Orcas Island is one of the San Juan Islands, a group of islands in the northwest corner of Washington state in the United States. The San Juan Islands are located in the Salish Sea, between the mainland of Washington and Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands, and is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.
The history of Orcas Island and the San Juan Islands dates back thousands of years, to the time of the Native American tribes that lived in the area. The Lummi, Samish, and other tribes used the islands for fishing, hunting, and gathering. The first European explorers to visit the islands were the Spanish, who arrived in the late 18th century.
In the mid-19th century, the United States and Britain began to dispute the ownership of the San Juan Islands. This dispute, known as the Pig War, was resolved in 1872 when an arbitration panel awarded the islands to the United States.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Orcas Island and the other San Juan Islands became popular destinations for tourists and vacationers. The islands were also settled by homesteaders, who established farms and small communities. Today, Orcas Island is home to a number of small towns and villages, including Eastsound, the largest community on the island.
Orcas Island is part of San Juan County, which is located in the northwest corner of Washington state. The county is made up of several islands, including Orcas, Lopez, and San Juan islands. The county seat is Friday Harbor, located on San Juan Island.
Brown Bear Baking
Buck Bay Shellfish Farm
Buckhorn Farm Bungalow
Doe Bay Wine Company
Hogstone
Orcas Center
Seaview Theatre
The Lower Tavern