How big is Orca island?

Orcas has an area of 56.9 square miles. Population is about 4,900. To view a calendar of upcoming events on Orcas Island, click here.

How long does it take to drive across Orcas Island?

Orcas Island Scenic Byway Driving Tour

One main road connects the various hamlets on Orcas Island and this tour, with 14 stops, will take you 2-3 hours.

How many people live on Orcas Island full time?

Geographically, Orcas is also the largest of the islands, with a total area of 58 square miles. Its year-round population of 4,500 is scattered across the island, but the small community of Eastsound serves as a hub for commerce and civic life.

Is Orcas Island bigger than San Juan Island?

With an area of 57.3 square miles (148 km²) and a population of 5,387 (2010 census), Orcas Island is slightly larger, but less populous, than neighboring San Juan Island. It is shaped like a pair of saddlebags, separated by fjord-like Eastsound, and two prominent bays, Westsound and Deer Harbor, on the southwest side.

Does Orcas Island have a town?

Eastsound, Orcas Island

Tucked inside the island's horseshoe bend, Eastsound is the island's hub. Only a 15-minute drive from the ferry terminal, this walkable town boasts galleries, restaurants, boutique shops, and the Orcas Island Historical Museums.

BEST Place to See Orcas in North America | San Juan Island, Washington

What celebrity lives on Orcas Island?

Welcome to Washington! According to Variety, TMZ and the San Juan Islander, we're getting a new neighbor here in the Pacific Northwest: Oprah! Reports indicate that Oprah Winfrey has purchased a 43-acre estate on Orcas Island for $8.275 million.

Do you need a car on Orca island?

Getting Around the Islands

Orcas Island: If you arrive at Orcas Island on foot and want to explore the island, a car is definitely the way to go. You can rent a car at the Orcas ferry terminal.

Is Orcas Island expensive?

Orcas Island, WA Housing Market

In March 2023, the median listing home price in Orcas Island, WA was $1.3M, trending up 46.6% year-over-year. The median listing home price per square foot was $611. The median home sold price was $1.1M.

How long is the ferry ride from San Juan Island to Orcas Island?

Interisland Ferry Schedule

It takes about 15 minutes to sail to Orcas island directly or about 35 minutes if it stops at Shaw on the way.

Are there bears or cougars on Orcas Island?

There are no bears, wolves or mountain lions on the island.

What is the average income in Orcas Island?

The average salary of Orcas Island San Juan Islands is $108,734 in the United States.

How cold does it get on Orcas Island?

It's usually no colder than sixty degrees but can be as warm as ninety degrees! And due to being surrounded by the ocean, the island can be very humid! Wear a tank top, but bring a sweater! The Fall on Orcas is a busy time for farmers and for folks making the most of the drier season.

Can you swim in Orcas Island?

Cascade Lake, Mountain Lake, and the Twin Lakes all have waterfront access for swimmers, and in the prime summer months – July and August – the water is just right for a good splash. The Twin Lakes swimming area is especially appealing for those who like to get away from crowds, because you can only reach it by foot .

What is the best time of year to visit Orcas Island?

What are the best water activities? Whale watching is hugely popular, and sightings of orca pods are almost guaranteed during the summer (May to October). There's even a good chance of spotting orca from the shoreline at San Juan Island's Lime Kiln Point State Park.

How do you spend a day on Orcas Island?

How many days do you need in Orcas Island?

Stay for two days to enjoy the full breadth of island life with morning mist rolling through the farmlands and fiery sunsets over the water. Consider visiting during the week to avoid larger weekend crowds and spend time island-hopping between activities on San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez Island.

Is Orcas Island walkable?

A fifteen-minute drive from the ferry lies the historic village of Eastsound, Orcas Island's downtown. This walkable village bustles with life—a visitor's dream of galleries, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and a history museum.

How early should I arrive for Orcas Island ferry?

A 45 to 60 minute advance arrival is advised for reservation holders. Reservation holders who check in later than 30 minutes prior to sailing time will travel stand by. A one hour advance arrival is suggested for inter-island vehicle traffic. Walk-on passengers should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure.

How many cars fit on Orcas Island ferry?

The largest vessels in this fleet carry up to 2500 passengers and 202 vehicles. They are painted in a distinctive white and green trim paint scheme, and feature double-ended open vehicle decks and bridges at each end so that they do not need to turn around.

Where is Oprah's house on Orcas Island?

Located just off the coast of Seattle, the secluded Madroneagle compound—which Winfrey picked up for more than $8 million (without even visiting it in person!) —comprises two waterfront parcels and features approximately 3,000 feet of west-facing shoreline, ideal for breathtaking sunset views.

Who bought Oprah's house on Orcas Island?

The 43-acre Olga property is called Madroneagle and features a 10,251-square-foot home. It sold to Delaware-based Lophodytes LLC according to a story in the Puget Sound Business Journal. Windermere broker Wally Gudgell represented Winfrey in the sale.

Is there food on the Orcas Island ferry?

If you're hungry at the Orcas ferry landing, there is the Orcas Hotel cafe Octavia's, that offers selections of local seafood and pasta. You'll find it in the white building next to the park and restrooms on the hillside at the ferry terminal.

Can you see whales on Orcas Island?

So much for assumptions. But Orcas Island IS a great place to go whale watching! Orca (or killer) whales live in these waters year-round with the most sightings between May and October, when the salmon runs are strongest. This region is one of the best places in the world to see these magnificent animals in the wild.

Does Orca island have Uber?

Uber Orcas Island does not exist. Orcas island uber and other rideshare services haven't made it to the island for a plethora of reasons, so check out the options below to make sure you're prepared.

Can you do a day trip to Orcas Island?

A day trip to Orcas Island from Seattle is definitely possible, but you may want to carve out more time because you're going to fall in love with this crown jewel of the Pacific Northwest.