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MV Elwha ferry

MV Elwha: A Hard-Luck Legend of the Salish Sea

The remarkable story of a beloved ferry that served the San Juan Islands for decades, earning infamy through groundings, collisions, and mishaps—yet somehow capturing the hearts of everyone who sailed with her.

January 17, 2025 Read story →
Seismic equipment

Booms in the Night: Orcas Island's Unsolved Mystery Explosions

A chilling investigation into the mysterious nighttime explosions that have been shaking Orcas Island since 2021. Scientists, sheriff's deputies, and residents work together to solve an ongoing mystery.

January 17, 2025 Read story →
Rosario mansion

Rosario's Heart: The Island Romance of Robert Moran

The love story behind Orcas Island's most famous mansion. How Robert and Millie Moran transformed from exhausted city dwellers into the island's beloved first family, creating both Rosario Resort and Moran State Park as monuments to their enduring romance.

January 22, 2025 Read story →
Cole Sisson wine shop

The Wine Wizard of Orcas: Cole Sisson and Doe Bay Wine Company

The story of a sommelier who left Las Vegas at the top of his game to chase joy, community, and weird little wines with raccoons on the label in a tiny Eastsound shop.

January 24, 2025 Read story →

Essential Places

Wine

Doe Bay Wine Company

Local winery with tastings and island-made wines

Bakery

Brown Bear Baking

Fresh baked goods and artisan breads

Restaurant

New Leaf Cafe

Farm-to-table dining with local ingredients

Lodging

Inn at Ship Bay

Waterfront accommodations with stunning views

Park

Moran State Park

5,000+ acres of old-growth forest and trails

Ferry

Washington State Ferries

Ferry service to and from the mainland

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