Every step on Orcas Island is worth taking, the beauty in the land and people ever-changing through the seasons. Since every step you take is a line in your story, no need to rush any faster than your feet can carry you. Deeply experience the “horsehoe” of Orcas island with a guided walking tour.  

Bring a solemate! Here on Orcas, everyday is a good day for a walk!

A detailed illustrated map of Orcas Island showing various locations, landmarks, accommodations, and activities, with handwritten notes and decorative illustrations, including mountains, forests, and marine life.

Walk it! Digg it!

A scenic view of a dock leading to a boat lift on a calm lake, surrounded by trees with autumn foliage and fallen leaves on the ground, with hills in the background and sunlight streaming through the branches.
Sunset over a lakeside with trees leaning towards the water, along a rural road by Cascade Lake on Orcas Island
A scenic lake view with mountains in the background, wooden benches and tables on green grass in the foreground, a tall, leafless tree casting a long shadow, and boats on the water under a partly cloudy sky.
A mural painted on a white building by the water depicting a whale with mountains and water in the background. A wooden walkway extends over the clear water.
A foggy forest scene with a dirt road and trees with yellow and orange autumn leaves.

WALK ORCAS ISLAND

Itinerary for 8 days and 7 nights

Day One
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Start the day at the Orcas Hotel, where we’ll meet, before exploring local boutiques and picking up the day’s lunch from several great choices (Orcas Hotel, Orcas Village Store, Harmony Hive Bistro).

6.5 miles of walking through Warm Valley, stopping first at Warm Valley Orchard, where we visit an historic sheep farm and wool producer. Making our way by farms, artisan studios, and the Orcas Grange, and then stop for a visit at the famous Exchange before landing at Hummingbird Hideaway, where a hot tub will be ready for you to soothe and relax after your first glorious day on Orcas! If feeling so inspired, you can finish your day at Orcas Island Golf Course, with 9 holes of golf, practice range, or a round mini golf.

Day Two
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Breakfast at the Hummingbird Hideaway before venturing past the Orcas golf course and the famous high school barn, while making our way to Judd Cove, an historic, serene natural preserve with a restored 1880’s lime kiln and peaceful cobble beach.  Meander up Crow Valley road to the historic Coffelt/Lum Farm. From here we’ll take the road less traveled as we walk the West Beach/Enchanted Forest Byway, passing by the turn of the century West Beach cemetery and visiting Westcott Art Studio. A catered lunch will be delivered en route to us at he iconic Orcas Island Pottery. In the afternoon, we’ll saunter to West Beach Resort where we will stop for snacks, hot coffee, cold beers and/or cider on tap as well or local Lopez island ice cream. The last two-mile stretch takes us to Eastsound, where The Kangaroo House Bed and Breakfast awaits. Go to sleep early or take a short walk into Eastsound to enjoy some local talent, as there are often live bands or performances to check out in town (or bring your own talent to the open mic at The Lower Tavern).

Day Three
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Choose your own adventure day. 1-20 miles. You’re free to walk as little or as much as you are on your own. If you’d like a day on the water, kayaking, contact Shearwater (NOT a part of package).

You’ll begin with breakfast at the Kangaroo House then stroll the quaint streets of Eastsound. Maps provided for longer walks to North Shore Preserve, Crescent Beach Preserve, North Beach, or Eastsound waterfront park. Enjoy Local restaurants and entertainment, Darvill’s Bookstore, Orcas Island Historical Museum, Rays General Store and Pharmacy as well as many boutique shops featuring local artists. Book a massage or acupuncture at the Healing Arts Center or walk the Labyrinth at the Episcopal Church.  All are Welcome! 

Day Four
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5 miles

Largest elevation gain of the weeks walk: 610 feet.

Enjoy another delicious breakfast at The Kangaroo House before walking Crescent Beach Preserve, Big Little Farm, and Inn at Ship Bay. With sweeping views of the Eastsound, we’ll take a hearty walk up Flaherty’s Hill for a soft landing at Otter Pond Bed and Breakfast. For dinner we will walk less than a mile to Moran State Park and dine at Cascade Lake with a campfire and a song!

Day Five
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Choose your own adventure day. 0-50 miles. 

Spend the day in Moran State Park.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Otters Pond. After breakfast you will be shuttled from Rosario Mansion to the top of Mt Constitution, with a packed lunch in hand. It is your choice how far you’d like to hike down and around.  There are over fifty miles of groomed trails built by the CCC in the 1940s with a stone tower at the peak, offering world renowned views of the Salish Sea, Mount Baker, San Juan Islands and a 180° view of Canada. If we’re lucky with a clear day, we’ll have a peek at Mount Rainer and the Olympic Mountain range. Or jump back in the van to spend the day relaxing at Otters Pond. Whatever you choose for the afternoon you can look forward to a warm dinner catered along side Cascade Lake.

Day Six
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7 miles. Enjoy breakfast at Otters Pond before the glorious walk to Doe Bay.

Wake up to the beauty of Moran State Park and enjoy the glorious views descending into the Hamlet of Olga. Visit the Historic Olga Artworks, Lascaux Cafe, Olga County Park and Dock and the Olga Coop Store. Walk the Coho Preserve, learning from our local experts about work being done to preserve salmon on Orcas.  We will enjoy our last group walk along the beauty and serenity of Point Lawrence road to Doe Bay Resort

Enjoy the amenities of Doe Bay Resort and Spa; Hot tub and Sauna included. Book a Massage or merely enjoy the peacefulness of Doe Bay. Dinner in your personal kitchenette or treat yourself to the incredible dinner offerings at the resort.

Day Seven
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Choose your own adventure day. 0-15 miles

Enjoy the relaxation and amenities of the Resort, kayaking with Shearwater (NOT part of package) or spend the last day walking the “quiet part” of the island to the furthest eastern point at Point Lawerence Preserve. Dinner in your personal kitchenette or enjoy dinner at the resort. Meet for a last night communal bonfire! Share your stories/talents, if so moved, and say your farewells.

Day Eight
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You will be picked up from Doe Bay  and shuttled back to the ferry landing.  One more chance to enjoy the shops at Orcas landing as well as picking up a yummy lunch for the memorable ferry ride back to Anacortes.

$3,300.00

Who is Rusty Diggs?

She grew up a punk rocker in Minneapolis in the ‘80’s. Searching for meaning, she studied Anthropology at the University of Oregon, but her real education came while teaching permaculture for eight years in rural Oregon. She came to Orcas more than twenty years ago, where she raised twin girls, one with quadriplegia cerebral palsy. They’re off to college now, and Rusty is currently the board president of OPAL Community Land Trust as well as a student of Vipassana meditation. She is always learning from the land and waters of Orcas Island.

This is Rusty’s dream of an alternative and deeply immersive form of tourism on Orcas, one with a gentle impact on the earth and profound impact on the participants.

A sidewalk running through a park-like area with a large, leafless tree arching over it. There is grass on either side of the sidewalk, and houses are visible in the background. The sky is clear and blue.

Contact Rusty

Interested in walking together? Fill out some info and I will be in touch shortly. Can’t wait to hear from you!