Colleen's 70th

We are so excited to celebrate Colleen's 7Oth birthday.  Here you will find information about things to do, and links to sites you will find useful in planning your trip. If you have not yet make your ferry reservation you should do that ASAP, as the ferrys book quickly during the summer.

https://secureapps.wsdot.wa.gov/Ferries/Reservations/Vehicle/default.aspx

Day Trips

There are many options for day trips on the island.  If you start from the middle of the island, Eastsound, you can either go east or west around the horseshoe.  I suggest a day, or part of a day for each direction.  All of these locations can be found on the map. 

#1-East

Eastsound to Doe Bay.  About 20-30 minutes without stops

Doe Bay is a funky little resort at the far southeast tip of the island.  At one time is was  a commune, but mostly it has been a resort and retreat center.  There is a great southern view and a little shop out there.  https://doebay.com/

It is also a great place to rent kayak's from http://shearwaterkayaks.com/portfolio/doe-bay-2/

One the way to or from Doe Bay there are lots of things to see:

Rosario Resort: If you are heading to Doe Bay you will see the entrance to the resort on the right hand side.  You can tour the mansion and it is a good place to eat.  http://www.rosarioresort.com/\

Moran State Park: The state park offers great hiking trails and a lake for swimming, paddle boat and paddle board rentals. http://moranstatepark.com/trails/

Mt. Constitution: This is a must do at some point in your tip! It is considered one of the best marine views in North America.  The entrance is located in the park and is easy to find.  One tip is to plan to go up there later in the afternoon; you will have a better view once the marine fog has cleared.  It can also get busy in the summer so be prepared for a little walk.

Olga and the Artworks:  Olga is one of the many communities on Orcas and has its own post office. The Artworks hosts many local artists and has a nice little cafe. http://orcasartworks.com/site/

Obstruction Pass:  There is a great little state park on the way to Obstruction Pass.  It is an easy hike with a fantastic little beach at the end.  Best place to find cool rocks :).http://parks.state.wa.us/553/Obstruction-Pass



#2- West 
Eastsound to Deer Harbor.  About 20-30 minutes without stops. WARNING if you are headed out this direction, I am not sure there are any places to have lunch :).
There are several different ways to get to Deer Harbor.  I suggest taking Enchanted Forest Road past Westsound and when you get to Island hardware you will take a sharp right onto Crow Valley Road.

West Beach: Resort with cabins and a nice beach.
 http://www.westbeachresort.com/

Orcas Island Pottery: Past West Beach there will be signs for pottery
 http://www.orcasislandpottery.com/

Westsound: Little community with its own post office.

Turtle Back Mt:  You will be skirting the Mt as you make your way to Deer Harbor.  It is all part of the local Land Trust and offers some great hiking trails.  They are fairly strenuous at times.http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/turtleback-mountain

Deer Harbor: This is a great marina with a coffee shop and small store (at least there use to be)  It is also a great place to Kayaking or whale watching. http://deerharbor.org/

Food

The restaurants on Orcas change from season to season.  I am only suggesting the ones that I know are tried and true, but there are plenty more on the island. I have also put down suggestions on the Day Trip post if you are planning on being away from Eastsound for the day.

Breakfast
Enzo's: Coffee and counter ordered crepes and other goodies.  Located the north end of Eastound on the main drag. They also have gelato!

Teezers: Coffee and pastries only.  Across the street from Enzo's

Rosario: Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and has great views

New Leaf:  This is the restaurant located in the Outlook Inn.  Right as you come in to Eastsound from the ferry, it is on the left side.  I seem to remember they have unusual hours so check ahead.

Lunch
Lower Tavern: If you don't have kids with you, this is a great place for burgers/sandwiches and cold beer!

Chimayo's: Mexican, but not typical! Located in the little mall in Eastsound.

Rose's Cafe and Bakery:  Great homemade baked goods, salads etc.  A bit pricy but good.  Located north of Island Market.

Dinner
Ship's Bay:  Fantastic fine dining! RESERVATION NEEDED http://www.innatshipbay.com/

New Leaf: Fine dining.  RESERVATIONS NEEDED http://www.outlookinn.com/new-leaf-cafe/

Mijitas: Mexican food. This use to be the famous Bilbos and it has changed hands.  I am not sure it is still as good as it was, but am putting it on the list.

Westsound Cafe: I have not eaten here, but my friends dad owns it and she says it gets a thumbs up. RESERVAtIONS NEEDED. http://www.dreamstayorcas.com/#!cafe/iwjl9

Other Things to Do

Beach Access:  Washington beaches can be privately owned, so beach access is limited.  There are a couple places you can go.

• Eastound Waterfront Park: Right down the street from the Outlook Inn (West)
• North Beach:  North of Eastsound.  When you get to the main intersection you go strait and it dead ends at the beach.
• Obstruction Pass State Park: It is a hike to get in but a great little beach.

Whale Watching: There are various locations to get charters from. RESERVAIONS NEEDED!!  http://www.orcasislandwhalewatchingtours.com/ 

http://deerharborcharters.com/