Orcas Island – a short description
The San Juan Islands are a group of islands in the northwest corner of Washington state. The largest of these islands, which is in the shape of a pair of saddlebags, is named Orcas Island. The land mass is just a bit over 50 square miles. The eastern part of the island is less populated and more wooded with some small lakes. Also on the eastern side is Mount Constitution, the highest point at 2,409 feet. The western part contains several ports used for fishing and tourism.
Orcas Island – making our way there
Other than flying to the island, the main mode of transportation is the Washington State Ferry System which has routes to all the main islands in the San Juan chain. We took the ferry from Anacortes, on the mainland, via a short stop on one of the other islands.
Each ferry is large enough to transport cars, semi-tractor trailers, and several hundred people. While on board, we made our way to the upper deck and enjoyed the wind and the beautiful scenery of the sound and the islands. We docked 30 to 45 minutes later at Orcas Island, disembarked with our rental car, and found our way to Orcas Hotel where we stayed 2 nights. Does there seem to be a theme in the names?
Orcas Island – the unexpected
We like to plan our trips, but sometimes something totally unexpected happens which we did not plan or anticipate. When we first arrived on the island, we checked into our hotel, took our bags to our room, and headed downstairs for dinner. Stepping into the hotel’s restaurant, we saw that there were no tables available. It appeared we were going to have a long wait.
We soon realized the reason for the crowd. A group of jazz musicians were there holding a jam session. Many of the patrons were locals there to listen or participate in an evening of music. It was getting late and we had few options for getting something to eat before the kitchen closed. A couple who had finished their dinner saw our predicament, and offered their table to us. Hallelujah! What luck! As we ate, we enjoyed listening to sounds of piano, trumpet, oboe, accordion, guitar, and a couple of singers. We soon saw that this group of accomplished musicians centered around one guy, who I found out later was Martin Lund. Here’s a video taken at the same place, but a different time: Martin Lund at the Orcas Hotel . Come to find out, the jam sessions are a regular occurrence at that location. We had not planned it or expected it, but what a nice surprise!
Orcas Island – why that name?
Seems like a dumb question, right? However, Orcas Island was not always its name. The Spanish “discovered” the islands and called the group the San Juan Islands. However, the Americans and British both laid claim to the area in the 1800’s. Americans called it Hull’s Island, after Commodore Isaac Hull, the commander of the U.S.S. Constitution from the 1812 War. The British in making out their official charts called it Orcas Island. That name stuck, but the Constitution got it’s namesake in Mount Constitution.
But why Orcas? The obvious explanation is because of the high population of orca (killer) whales in the waters around the islands. So why would you go to Orcas Island and not go whale watching? You wouldn’t. So we booked a tour with Deer Harbor Charters and do not regret our decision. What a fun time! We traveled several miles through choppy waters close to the Canadian border to get to the orca’s location. Once there, we saw numerous orcas traveling in groups (pods). We were able to capture many great photos and videos.
Orcas Island – Mount Constitution and Moran State Park
Perhaps overlooked on Orcas Island is Moran State Park on the eastern side of the island. It has over 5,000 acres with various terrains including forests, bogs, wetlands, hill and lakes. It is a beautiful area with its focal point being Mount Constitution, the highest point on the island. At the top of the peak is a 53 foot observation tower that allows a gorgeous panoramic view of the surrounding islands, the Cascade Mountains, and several cities in both Canada and the United States.
Orcas Island – take that Kevin Bacon
The Harney Mansion in Sullivan, MO
Perhaps you’ve heard of the game “six degrees of Kevin Bacon“. In a nutshell, it exposes what a small world it is. While researching the San Juan Islands, we read about the historical event called, “The Pig War“. Follow the link to read about it in detail. To summarize, a dispute arose between the British and the Americans that started due to the killing of a pig. Tensions escalated and almost came to blows until cooler head prevailed. It was General William Harney who sent in Captain George Pickett (of Civil War Pickett’s Charge fame) with troops when American residents asked for help. This very General Harney had a summer home in Sullivan, Missouri, my hometown, and this home is now a National Historic Site. As a small child, we all knew about the Harney Mansion and believed the related scary haunted house stories. I am sure I had to use all six degrees to make this connection.
You may not have been aware of these islands in the northwest part of our country. Now that you are, start planning your trip to experience their beauty and history.