Host Need To Knows…
Transportation
You will arrive via the Washington State Ferry System. Once you are here, you can take excursions to the other islands on the Inter-Island Ferry, where walk-ons and bicycles are free!
If you’ll be leaving the island a lot, Wave2Go tickets and cardscan be quite economical.
Taxi Service
Orcas Island Taxi is a 24 hour taxi service. Reservations are recommended. Call 376-TAXI (8294).
Wildlife Cycles in Eastsound is open daily from May-September for bike rentals.
Mopeds and scooters are available for rental at the Orcas Ferry Landing.
Internet Access
We have cell service and WiFi at the summit. In Eastsound, there are several WiFi hotspots including the public library, Ship’s Bay and Orcas Online.
The Orcas Library has several computers for the public’s use. An individual can have four computer hours/day totals. There are two “express” (15 minutes only) machines. The library is open Monday-Thursday 10-7, Friday and Saturday 10-5. Sunday Noon to 3pm. Located at 500 Rose Street in Eastsound.
Entertainment
Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce
Music and history on Robert Moran and Rosario Resort program at Rosario music room Saturdays at 4 p.m. by Christopher Peacock.
Sunday afternoon concerts at the Village Green 5-7 pm
SeaView Movie Theater. 376-5724 a recorded message. 2
show times 7 and 9 pm. (1 show off-season only Fri-Saturday).
Solstice Parade (our best of the year) and celebration in the village square. Usually
3rd Saturday in June.
4th of July festivities. Parade is the Saturday of the 4th weekend. Fireworks in Deer Harbor July 3; in Eastsound July 4. Best viewing at the county park or the library hill.
Olga Daze is the third Saturday in July. Parade, garage sale, food.
The Fly In is the first weekend in August. Lots of fun for airplane buffs and everyone.
Library Fair and crafts market/street fair at the village square. 2nd Saturday in August.
Orcas Center Live performances (music, dance, theatre, etc.) 376-2281.
Saturday Farmer’s Market at the Village Square. 10-3pm
Breakfast at the American Legion or Fire Hall in Eastsound (summer weekends).
Your best resource is the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce. You can use the above link.
Outdoor & Around
Moran State Park (of course, but wait till you see the view from the Summit or the Cascade Falls)
Indian Island
The small island off Eastsound is a great adventure when the tide is low. Not always available, depends on the tide. Begin at the County Park across from the Outlook Inn.
Obstruction Pass State Park
½ mile walk down a trail to about 300 feet of saltwater beach access. Rare on Orcas. Beautiful location and great for low-tide walks! Tide charts are free at the island market, you just have to ask. Saltwater boat launching at the County boat ramp next to Lieberhaven Resort at Obstruction Pass.
Land Bank Properties
These public lands have some great trails and jaw dropping views of our island. Make sure you take a trek to Turtleback while you are here. http://www.sjclandbank.org/orcas.html
Fishing
Fishing in the park is best in Cascade Lake or Mountain Lake. The season for Cascade Lake is that it is open the last Saturday in April through Halloween.
Mountain Lake and Twin Lakes are open all year but you need a fishing license.
Fishing Licenses renew yearly. Fishing licenses are available at Orcas Outfitters Sporting goods store in Eastsound.
Department of Fish and Wildlife stock the lakes:
Kokanee, Cutthroat, Rainbows
The Moran Creek Kokanee Hatchery is an ongoing project in conjunction with WDFW and the Friends of Moran.
Boat Rentals
At Cascade Lake, Orcas Outfitters is open daily 10-7 until Labor Day Weekend. Rent paddleboats and row boats, kayaks and canoes. Guided fishing and supplies.Fishing and crabbing can also be done at the Olga Dock.
Orcas Trail Rides does horseback rides through Moran, they meet near the South End campground. For reservations call 376-2134.
Firewood
Ed and Fiona Stone are our concessionaires. They come around every night between 6 and 8 p.m. selling from their vehicle, Memorial Day to Labor Day. Self-serve wood is sold at the host sites (South End, Midway and North End) for $5 a bundle for wood and $3 a bundle for kindling. Self-serve is also available at the Welcome Station.
Telephones
Courtesy/Emergency phones are paid for by the Friends of Moran. Phones are located at the Cascade Lake Day Use area, Mountain Lake and the Summit.
Cell phones do not work well in the park if at all. Service is available in Eastsound or on top of Mount Constitution. Sometimes cell phone calls from the top of the mountain connect in Canada.
The phone number for the Gift Shop at the Summit is (360) 376-3111. Summit Learning Center 376-3148.
Propane
Available at Crescent Service (376-4076). Usually open during regular business hours but check if it’s outside those hours or Sunday.
Laundromat
The Country Corner has “coin” (card) operated laundry. (376-6900). Laundry is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Last load in at 6 p.m.
(Hosts may also use the FOM-provided washers and dryers at the park bunkhouse and the machine shop.)
Towing and Vehicle Repair
Auto-Tech (376-8697) or Crescent Service (376-6900).
Island Automotive NAPA Auto parts. Complete auto, truck, marine, farm, industrial parts, and accessories. 100% Recycled Water Car Wash. 8:00 – 6:00 M-F, 9-4 Sat-Sun. Mt. Baker Road, Eastsound – 360-376-4901.
Let us know if you have questions or suggestions to how we may improve this list! FOM