The largest island in the San Juan Islands, in the northwestern part of Washington State, is Orcas Island. The island is home to a few small towns and a state park called Moran State Park. The town of Olga is on the southwestern point of the island, only a couple of miles from the state park. Orcas Island is accessible via state ferry, small plane and water taxi, and hotels and inns can help you arrange travel.
Seclusion seekers can opt for the Bayside Cottages, nine fully furnished private cottages on 14 acres of waterfront property. The cottages offer views of Mount Baker and the Rosario Strait. The nine cottages are designed and decorated differently, from the 2,000-square-foot Beach House to the smaller Barn Loft. Cottages sleep one to 12 guests and include utensils and cooking ware, satellite TV and a DVD player. Some of the cottages have fireplaces, others woodstoves on stone hearths. The Bayside Cottages are walking distance from shops and restaurants in Olga and all have access to a private beach.
Doe Bay Resort has a little something for everyone; the accommodations are a mix of cabins, duplexes, retreat homes, yurts and camp sites. The resort is a few miles up the road from Olga, wrapped around Otter Cove. The Retreat House sleeps 20 adults and has a full kitchen and full bathroom; some of the simple accommodations, like the Ananda cottage, have shared bathrooms. The resort has two massage facilities and a private beach. The Otter Lodge has a full restaurant, and the Doe Bay Resort has a smaller cafe. Sea kayaking trips begin here, and yoga classes are offered daily. The resort also hosts fun events throughout the week, like open-mic nights at the lodge and movie nights.
The Sand Dollar Inn is a small bed and breakfast just a few minutes walk from Olga. The inn features three rooms with queen-sized beds and private bathrooms. The Library Room has a balcony with a view of the bay and a large collection of books. Guests are served breakfast each day and can participate in cooking dinner with the inn's owners.
The Tree House is home of Pam Jenkins, Orcas island resident, teacher and artist, who rents her home as requested to visitors to the island. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom home features a large master suite with a king-sized bed, oversized tub and shower and a skylight. The house has two decks with views of the sea, a high-speed Internet connection and washer and dryer available for use. The Tree House also includes two cats, which can be left outside during your stay, but forbids other pets. It's a short trip to Olga for ferry connections and shopping.
