Getting there
There are several ways to get to the Island, the most popular being the Washington State Ferry crossing from Anacortes. Alternatively, there are two ways to fly onto Orcas -- by seaplane into Deer Harbor, or by regularly scheduled flights from Seattle's Boeing Field into the main Orcas village of Eastsound.
Reservations are essential in any case, including the ferry route.
Flying. The air and seaplanes to Orcas Island depart from various airports near Seattle’s Sea-Tac International Airport (SEA). You will need to take a shuttle or Uber between Sea-Tac and your embarkation point.
If you take a regular wheeled aircraft, you will land on Orcas at Eastsound Airport, which is about a thirty minute drive from Westwoods. The seaplanes land at Rosario or Deer Harbor -- Deer Harbor is by far the closer option, about 10 minutes from the house.
Two commuter airlines flying into Orcas Island include San Juan Airlines and Kenmore Air. San Juan Air has very limited routes, last we checked.
Kenmore Air offers scheduled flights from Boeing & Paine Field, Lake Union, and South Lake Washington as well as shuttle service from Sea-Tac airport to Boeing Field and the lake departure points.
We encourage you to make airline & ferry reservations early.
Driving to Anacortes. From Seattle drive 1.5 hours North on I-5 to exit 230 (near Burlington) and take Highway 20 West toward Anacortes – follow the signs to Anacortes/Ferry Terminal. The ferry route is well marked. Try to arrive at the San Juan Ferry Terminal at least one hour before the scheduled departure. The ferry to Orcas Island takes about 1-1/4 hours and costs about $40 one-way. Washington State Ferry information and schedules are available at 206-464-6400 or at their websites: www.sanjuanislandsferryschedule.com, or www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/.
Once again: Ferry Reservations are essential!
Assuming you arrive by Ferry, here are the Directions:
1. Take a left as you come off the ferry boat (onto Orcas Road)
2. Continue on Orcas Rd for 2.5 miles
3. Turn left at Horseshoe Hwy (follow sign toward Deer Harbor) - go 0.9 mi
4. Continue on Deer Harbor Rd - go 3.0 mi
5. Turn right at Cormorant Bay Rd - go 1.4 mi
6. Watch for 'Westwoods' sign on the left
Arrive at 1533 Cormorant Bay Road
Total: 7.8 mi - about 20 mins