We spent 5 days and 4 nights exploring the magic of Orcas Island with our little crew, and while it was a full and fun trip, we left wishing we had stayed a full 7 days. The journey there (ferry ride included!) is part of the adventure, so once you arrive, it’s worth giving yourself extra time to settle in, slow down, and soak it all in.
Getting There: Ferry Tips
Orcas Island is only accessible by ferry, and reservations are a must—especially in the summer. Book in advance at Washington State Ferries, and aim to arrive at the terminal 45–60 minutes early. You don’t want to miss your sailing, and the boarding process can begin earlier than you expect. There’s a cafe on the ferry and a family restroom. Don’t forget to enjoy the views during the ride!
Where We Camped
We camped at Midway Campground in Moran State Park, which turned out to be an ideal spot for families. Nestled right by Cascade Lake, it offered easy access to the water, a lakeside playground, and peaceful lake surroundings. The park has four campgrounds (North End, Midway, South End, and Mountain Lake), and we loved being centrally located. Campsite reservations are available from April – September and they fill up fast especially during the summer so book early! You can book up to 6 months in advance for most campsites.
If you don’t want to camp and want to stay at hotel that is central to town, I recommend Outlook Inn which I have bookmarked for a while. It is in the town of Eastsound which is walkable to all the shops and restaurants (see Day 4 section below).
Day 1: Arrival + Camp Setup
After the scenic ferry and forested drive across the island, we arrived at our campsite, set up camp, and let the kids run around campsite to unwind. The fresh air and quiet vibes were the perfect welcome.
Day 2: Obstruction Pass State Park + Olga
We took a short drive to Obstruction Pass State Park for a mellow hike and a beach picnic. The Obstruction Pass Trail (about 1.5 miles roundtrip with a total of 236 ft. elevation) leads to a gorgeous, tucked-away beach—perfect for little ones to explore while you enjoy lunch with a view. Our oldest (4.5 years old at the time) was able to hike independently while we carried our youngest (23 months old at the time) in our hiking backpack carrier.
On the way, we stopped in Olga, a charming little town on the water. The Olga Store Co-Op Cafe is worth a visit for local coffee, snacks, and gorgeous views. It was a quiet, peaceful stop that felt like stepping back in time.
Day 3: Cascade Lake + Mt. Constitution
We dedicated this day to Moran State Park, and it still didn’t feel like enough. We took the kids to the playground by Cascade Lake near our campsite and they loved it. We also drove up to Mt. Constitution, the highest point in the San Juan Islands. The historic stone observation tower offers jaw-dropping panoramic views of the islands, Puget Sound, and even Canada on a clear day. It’s a must-do! There’s a visitor center that is run by volunteers but it was closed when we were there. The hours vary so be sure to check with the ranger at the park entrance. We were told that the visitor center usually opens up from May-September but we were there in April.
If we had more time, we would have liked to hike the entire Cascade Lake loop which is a total of 2.6 miles with elevation gain of 282 ft. We also didn’t get a chance to check out Cascade Falls which is only a 0.8 mile loop from the parking trailhead with a total of 134 ft. elevation gain. We highly recommend including these 2 hikes with your family if you are able to!
Day 4: Exploring Eastsound
We spent Day 4 in the heart of the island: Eastsound. This walkable little town is full of shops, restaurants, and charm. There’s a cute community playground that our kids loved, making it an easy stop for families. We also checked out the cute bookstore Darvill’s Bookstore with a cafe in the back. I had a delicious cup of Black Sesame Latte and bought a nature book for my kids.
Food highlights from Eastsound:
- Brown Bear Baking – their pastries and coffee were a morning win.
- Ladybug Pizza – kid-friendly, fast, and delicious.
- Clever Cow Creamery – ice cream made from island dairy = YES.
We had local recommendations for West Side Kitchen and Lone Pine Larder, and we wish we had more time (and empty stomachs) to try both. Next time for sure! In addition, we were bummed that Buck Bay Shellfish Farm was not yet open for the season (typically opens starting May but again we were at Orcas Island in April). We went there on our last trip (few years ago prior to having kids) to Orcas Island and enjoyed their food and drinks and outdoor seating. We would have loved to take our kids and dogs there!
Day 5: Departure
Our last day came too soon. We packed up camp, caught our ferry (again—book early!), and said goodbye to Orcas. The kids were tired and happy, and we left with a long list of things to come back for.
Final Thoughts
Orcas Island is a gem for families—peaceful, wild, and packed with things to do at your own pace. If you’re planning your trip, try to stay a full week if you can. It gives you space to adventure and rest.
Whether you’re hiking, playing by the lake, tasting local food, or just watching the sunset from your campsite, Orcas Island invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and connect.
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