty of space to relax and soak in the Orcas Island vibe. A five-star stay all around. If you’re planning a trip, definitely consider booking this Airbnb for a group getaway.

Days Full of Fun

Kayaking With Seal Pups

Our first big adventure was a three-hour kayaking trip with Shearwater Kayak Tours. I’d never kayaked before, but the guide made it easy and fun for everyone, from the youngest, an 11-year-old in our group, to my 70-year-old mother-in-law. We paddled through the calm waters of Deer Harbor, heard interesting local stories, and spotted seals with their new pups lounging nearby. They were so cute and curious—it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience I won't forget.

Heads Up: Bring a hat, sunscreen, and clothes and shoes that can handle splashes. Deer Harbor Marina also has bathrooms, a small store with snacks and espresso, plus a gift shop if you want souvenirs.

Hiking at Moran State Park

We spent time at Moran State Park and took on the Cascade Falls Trail. It’s an easy, shaded loop with several waterfalls along the way. First, Rustic Falls, where water rushes under a giant cedar tree. Then Hidden Falls, a lovely waterfall nestled among the trees. Next, Cascade Falls—the tallest one, framed by moss-covered rocks. When the water is low in summer, you can even walk under the falls and get a refreshing mist. Our last stop was Cavern Falls, which drops into a deep pool surrounded by rocks.

Heads Up: The trailhead is at the Mt. Constitution Road parking lot, which only fits about nine cars. You’ll need an Annual Washington State Discover Pass to park here—same story at my next stop, Mt. Constitution, so keep that in mind.

The Highest Point: Mount Constitution

We drove up to Mount Constitution, the highest point in the San Juan Islands. You can hike up to the summit if you want, but we chose the easier route. The road winds through tall evergreens to an old stone tower built in the 1930s. The view from the top is stunning—Islands spread out below, Mount Baker off in the distance, and on clear days like ours, the snowy North Cascades come into view. The summit was so peaceful—I loved just standing there and taking it all in.

Foodie Finds

We enjoyed some really good food during our trip:

At Lone Pine Larder in Eastsound, I had a mortadella sandwich with pistachio spread and thinly sliced zucchini on focaccia that I keep thinking about. We also shared a rich, creamy Basque cheesecake for dessert. Island Hoppin’ Brewery in Eastsound was laid-back and great for kids and dogs. Their beers were fresh and flavorful, just right for relaxing after a day outdoors.

Buck Bay Shellfish Farm in Olga has picnic tables right by the bay. We shucked our own oysters, which was cheaper and way more fun than ordering them. We also had crab mac and cheese, truffle fries, shrimp cocktail, and their famous island roll. Fresh seafood with a view, hard to beat. Harbor Bar and Grill, close to our Airbnb in Rosario, was a casual spot for oysters, drinks, live music, and killer sunset views.

Honorable Mentions

One of my favorite towns on the island was Eastsound Village. While there, we browsed Darvill’s Bookstore, grabbed ice cream at Clever Cow Creamery, and waited in line at Brown Bear Baking. The line was long, but the pastries were totally worth it.

Already Dreaming Of Next Time

Leaving Orcas Island was the hardest part. The pace here just slows down in the best way, and the memories we made will stick with me for a long time. I’m already planning my next trip—whale watching and hiking at Obstruction Pass are definitely at the top of my list.

If you’re looking to kayak with seals, hike to waterfalls, explore scenic trails, soak up breathtaking views, and enjoy fresh seafood, Orcas Island should definitely be on your radar. For all the details on ferries, activities, and destinations featured, I recommend visiting the official website of the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce.

What hidden gems, favorite treks, or must-try treats on Orcas Island do you think deserve a shoutout? We’d love to hear your suggestions! Share your picks through our nomination form and help us spotlight the best this special place has to offer. For more insider tips, travel stories, and fresh updates, subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to discover new adventures.