In this 3 day itinerary for Orcas Island we’re sharing all the best hikes, food, and things to do on Orcas Island, Washington. Our guide to exploring Washington’s San Juan Islands also breaks down how to get to Orcas Island, when to visit, where to stay and what to do when you arrive.

Known as the ‘gem of the San Juan Islands,’ Orcas Island feels like it’s a world apart from Washington’s mainland, making it the PERFECT spot for a romantic weekend getaway or a fun summer retreat. On Orcas Island you’ll find stunning hikes overlooking the ocean; quaint pottery shops; abundant farms, restaurants, and locally produced foods; and a strong sense of community and island identity. Visitors will love the charming towns of Olga and Eastsound, and can enjoy relaxing at the island’s many quaint hotels and bed and breakfasts. In this 3 day itinerary for Orcas Island we’re sharing all the best hikes, food, and things to do on the gem of the San Juan Islands.

Before diving into our itinerary we share where to stay, how to get there, when to visit, and what to pack for a trip to Orcas Island. Afterwards, we share a comprehensive three day itinerary for Orcas Island.

3 day itinerary for Orcas Island on the San Juan Islands

Below you’ll find our 3 day itinerary for Orcas Island! Before we dive into our itinerary we share where to stay, how to get there, when to visit, and what to pack for a trip to Orcas Island.

Visiting Orcas Island: where to stay, how to get there, when to visit, and what to pack

Where to stay on Orcas Island: Otter’s Pond Bed & Breakfast

We stayed at Otter’s Pond Bed & Breakfast and HIGHLY recommend it. The B&B is adults only, the rooms are cozy and inviting, and the location (right next to Moran State Park and a short drive from the food and shops in Eastsound) is ideal. But what really stands out about this property are the amenities and setting:

• The dining area and many of the rooms overlook tranquil Otter’s Pond, which has tons of birds and wildlife to enjoy.
• There is a covered outdoor hot tub with privacy screens
• Amanda, the owner, is a professionally trained chef who cooks breakfast for guests every morning. She’s able to accommodate dietary needs, and the food is phenomenal. We enjoyed everything from pancakes and omelets to fresh scones and gluten free muffins.

People come back to this delightful B&B year after year and I can see why!

The best time of year to visit Orcas Island

The nice thing about Washington’s coast is that it’s stunning year-round! In fact, some of our favorite coastal trips have been during the off season in winter. Below are my thoughts on the best time of year to visit: 

• Visiting Orcas Island in summer: Summer brings warmer and clearer weather, making it a great time to visit! This is also peak whale watching season, which is a huge draw for a lot of people. Businesses are open, and it’s peak island produce season! However, this also means more crowds, and booking accommodations and ferries can be a challenge.
• Visiting Orcas Island in winter and spring: We visited in February and LOVED the off-season San Juan Island vibes. Some businesses take a break for winter so some of the shops were closed until February, but we enjoyed having the trails to ourselves and not dealing with island traffic or long wait times at restaurants. Of the three days we were on the island two were clear, and one was rainy. Temperatures were cool (40s-50s) and mild. 

How to get to Orcas Island, Washington

Unless you own or charter a private boat, there are two main ways to get to Orcas Island:

1. Take a ferry from Anacortes, Washington. This is a quintessential Washington experience, and a lot of fun! The ride takes about an hour, and is really beautiful. You will likely want to make a reservation in advance. Schedule and reservations can be accessed here. If you’re coming from SeaTac you can take a Bellair Charters shuttle bus to the Anacortes ferry landing.
2. Take a small plane. You can also fly to Orcas Island! Plane rides to orcas Island are offered by Kenmore Air, Point-to-Point Air, and San Juan Airlines. Rides take about an hour and depart from Seattle’s SeaTac airport (SEA), Boeing Field, Lake Union, or Lake Washington.

What to pack for a trip to Orcas Island

Orcas Island can be fairly rainy, but don’t let that slow you down! Here are waterproof hiking essentials that will help you stay dry during inclement weather.

• Waterproof Rain Jacket. We love our REI XeroCloud rain jackets, which are lightweight and breathable.
• Waterproof hiking boots. Not only is it rainy on Orcas Island, but many trails on Orcas Island are pretty muddy. We love waterproof Lowa Renegade hiking boots.
• A waterproof backpack cover. If you want to prevent your backpack from getting soaked in the rain, waterproof backpack covers are a essential! We’ve used ours for years.

Leave no trace tips for Orcas Island: respecting and preserving Washington’s San Juan Islands 

You are responsible for following Leave No Trace principles when you visit Orcas Island. Below are four Leave No Trace tips that are especially important when recreating here: 

• Only hike on official and established trails. Wandering off trail can damage or kill sensitive vegetation, which can lead to trail erosion and unsightly trampled areas. Please stay on established trails.
• Pack out what you pack in. Don’t leave your litter behind! Everything you pack with you on your adventures should leave with you, including food wrappers, apple cores, nut shells, and doggy bags! If you find trash along the trail that isn’t yours, be a good steward by picking it up and disposing of it properly. 
• Respect wildlife. When you are recreating on public land, you are visiting the homes of the critters that live there. Always keep your distance from wild animals, do not try to pet them, and don’t feed them. 
• Be considerate of others. Everybody wants to enjoy their time outside! Respect others and protect the quality of their experience by avoiding loud music and noises.

Along with leaving no trace on trails, support the San Juan Islands by shopping local, and being kind and respectful of the communities you visit. 

3 day itinerary for Orcas Island: the best things to do on Orcas Island

Below you will find a comprehensive 3 day itinerary for Orcas Island which includes all the best hikes, lots of delicious food, and cozy accommodations! While Orcas Island takes some work to get to, it’s well worth it. The area feels MAGICAL with its lush forests and stunning coastal views. More than anything, though, it’s the locals that make this place feel so special. Please respect their homes and businesses while visiting.

Please note, this itinerary is laid out to maximize fun and minimize driving back and forth across the island! Three days is a great amount of time for getting a real sense of the island and what Orcas Island has to offer. 

Travel tip: Cell service is hit or miss on the island, so I recommend downloading offline maps and trail guides before visiting. 

Day one Orcas Island itinerary: hike at Obstruction Pass State Park, explore Olga, award-winning dining

Catch the morning ferry over to the island

Start your adventure off by catching the ferry over to Orcas Island (or, for more time to explore, arrive the night before!). The ferry ride takes about an hour, and is a great place to watch the sunrise! You may spot whales from the boat!

Hike, tidepool, and rockhound at Obstruction Pass State Park

Once on the island, drive to the southeast corner of the island (about 35 minutes from the ferry terminal) to Obstruction Pass State Park. This 76-acre state park has abundant madrone trees, beautiful pebbled beaches, and stunning views of the water and surroundings. The park also has camping, and a total of 1.8 miles of hiking trails. We did about a mile long loop which took us through the forest and to the beach, where we enjoyed tide pools and rockhounding. 

A Washington State park pass is required to visit. I recommend getting a year-long Washington Discover Pass, which covers Moran State Park in this itinerary, as well!

Enjoy lunch at Lascaux Cafe in Olga

Lascaux Cafe in Olga was a total surprise! We stopped by on a whim for lunch and were amazed at the fresh, delicious, and creative food offerings at this cute cafe. There are an abundance of amazing pastries and cakes, as well as sandwiches, egg dishes, and thin crust pizza. When we visited the kitchen was open 10 AM – 2 PM Thursday through Sunday, with pastry sales until 3 PM. While in Olga I also suggest checking out the town dock (which has picturesque views), as well as Olga Pottery.

Do a short hike at Coho Preserve Trail near Olga

After lunch head to Coho Preserve to do a short hike. Sitting on 24 acres, this preserve includes part of lower Cascade Creek, which is one of the few remaining salmon spawning streams in San Juan County. The .7 mile trail meanders through a lush and magical forest, alongside the creek, and by a waterfall. This was Amiana’s favorite hike on the island! 

Check in to Otter’s Pond B&B

After your hike check into your room at Otter’s Pond bed and breakfast. If you’re looking to unwind after a full day you can sit on the patio and watch the birds while enjoying a tabletop fire, or relax in the hot tub. The B&B is adults only, the rooms are cozy and inviting, and the location (right next to Moran State Park and a short drive from the food and shops in Eastsound) is ideal. During your stay you’ll enjoy freshly cooked breakfasts, and it’s a perfect romantic couple’s getaways or adults-only vacation spot.

Optional: Take a short walk at Judd Cove Preserve

Before dinner, consider taking a short walk at Judd Cove Preserve near Eastsound. This 12 acre preserve includes a short 0.4 mile walk from the parking lot to the shoreline where you can see a beautiful waterfall, look for rocks, and enjoy the water. Please note that the waterfall itself is on private property.

Enjoy dinner at Houlme

I recommend getting dinner at Houlme, which serves pizza, elevated small plates, and excellent wine. The chef is a 7x James Beard Award nominee, and everything we ate was predictably excellent. That said, I recommend the basic tomato sauce pie, rotating dessert, and their small plates (which also rotate). This is an excellent place for a date night. The space is cozy but small, so be sure to make a reservation if visiting during a busy time of year. The outdoor patio looks lovely for warm and fair weather.

Day two Orcas Island itinerary: Mount Constitution, Eastsound, and more

Enjoy breakfast at Otter’s Pond B&B

Start your day with a homemade breakfast at Otter’s Pond B&B. Breakfast is served each day at 8:30 AM, and there is coffee available well before that. While you eat, you can chat with the B&B owner and chef, Amanda, get to know other guests, or simply enjoy the views and birdwatching. Amanda is able to accommodate dietary needs, and the food is phenomenal. We enjoyed everything from pancakes and omelets to fresh scones and gluten free muffins.

Hike Mount Constitution in Moran State Park

Next, head down the road to hike up Mount Constitution in Moran State Park. This is the highest point in the San Juan Islands and has stunning views of Mount Baker, the surroundings, and even Canada! There are several hiking routes up the mountain (you can also drive to the top), but we opted for the five mile route from Little Summit. At the top you’ll find a stone fire tower and visitors center, and along the way you’ll pass through forest, with periodic and sweeping views of the islands below.

Lunch, coffee, and shopping in Eastsound

After your hike drive 10 minutes west into Eastsound, where I recommend getting lunch and doing some shopping. We had lunch TWICE at Brown Bear Baking, which is a delightful spot centrally located in downtown. Their quiche and pastries are excellent, and their patio is lovely for warm days. 

Downtown you’ll find an abundance of art and pottery shops, which is what the island is known for. You’ll also find cute boutiques, as well as Eastsound Waterfront Park (great for photo ops of the water). Girl Meets Dirt is a must-visit, as is Dragonfly Coffee House.

Wine tasting at Orcas Island Winery 

After exploring Eastsound, head down the road to Orcas Island Winery. This charming boutique family vineyard & winery offers tastings of unique and delicious wines in a beautiful space. 

Optional: Hike Ship Peak Trail in Turtleback Mountain Preserve

If you still have energy (and daylight), I recommend hiking Ship Peak Trail in Turtleback Mountain Preserve. 3 miles round trip, this hike has phenomenal views of the surrounding water, and is a great place for sunset! This trail is popular, so please be extra mindful to leave no trace and stay on the path while visiting here. 

Dinner at New Leaf Cafe in the Outlook Inn

For an elevated dinner, head to New Leaf Cafe in the Outlook Inn. The space is light and bright, and the restaurant features well-executed dishes that are packed with amazing seasonal flavors. The menu rotates, but can accommodate a variety of dietary needs.  

Catch a show at the Orcas Center

If timing works out, I recommend seeing what’s playing at the Orcas Center. This performing arts and community center has fantastic acoustics and features live music, theater, and more. We enjoyed an Eagles Tribute Band, which kept people on their feet and dancing all night long!

Day three Orcas Island itinerary: waterfalls, picnic lunch, brewery 

Breakfast and check out at Otter’s Pond B&B

Enjoy another amazing breakfast at Otter’s Pond Bed and Breakfast before checking out and heading on the day’s adventures!

Hike Cascade Falls and Cascade Lake Trail in Moran State Park

After breakfast head back to Moran State Park to do a short hike to Cascade Falls. At .8 miles, this gentle trail will actually take you to four different waterfalls, and is great for all ages.

Afterwards, I recommend doing the three mile hike around Cascade Lake, which is flat and peaceful. You’ll have great views of the lake all the way around. 

Picnic lunch from the Co-op

After your hikes I recommend heading to the co-op in downtown Eastsound to grab ingredients for a picnic lunch. We enjoyed locally produced cheese from the islands, fresh bread from Orcas Bakery, Washington-grown apples, and shortbread cookies made with wheat grown on the islands.

Grab a pint at Island Hoppin’ Brewery 

End your time on the island with a trip to Island Hoppin’ Brewery. This cozy spot just outside of Eastsound offers great beer and great vibes. Their pints are reasonably priced, and they have a lovely outdoor patio.

Catch the ferry back to the mainland

End your time on Orcas Island by catching the ferry back to the mainland! There are several ferries to choose from. I recommend having a reservation (Orcas Island to Anacortes), especially in summer. 

I hope you found this 3 day itinerary for Orcas Island helpful in planning your trip to the San Juan Islands!

More washington state adventures

• 

  The ULTIMATE weekend getaway near Seattle

• 

  Clark County scenic drive: Vancouver, WA day trip itinerary

• 

  The best hikes in North Cascades National Park

• 

  The best larch hikes in Washington state