Orcas Island - Emerald of the San Juans

Located off the northern coast of Washington State,360-degree view of nearby islands, to an easy,
Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands andkid-friendly woodland stroll around Mountain Lake,
is noted for its diverse landscape of mountains,Orcas offers beautiful scenery as you walk past
wooded countryside and spectacular vistas. Whetherold-growth forests meandering streams and cascading
you are interested in kayaking, orca whale watching,waterfalls. A favorite camping destination is the 5,200
hiking, camping, fishing or the cultural arts fromacre Moran State Park offering, in addition to hiking,
sculpture to chamber music, Orcas Island hasfreshwater swimming, trout fishing, and wildlife
something fun for everyone.watching.
For those interested in wildlife tours, check out theIn addition to its spectacular scenery and outdoor
kayaking and Orca whale watching expeditions. Aactivities, Orcas is also well known for its artist
popular kayaking trip goes from Orcas to Yellowcommunity including many galleries, studios and
Island. Watch for bald eagles, river otters and harborworkshops. Workshops specializing in pottery,
seals. A number of local companies offer kayakingsculpture, metalwork, hand-blown glass, jewelry, wood
courses and guided kayak adventures. For someart and more are available year-round. A cultural hub,
dramatic videos, try YouTube with the keywordsthe Orcas Center features year-round concerts, plays,
"Kayaking with Killer Whales"!musicals, dances, art exhibits, and special events. One
However, if kayaking with killer whales seems perhapsof the highlights each summer is the Orcas Island
a bit too adventurous, then how about a hike to theChamber Music Festival. Held in the last weeks of
top of Mount Constitution? Orcas Island offers aAugust, this two-week long Chamber Music Festival
number of opportunities for hiking, camping and fishing.features internationally renowned musicians providing
From a strenuous, 7-mile climb to the 2,409 footworld-class music, in a friendly and relaxed
summit of Mount Constitution, with its spectacularatmosphere.