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.

 

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

 

Madrona tree overlooking East Sound,
Camp Indralaya, Orcas Island