Table of Contents
What is largest town on Orcas Island?
Eastsound
Orcas Island
| Nickname: Gem of the San Juan Islands | |
|---|---|
| County | San Juan County |
| Largest settlement | Eastsound |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 5,387 (2010) |
Which island is Eastsound WA on?
Orcas Island
Eastsound is the largest population center on Orcas Island, the second-most populated (after San Juan Island) and physically largest of the San Juan Islands. Eastsound, Washington, is known for its community events, frequent musical performances, recreation and tourism.
Where is the town on Orcas Island?
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.
Can you live on Orca Island?
Orcas Island provides residents with a safe and protected area to call home; it truly is a wonderful place to live. Many move to Orcas Island to get far away from the hustle and bustle of the city life, to find a place where it never gets too hot or too cold, and where everyone knows their neighbor.
Can you see orcas on Orcas Island?
When is the best time to see whales in the San Juan Islands? Orcas are seen most frequently between April and October. The season is a little longer for humpback and Minke whales; you can see them between April and December.
Can you walk around Orcas Island?
The islands are accessible by ferry, plane, private boat and charters. You can either take your car on the ferry or park it at the ferry terminal and walk aboard, thus avoiding ferry lines. However, you need a vehicle to explore each island (exception, see San Juan Island topic, below).
Where is the best place to see Orcas on Orcas Island?
Lime Kiln Point State Park
Shore-based Whale Watching: Spend an afternoon at Lime Kiln Point State Park, a 36 acre day use park on the west side of San Juan Island considered one of the best places in the world to view orca whales from shore.
How much does it cost to live on Orcas Island?
Eastsound (zip 98245) cost of living is 140.4
| COST OF LIVING | Eastsound | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 140.4 | 118.7 |
| Grocery | 106.6 | 101.1 |
| Health | 95.2 | 83.8 |
| Housing | 249.1 | 164.9 |
How many people live year-round on Orcas Island?
4,500
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. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, vacationers and the summer-home crowd more than double the island’s population.
Can you swim on Orcas Island?
Orcas Island is one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest, a perfect year round destination in the San Juan Islands for anyone who enjoys the outdoors, particularly hiking, kayaking, swimming and fishing.
What is there to do on Orcas Island without a car?
If cars aren’t your thing, there’s plenty of ways to get around by water. North Shore Charters offer the highest quality boat tours within the San Juan Islands. It’s perfect for fishing and day cruises to Canadian destinations. Orcas Boat Rentals & Charters has a variety of 14- to 24-foot boats.
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.
How often does it snow on Orcas Island?
Climate Averages
| Orcas, Washington | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Rainfall | 26.9 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Snowfall | 5.7 in. | 27.8 in. |
| Precipitation | 137.1 days | 106.2 days |
| Sunny | 158 days | 205 days |
What is there to do in Eastsound Orcas?
Eastsound, Orcas Island 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. Historically, it was the center of Coast Salish tribal commerce.
What is there to do in the village of Eastsound?
Eastsound consists of a village green, a few hotels and several restaurants, numerous gift shops, large grocery store, food coop, hardware store, pharmacy, brewery, various music venues, several churches, post office, school, small airport, and public dock.
Who were the first inhabitants of Eastsound?
The first inhabitants of Eastsound were the Lummi tribe, who were often raided by the warlike Haida, who traveled from Southeast Alaska in massive war canoes to attack the Lummis, for the purpose of slaving. The Haida had a distinct advantage, armed with flintlock rifles obtained from Russian traders.