The San Juan Islands are a world unto their own - they're technically in the United States, but they're closer to Vancouver than Seattle; they're neither in the Pacific Ocean nor on the mainland; and they can only be reached by boat or air. Mists weave through old-growth forests, around hills and mountains, along rugged coastlines and pebbled beaches, lending an air of mystery to the archipelago. At the same time, the San Juans are a popular destination for those seeking an escape from the daily grind of the mainland. As you'll soon learn, the largest of the cluster, Orcas Island in Washington, is particularly well-suited for a quick escape, especially if you're feeling the need for a few days of quiet and serenity, along with a healthy dose of rugged natural beauty.

To discover more incredible off-the-beaten-path destinations across America, Destination Detour has you covered.

What Makes Orcas Island Special?

Orcas Island is shaped like an inverted horseshoe, with two arms reaching southeastward to embrace East Sound. Thus, the island is not particularly wide at any given point. This makes Orcas particularly susceptible to the whims of the sea and its interactions with the air, rendering the island's landscape unique and otherworldly.

Orcas Island is home to Mount Constitution, which, at 2,400 feet, is the highest peak in the San Juan Islands and the second-highest mountain on an ocean island in the Lower 48. The peak lies within Moran State Park on the island's eastern arm.

Obstruction Pass State Park, on the southeastern tip of the island is home to dramatic coastline, pebble beaches, and ancient, weather-twisted cedars. It's an excellent place to seek a little solitude, as it doesn't receive as many visitors as Moran does.

In the island's northwest, Turtleback Mountain Preserve is home to miles of scenic trails with sweeping views of Orcas, the other San Juan Islands, the Strait of Georgia, and the Salish Sea.

Of course, the island is one of the premier places in the United States to see the magnificent creatures that gave it its name. Museums, outdoor recreation, restaurants, and wonderful people combine with the island's incredible natural beauty to make it a special place.

How To Get To Orcas Island

Orcas Island lies in the Salish Sea, in the Strait of Georgia. It is the largest of the San Juan Islands. Most folks simply take a ferry from the mainland to the island. For folks not from the Pacific Northwest, the most common way to reach Orcas Island is to fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and then ferry to Orcas Island. There are a limited number of commercial flights to the island from airports in northwest Washington, but this tends to be a more expensive and less flexible travel option.

The ferry to Orcas Island leaves from the charming town of Anacortes, Washington.

Ferries depart several times per day, with both morning and afternoon crossings available. Reservations are usually a good idea, especially on summer weekends, and always necessary if you're bringing a vehicle to the island. Be sure to keep your eyes open when making the crossing, as the strait is teeming with marine life - especially in the summer months when orcas and other marine mammals feed on running salmon and other species.

A little more than an hour after leaving Anacortes, you'll arrive at the ferry terminal on Orcas Island.

Where To Stay On Orcas Island

Although there are several resorts and inns on Orcas Island, we think a private vacation rental is the best way to enhance your island getaway. To give you an idea of what's available, we chose this sampling of Orcas Island Airbnbs for you to peruse.

This one-bedroom rental near Olga offers incredible views of East Sound, sleeps up to six, and has some gorgeous outdoor spaces. It's just minutes away from Obstruction Pass State Park near the mouth of the sound.

This gorgeous two-bedroom rental lies between Cascade Lake and Cascade Bay, just west of Moran State Park. Up to four guests will enjoy sweeping views of woods and water from both the modern interior and the stunning outdoor spaces.

This cottage in the forest is tucked into the woods on the northwest side of Moran State Park. It can accommodate up to six guests in its three bedrooms. A sunny interior, cozy porch, and stone patio mean there's plenty of living space to enjoy and relax in during your stay in this Orcas Island gem.

36 Hours On Orcas Island: A Quintessential 2-Day Itinerary

To start your Orcas Island adventure, take the earliest ferry you can get out of Anacortes. The first ferries typically leave around 6 or 7 in the morning. This will get you to the island with plenty of time to enjoy a whole day there. Plan your visit in the summer months, late spring, or early fall. This way, you'll not only enjoy milder weather, but you'll have much more daylight to work with.

Start your morning off with a paddle on East Sound. You'll find several outfitters on the island that offer rentals and even guided tours. Experienced paddlers may enjoy a longer adventure to Jones Island, which you can reach from the Deer Harbor side of the island.

Next, you'll make your way to Moran State Park, home to old-growth forests, waterfalls, and the highest peak in the San Juans, Mount Constitution. Take your time and linger here, or divide your time between Moran and nearby Obstruction Pass State Park.

End your day on a refreshing note with a wine tasting at Doe Bay Wine Company. This experience will introduce you to several of the local wines made right here on Orcas Island.

Spend the night at Kangaroo House B&B. This top-rated hostelry is centrally located on the island, near Eastsound, and makes a perfect base camp for your Orcas adventure. Plus, you won't have to worry about finding breakfast!

The next day starts with a choose-your-own water adventure. If you're hoping to see more of the incredible creatures that live in the waters around Orcas Island, opt for the half-day whale watching tour. You'll have a chance to see not only orcas but possibly even humpback whales.

The other option we have for you is a half-day sailing adventure. You get to sail, and, of course, there's always the possibility that you'll see whales while you're doing it. If you're feeling super adventurous, you can try to squeeze both in, but that sounds like a little much to me.

Otherwise, spend your last few hours on Orcas Island exploring Eastsound or stretching your legs with a hike in Turtleback Mountain Preserve. Then catch the last ferry back to Anacortes... or maybe stay just one more night on the island.

Need To Know Information About Orcas Island

Orcas Island is pretty sizable, and for the most flexibility in travel, you may want a vehicle. You can bring your own vehicle or a rental car across on the ferry - just be aware that doing so is considerably more expensive than ferrying without a car and does require reservations. An alternative is renting a car on the island. This offers more flexibility in terms of ferry times and dates, but anything you save in terms of ferry fares will be offset by rental costs. If you don't think you'll need a car while on the island, taxis and shuttles are both available. At this time, Uber and Lyft do not operate on Orcas Island.Most of the parks on the island will require fees or passes. It's not a bad idea to be prepared with cash in the event that you need to use a pay envelope to leave the fee.

Orcas Island in Washington is a place that we return to again and again because it never seems to be quite the same. And yet, it also seems ancient and unmoved by time. I think that - along with all the things to do on Orcas Island - is what makes it so fascinating and such an alluring destination that keeps me coming back for more.

Have you visited Orcas Island or any of the other San Juan Islands? Tell us about it in the comments!