5 Things To Do On Orcas Island

It wasn’t until this summer that I finally stepped foot on the Islands. The San Juan Islands that is. I’ve lived in Washington for five years and heard of these magical islands but I’ve never had the opportunity to visit. Bring on Covid, social distancing and quarantine and one trip (or maybe 5) to Orcas Island and it was just what my soul needed. After a few trips on the ferry and my obsession with Brown Bear Baking, I thought to myself why not share my Top 5 things I’ve absolutely loved doing on the island. So here I am after a few sips of The Orcas Project Pinot Noir wine writing this blog just for you.

My motto is, you’ve got to earn your wine, beer, cider, and/or pastries. Start the day with a hike on the island. There are plenty hikes to pick from and many trails to choose from. My favorite was Mount Constitution in Moran State Park. The views were breathtaking and depending what trail you decide to hike it can be challenging. From the top you can see the San Juan Islands, Vancouver, and the mainland. If you do decide to hike all the way up, please pack some snacks because being HANGRY is not pretty. You can also be dropped off at top and hike your way down. It’s up to you. Check out the lookout tower when you get to the top. The two times we made it up, the tower was closed so hopefully you have better luck then we did.

I am the first to admit, I have a sweet tooth. I love anything from cupcakes, donuts, ice cream AND the Agapompi Bar from Brown Bear Baking. Oh Agapompi, how much I love you. I almost don’t want to tell you about it because I’m afraid the next time I visit, they’ll be sold out! Lol. Of course they have all sort of delicious treats but they also have sandwiches perfect for fueling up before or after a hike. What is an Agapompi Bar? Good question. I googled it and there isn’t an actual definition. But my sweet tongue tells me, it is very much like a Magic Bar. Bring on the coconut, chocolate, walnuts….and the butterscotch. YUM!!

If you have time, book a kayak tour with Shearwater Kayak Tours for you and your friend or loved one. This is a guided 3-hour kayak tour in a tandem kayak. There are a few options to choose from. At the time the only one available was the Deer Harbor Kayak Tour. You’ll paddle through the nearby Wasp Island. We saw some sea stars, seals, and bald eagles. It’s a great workout and a relaxing day on the water. The tours are offered from April thru September.

Grab some treats from Brown Bear Baking and walk up the street to Doe Bay Wine Co. for some wine tasting. We got a chance to chat to the owner who is Orcas born and raised. This is an Eastsound bottle shop and tasting room carrying The Orcas Project wine, which is now one of my favorites. Try the flight of reds and I guarantee you’ll love the Pinot Noir.

Finish off the day with a nice cold one from Island Hoppin’ Brewery. I’m so glad my friend Janna told me about this place. Everyone is so friendly and the beer will hit the spot especially after a long hike. They have 7 of their beers on tap and offer light snacks and bar food but you’re also welcome to bring your own food.

I hope this blog helped you if you are planning a weekend getaway trip to Orcas. Unfortunately there isn’t a ferry from Seattle to the island. You will have to drive to Anacortes and take a ferry from there or you can fly directly to Orcas with Kenmore Air. Whatever you do, enjoy it! And tell the deer I said hello.

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