DOL #114131
Orcas Island Gem of the San Juan Islands
Commonly referred to as the gem of the San Juan Islands, Orcas Island features secluded coves, lush green forests, sweeping vistas and gorgeous sunsets. The main town on Orcas is Eastsound where one may find boutiques, coffee houses, galleries, quaint cafes and fine restaurants. Many believe that Orcas Island was named for the resident killer whale pods which frequent the island waters. In truth, Orcas Island was named in honor of the viceroy of Mexico, a gentleman with 13 names, one of which was Orcasitees.
Orcas Island lies in the Salish Sea in northern Puget Sound. The island is about midway between the Washington mainland and Vancouver Island. There are about 172 islands in San Juan County. The unique saddlebag shape of Orcas Island contains 57 square miles of hilly, forested land bounded by a mostly rocky shoreline.
The 125 miles of shoreline provides many opportunities to own waterfront property. The mountainous terrain gives those on a more limited budget a chance to own water view property. For those interested in a pastoral view Orcas has scenic property with acreage, many complete with barns, sheds and other infrastructure ready for your critters. And for those who wish to build their own, my affiliation with Permit Resources provides a seamless transition from the purchase of raw land to full development.
The island population varies depending upon the time of year. There are about 4550 year-round residents. As an idyllic retreat the island draws several thousand summer residents who have vacation homes ranging from the rustic fishing cabin to magnificent, spacious homes complete with all the amenities one needs to truly relax.
