There are a lot of good hikes and things to do and see on Orcas.  Here is a list of some of our favorites:

Eastsound:  

Eastsound is where you are when you're "in town" aka it's where the big grocery store is, the yummy cafe, great book store and the best coffee.  Orcas is the shape of a horse shoe and Eastsound is in the middle of the horse shoe.  From West Sound you would go from Deer Harbor Rd. to Crow Valley Rd.  

Favorite spots in town are: Rose's Cafe on Prune Alley rd. for incredibly fresh good lunch food and cheese and wine shop.

The Bookstore on Main St.  great book selection and the best coffee exists in the back corner of this shop.

Wildlife Cycles on North Beach Rd.  good place to rent bikes for adults and kids.

Shearwater Kayaks also on North Beach.  They do Kayak tours and rentals.   www.shearwaterkayaks.com/

The Healing Arts Center: good messages, spa treatments. www.healingartsonline.com/

The Fun House:  good spot for kids to hang and take cool classes. www.funhouse.org

Good Eats:

Inn at Ship Bay on Olga Road right outside of Eastsound is by far a favorite dinner and place for a cocktail on the island. Its a bit pricey but the beautiful view and fresh food make it all worth it. Seating starts at 5:30 Tuesday through Saturday.
phone:360.376.5886

Christina's is also a top notch spot to dine and is right in Eastsound. They have a great bar with appetizers as well. 360.376.4904.

The West Sound Cafe is located in the Kingfish Inn, its a great place for lunch. They might also serve breakfast. This spot is nice and close to our house. It sits right at the three way stop where Deer Harbor Rd and the turn to town on Crow Valley Rd. meet. 360.376.4440

Rose's Cafe on Prune Alley rd. in Eastsound for an incredibly fresh lunch, its also a nice cheese and wine shop.

HomeGrown is a small organic grocery store with everything. Its in Eastsound and has a great menu for vegan, vegetarian and all others. They feature sushi rolls, salmon or tempeh burgers and a lot more. 360.376.2009

 
Turtle Back Mountain:  map to parking:  
http://www.sjpt.org/pdf/driving_turtleback.pdf

great article on our new favorite hike: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/outdoors/2003773384_nwwturtleback051.html

Take a good hike on this newly opened incredible trail.  Its near our house between West Sound and Deer Harbor off of Deer Harbor Rd.  Tadd and I highly recommend this one as an early morning or anytime hike.  Its well earned too since the land you walk on was recently protected from development thanks to the islands residents and the San Juan Preservation Trust.

Moran State Park:   http://www.parks.wa.gov/parkpage.asp?selectedpark=Moran

If you want to go for a hike around Mt. Lake or get to the highest point for a killer view of the San Juan Islands then go here.  You can drive up Mount Constitution to the very top tower for the view or you can hike around Mountain Lake for a nice hour long adventure.  Moran State park is east of Eastsound so if you're coming from the ferry or our end of the island (Deer Harbor/West Sound) you simply drive toward town.  Once you take the main turn in to town on Main St. stay on Main until you get to the Stop sign at Olga Rd. Turn Right.  This will take you in to the park.  

Orcas Island Skate Park:  http://www.skateorcas.org/   

A favorite spot for those that have never seen a skate park and for those that rip it up.  If you are Oscar Czarneski you are required to go here for a skate session.  If you're cruising to town or near there stop at the park to see some little and big kids ruling it.  
  
Deer Harbor Marina and WHALE watching:   http://www.deerharborcharters.com/

If you're staying near Deer Harbor and want an ice cream, coffee or a simple snack stop by the marina and walk out on the dock to the little store.  They also have Whale watching/ nature boat rides that go from here.  They're amazing.  I've had friends go out and come back having seen more wildlife then they could keep track of.  Its a nice way to see the islands.

Dylan Bay Fun/ Our House: (by Chris and Cynthia Bayley and their posse)

I haven't figured out how to do this with a proper list but my boat happy father would love to take guests out on his boat, Admiral Phormio on Friday,mid-day, and Saturday morning.  drop me an email (lowx@mac.com)  if you're interested.  He can take up to 6 people at a time.

Sailing in the Soling.  We have a fun sail boat (a Soling) that can take up to 4.  Someone in the posse will be taking people out if they are interested.  (lowx@mac.com)

Remember to take down our house number before you leave.  Cell Phones don't work very well on Orcas.  360.376.2060. in the meantime email me with any questions.  You can find directions from the Ferry to Dylan Bay, our house, under the Island Driving Directions Link.  or you can google maps our address:  3735 Deer Harbor Rd, WA 98243


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