Washington State

Orcas Island Architecture and Landscapes

Orcas, an island of quietude and tranquility, is a 75-minute ferry ride off the northwest Washington coast, situated just south of the Canadian boundary channel. With an area of 57 sq. miles and about 5,000 residents, Orcas remains largely woods and pasture but offers comfortable amenities. The maritime climate is moderate yet best described as cozy, the weather being chilly and overcast much of the year, the shoreline rocky and rustic. Nevertheless when the sun emerges, as happens frequently in Spring and Summer, it is beautiful; and the air is always fresh and clean.

 

click to view image   Aboard the MV Kaleetan, Washington State ferry.
click to view image   Arrival at Orcas Island
click to view image   Storm Over East Sound
click to view image   Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Eastsound Village.
click to view image   View of East Sound from church rectory.
click to view image   Outlook Inn. An outstanding hostelry offering deluxe and moderate accommodations, established in 1920.
click to view image   Outlook Inn. Elegant fire escape.
click to view image   Madrona Bar & Grill
click to view image   Bayside homes and pier, Buck Bay.
click to view image   Ferry dock at Orcas Village
click to view image   Pier at Olga
click to view image   Pier at Olga, landward view. Olga is a settlement of some 200 residents on the east side of the island.
click to view image   Store at Olga
click to view image   Home at Olga
click to view image   Cascade Lake. One of three large fresh-water lakes on Orcas.
click to view image   Settlement at Doe Bay
click to view image   Orcas Coastline
click to view image   Heated indoor swimming pool (c.1925), Rosario.
click to view image   Main Street at North Beach Road, Eastsound Village. The busiest intersection on the island, which has no traffic lights.
click to view image   Easterly view of East Sound. Eastsound Village skirts the shoreline.
click to view image   Agricultural stand
click to view image   Derelict house at Crescent Beach
click to view image   Entry archway, Moran State Park.
click to view image   Tower at summit of Mt. Constitution. The highest point on the island, elevation 2,400 ft.
click to view image   “A-frame” upper level of Theosophical Library, Camp Indralaya.
click to view image   Home on East Sound, Eastsound Village.

 

Madrona tree overlooking East Sound, Camp Indralaya, Orcas Island

Madrona tree overlooking East Sound,
Camp Indralaya, Orcas Island

 
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