Washington Vacation - Orcas Island

The jarring noise of the alarm woke us at 5:30 a.m., an hour after sunrise. There is no need to arise before daybreak to get an early start in Washington. Today we are off to Orcas Island, part of the San Juan Islands. The ferry leaves from Anacortes at 7:45 and we need to be there an hour early to board. Riding on the ferry is peaceful and beautiful. Islands of many sizes, from truly mini to large enough for farming and villages, dot the passageway. The trip took about an hour to arrive at Orcas Island.

Immediately after disembarking from the ferry we headed around the island to Mt. Constitution. Orcas Island had a number of mountains all over 1000 foot elevation with Mt. Constitution topping all the San Juan Islands at 2400 feet. The views were dramatic. We could see Mt. Baker, Bellingham, the many islands of the San Juans and even into Canada. After spending some time just enjoying the views we drove to Mountain Lake. David did some fishing as did Rachel. Doug and I both took naps in the car, just enough to refresh ourselves for the day. By this time it was almost noon and time for lunch.

Cascade Lake was our choice for lunch. The forest comes right to the edge of the lake except for a beach and picnic area. Although we saw more people here than anywhere else, it still was not crowded. People were swimming, kayaking and fishing. David did some fishing after lunch along the shore and caught and released one good sized trout. The walk along the shore was shaded by ancient growth forest and offered views of the lake. The perfect mid-day break.

After lunch, we drove to Cascade Falls which was a downhill 1/2 mile hike. That meant an uphill 1/2 mile hike back to the car. Next came Obstruction State Park at the end of the road with a 1.2 mile round trip hike to the beach. By then it was time to take the road back towards the ferry. We stopped in Eastsound for pizza in a rooftop restuarant with views out to East Sound. Everywhere we looked the views were spectacular. Orcas Island is so beautiful. After dinner, we drove a different road back to Orcas Village and arrived just in time to drive onto the ferry for the trip home around 7:30 p.m.

As we headed back from Orcas Island we had this amazing view of Mt. Baker in the distance. This looming inactive volcano dominates the landscape when not hidden in the clouds.

We arrived back at David and Rachel's around 9:30 p.m. just after dark. It was a long day but absolutely beautiful and fun. It is a good thing tomorrow is Sunday and we don't have to get up early or do anything strenuous. Although it will be time to begin packing and cleaning up as we leave Monday morning for the return home. We do have 6 days for the return trip giving us plenty opportunity to see and do and relax on the way back.