Dining - Activities - Hiking & Exploring - Photos
Orcas Island is one of the San Juan islands, tucked away between Washington State coastline and Canadian British Columbia. The Residences are located at Rosario Hillside within Rosario Resort*--a peaceful place with breathtaking views, looking out towards the Cascade Bay and Rosario Strait. All our rooms are a five-minute walk from Rosario mansion and waterfront.
Moran State Park's hiking trail system starts on the resort grounds, right outside The Residences' doors, and within 10 minutes leads to the beautiful Cascade Lake. Additionally, with only a short drive (or a beautiful hike), you can reach Mountain Lake, Cascade Waterfalls, Twin Lakes, Mt Constitution, and more. The hiking on the island is amazing! The town of Eastsound is about 10 minutes away from Rosario by vehicle, Deer Harbor is 30 minutes away, and Turtleback Mountain trailhead is 25 minutes away. If you want to venture off the island, a short ferry ride to San Juan Island would let you experience a lavender farm, winery, and a historic military fort. If you spend another hour on the ferry, you can go two centuries back in time in Victoria, British Columbia.
Moran State Park's hiking trail system starts on the resort grounds, right outside The Residences' doors, and within 10 minutes leads to the beautiful Cascade Lake. Additionally, with only a short drive (or a beautiful hike), you can reach Mountain Lake, Cascade Waterfalls, Twin Lakes, Mt Constitution, and more. The hiking on the island is amazing! The town of Eastsound is about 10 minutes away from Rosario by vehicle, Deer Harbor is 30 minutes away, and Turtleback Mountain trailhead is 25 minutes away. If you want to venture off the island, a short ferry ride to San Juan Island would let you experience a lavender farm, winery, and a historic military fort. If you spend another hour on the ferry, you can go two centuries back in time in Victoria, British Columbia.
DINING:
Inn at Ship Bay: the best place on the island to eat! Chef Geddes is internationally profiled, and his food, most of which is raised on his farm or taken out of the ocean the morning of (or 15 minutes prior to being served), will blow you away. All of the ingredients are local from Orcas, Lopez, or San Juan Island. This restaurant makes it into one of the Top-10 in America.
Kingfish: After leaving the post of the head chef at Rosario, Chef Raymond Southern opened his own boutique hotel and restaurant in West Sound. It is one of the best dining experiences in the Northwest, as affirmed by a feature article in the Forbes magazine. Similarly to Ship Bay, Kingfish is a local’s favorite, and requires reservations far in advance. Even though this restaurant is on the other side of the island, it is very much worth the trip.
Buck Bay Shellfish Farm: that place has always been amazing with unbelievable choice of live oysters, fish, and more and an option to bring your own beverage, overlooking the water, but now... it received the former chef of the New Leaf Cafe, making this establishment possibly the second best place on the island!
Rosario Mansion Dining: Having a meal at Rosario is a great resort experience with spectacular views, just a short beautiful walk away from the condos (currently under renovation).
Rosario Cascade Bar and Grill: a fun marina brunch, fish’s’ chips, ceviche, and burger experience in a gorgeous outdoor setting. The portions are large, and meals are reasonably priced. Drinks are delicious and generous. This may be the best dining option on Rosario grounds.
Rosario Bar Lounge: relaxing evening experience with Thursday and Saturday live music, historic ambience and generous drinks (currently under renovation).
Mijitas: authentic Mexican restaurant featuring home-made family recipes.
The Island Skillet: classic American breakfast or diner-style meals. All food is served with fresh and local ingredients. The portions are very large!
Madrona Bar and Grill: a solid go-to lunch and dinner establishment with views. They usually overcook their meats, so remember to order one temperature down. The food and service there are always good, but given their downtown location, they tend to be overrun with tourists.
Catkin Cafe (former Olga Cafe): the best organic foodie breakfast and lunch served daily 9 AM - 3 PM. The restaurant and gallery burnt down a few years ago, but has finally rebuilt and reopened. All their food is local and everything in the art shop is made on the island by local artists (including Microsoft execs-turn-scarf-weavers and Amazon investors-turn-wood-carvers).
Matia: The new fine dining place in town. Everyone seems to be loving it. It appears to have smaller portions and creative flavors. Reservations are strongly recommended.
New Leaf Cafe: another favorite place to eat! You must try their brunch and French onion soup.
Brown Bear Bakery: excellent coffee shop with tasty home-made baked goods and generous, delicious sandwiches.
The Roots: excellent coffee shop with great selection of wine and pastries.
Barnacle: speak-easy bar that stays open late and is only open in the summer. The owner’s goal is to become the number-one speak-easy in America, and so far he is on track to achieve that mark.
The Lower Tavern: A spectacular burger, beer, and live music (or open mic) experience, depending on the night. This is where the locals go when everything else is closed (or open).
Groceries: You can buy groceries in town at the Island Market. If it's late and the town's only grocery store is closed - the little Chevron gas station shop at the crossroads before you turn towards Rosario (Country Corner Market and Deli) carries a large selections of American and European wines and cheeses, great variety of liquor and beer, local ice creams, and other gourmet foods. They also have make-to-order delicious pizzas and fresh Indian food.
DINING:
Inn at Ship Bay: the best place on the island to eat! Chef Geddes is internationally profiled, and his food, most of which is raised on his farm or taken out of the ocean the morning of (or 15 minutes prior to being served), will blow you away. All of the ingredients are local from Orcas, Lopez, or San Juan Island. This restaurant makes it into one of the Top-10 in America.
Kingfish: After leaving the post of the head chef at Rosario, Chef Raymond Southern opened his own boutique hotel and restaurant in West Sound. It is one of the best dining experiences in the Northwest, as affirmed by a feature article in the Forbes magazine. Similarly to Ship Bay, Kingfish is a local’s favorite, and requires reservations far in advance. Even though this restaurant is on the other side of the island, it is very much worth the trip.
Buck Bay Shellfish Farm: that place has always been amazing with unbelievable choice of live oysters, fish, and more and an option to bring your own beverage, overlooking the water, but now... it received the former chef of the New Leaf Cafe, making this establishment possibly the second best place on the island!
Rosario Mansion Dining: Having a meal at Rosario is a great resort experience with spectacular views, just a short beautiful walk away from the condos (currently under renovation).
Rosario Cascade Bar and Grill: a fun marina brunch, fish’s’ chips, ceviche, and burger experience in a gorgeous outdoor setting. The portions are large, and meals are reasonably priced. Drinks are delicious and generous. This may be the best dining option on Rosario grounds.
Rosario Bar Lounge: relaxing evening experience with Thursday and Saturday live music, historic ambience and generous drinks (currently under renovation).
Mijitas: authentic Mexican restaurant featuring home-made family recipes.
The Island Skillet: classic American breakfast or diner-style meals. All food is served with fresh and local ingredients. The portions are very large!
Madrona Bar and Grill: a solid go-to lunch and dinner establishment with views. They usually overcook their meats, so remember to order one temperature down. The food and service there are always good, but given their downtown location, they tend to be overrun with tourists.
Catkin Cafe (former Olga Cafe): the best organic foodie breakfast and lunch served daily 9 AM - 3 PM. The restaurant and gallery burnt down a few years ago, but has finally rebuilt and reopened. All their food is local and everything in the art shop is made on the island by local artists (including Microsoft execs-turn-scarf-weavers and Amazon investors-turn-wood-carvers).
Matia: The new fine dining place in town. Everyone seems to be loving it. It appears to have smaller portions and creative flavors. Reservations are strongly recommended.
New Leaf Cafe: another favorite place to eat! You must try their brunch and French onion soup.
Brown Bear Bakery: excellent coffee shop with tasty home-made baked goods and generous, delicious sandwiches.
The Roots: excellent coffee shop with great selection of wine and pastries.
Barnacle: speak-easy bar that stays open late and is only open in the summer. The owner’s goal is to become the number-one speak-easy in America, and so far he is on track to achieve that mark.
The Lower Tavern: A spectacular burger, beer, and live music (or open mic) experience, depending on the night. This is where the locals go when everything else is closed (or open).
Groceries: You can buy groceries in town at the Island Market. If it's late and the town's only grocery store is closed - the little Chevron gas station shop at the crossroads before you turn towards Rosario (Country Corner Market and Deli) carries a large selections of American and European wines and cheeses, great variety of liquor and beer, local ice creams, and other gourmet foods. They also have make-to-order delicious pizzas and fresh Indian food.
ACTIVITIES:
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival: every April the city of Mount Vernon and the surrounding area hold an annual tulip festival (a number-one spring activity according to the National Geographic). Mount Vernon is conveniently located on your way to the Anacortes ferry. The local tulip farms produce the majority of the world's tulips. Spend an hour there and you won't forget the beautiful experience (see the photos below)!
Piano Show at Rosario Mansion: Christopher Peacock's live piano and organ show isn't just a concert but also an exciting dive into the island's and Rosario's history, accompanied by hundreds of historic photos spanning over a century. He plays daily in the summer and only on Saturdays during the off-season. After his one-hour show you'll have a new appreciation for the island, Seattle, and Washington state (the Mansion is currently under renovation).
Whale watching: enjoyable with any vendor; they all use the same whale-spotting intel and have similar boats. The boats leave from Deer Harbor (a beautiful 25-minute drive). We've had great luck with Outerisland Excursions and Deer Harbor Charters. Also--even though the chances of a no-show are low--if you don't see any whales, both will take you on another trip for free.
Forest Ceramic Gallery: If you enjoy pottery and high-end artwork, this famous gallery in town - is a great place to visit. Everything is conceptualized and crafted on the island, and the Forest Ceramic owners invented several carving techniques, which have made them Internet and real-world sensations. Their artwork can be found in the homes of many celebrities around the world. They also feature original paintings, art books, and greeting cards created by local artists.
Orcas Island Pottery: thousands of locally-crafted and painted pottery items in a beautiful location with breathtaking views (and even a real tree house!).
Kayaking: available both out of Deer Harbor and Rosario and makes for a great afternoon activity. Do not attempt kayaking between the islands on your own without a professional guide - it is dangerous due to extremely strong currents.
Massage/Spa: Rosario, Healing Arts Center, or Massage by the Sea. Rosario is definitely the best overall experience (currently undergoing renovation).
Best Chapter Charters: Explore the San Juans in style with private luxury charters offering whale watching, island camping, sport fishing, and sunset cruises. Step aboard a high-performance Axopar 37 Cross Cabin — built for speed, comfort, and luxury. Mention "The Residences at Rosario" when booking for special rates and exclusive availability.
ACTIVITIES:
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival: every April the city of Mount Vernon and the surrounding area hold an annual tulip festival (a number-one spring activity according to the National Geographic). Mount Vernon is conveniently located on your way to the Anacortes ferry. The local tulip farms produce the majority of the world's tulips. Spend an hour there and you won't forget the beautiful experience (see the photos below)!
Piano Show at Rosario Mansion: Christopher Peacock's live piano and organ show isn't just a concert but also an exciting dive into the island's and Rosario's history, accompanied by hundreds of historic photos spanning over a century. He plays daily in the summer and only on Saturdays during the off-season. After his one-hour show you'll have a new appreciation for the island, Seattle, and Washington state (the Mansion is currently under renovation).
Whale watching: enjoyable with any vendor; they all use the same whale-spotting intel and have similar boats. The boats leave from Deer Harbor (a beautiful 25-minute drive). We've had great luck with Outerisland Excursions and Deer Harbor Charters. Also--even though the chances of a no-show are low--if you don't see any whales, both will take you on another trip for free.
Forest Ceramic Gallery: If you enjoy pottery and high-end artwork, this famous gallery in town - is a great place to visit. Everything is conceptualized and crafted on the island, and the Forest Ceramic owners invented several carving techniques, which have made them Internet and real-world sensations. Their artwork can be found in the homes of many celebrities around the world. They also feature original paintings, art books, and greeting cards created by local artists.
Orcas Island Pottery: thousands of locally-crafted and painted pottery items in a beautiful location with breathtaking views (and even a real tree house!).
Kayaking: available both out of Deer Harbor and Rosario and makes for a great afternoon activity. Do not attempt kayaking between the islands on your own without a professional guide - it is dangerous due to extremely strong currents.
Massage/Spa: Rosario, Healing Arts Center, or Massage by the Sea. Rosario is definitely the best overall experience (currently undergoing renovation).
Best Chapter Charters: Explore the San Juans in style with private luxury charters offering whale watching, island camping, sport fishing, and sunset cruises. Step aboard a high-performance Axopar 37 Cross Cabin — built for speed, comfort, and luxury. Mention "The Residences at Rosario" when booking for special rates and exclusive availability.
HIKING, SWIMMING, EXPLORING:
The Residences are among the most sought-after properties on Orcas Island. Perched quietly above Rosario Resort, they offer unmatched peace, panoramic infinity views from every deck, and are just a five-minute walk from the historic Rosario mansion and waterfront. A scenic trail begins right outside the condos, connecting you directly to the extensive Moran State Park network and leading to Cascade Lake in just 10 minutes. A short drive brings you to Mountain Lake, Cascade Falls, and the summit of Mount Constitution. The charming town of Eastsound is also just 10 minutes away by car. Spring and fall offer fewer crowds and great hiking weather; July through September is best for swimming, boating, and spotting orcas.
A hike around Mountain Lake is a must (4.5 miles). One mile into the hike there is a rope swing that you can swing off of and go for a swim (there are small islands within the lake). Another great swim or hike is around Cascade Lake. You can jump off the lagoon bridge or the cliffs or simply enjoy lying on the beach. Families with kids enjoy Cascade Lake’s roped swimming area, sandy beach, and paddleboat, rowboat, and SUP rentals. Cascade Falls is an easy one-mile trek and definitely worthwhile. If you want to view one of the world's best sunsets, Mount Constitution is an absolute must! Drive to the top to see volcanoes, islands and the North Cascades. Stop midway up the mountain to see The Olympics and the western views. Mount Constitution is a top sunset view according to many travel magazines. Another phenomenal hike is a trip to the top of Turtleback Mountain, which is is one of the largest undeveloped places in the county and an achievement of 2006 private conservation effort.
Hiking Turtleback Mountain the right way: If you have a free evening or would like to maximize your time on the way to/from the ferries, West Sound or Deer Harbor - make sure to park at the Turtleback Mountain South Trailhead (NOT North Trailhead), and hike the steep 2.5-mile roundtrip to see hundreds of Canadian islands basking in red sunset colors. Start your hike on the main trail/road, then turn immediately at the first left turn (Lost Oak Trail) that goes over a creek and starts a steep climb. While at the top and enjoying the unbelievable views - find the little trail on your left to get to another spot to see Eastsound, West Sound, the Olympics, the Cascades, and Mt. Constitution all at once! Do not come back the same way - continue walking straight to return in a full circle via the South Trail. Many islanders will tell you these are the best hike and views of the island.
Hiking from Rosario to the top of Mount Constitution is a wonderful and rewarding challenge. The best way to do that hike is to start right outside our doors, go up the trail, turn right (counterclockwise) around Cascade Lake, hike along the waterfalls, veer right (counterclockwise) at Mountain Lake, hike up towards Twin Lakes, continue up the switchbacks to the top of the mountain. Then, it is really important to NOT go back the same way you came, as you’ll be missing out on 50% of the experience. Continue hiking from the top along the ridge overlooking Mountain Lake; at that point in the hike you’ll be enjoying the views of WA and Canadian Cascades, Mount Baker, dozens of islands in the sound and four islands inside Mountain Lake. Before taking the East-facing switchbacks down the hill towards Mountain Lake, cross the paved road and instead take the West-facing switchbacks towards the Cascade Lake. At that point in the hike, you’ll see the Olympics and the water. Once you reach Cascade Lake, turn right (counterclockwise), reach the lagoon bridge, cross the bridge and follow the sign back to Rosario. That would be a full day and 19 miles of hiking with 3,000 ft elevation gain. Challenging and rewarding. Bring food and water! There are drinking water fountains and bathrooms at the top, and multiple clear lakes to cool down along the way.
Obstruction Pass Park and beach will transport you to the summer south of France in a matter of minutes (due to a very brief hike).
Bald Eagles: there are two families who live above the The Residences. If you see big birds coasting in warm air off the bay - it is them (teenage eagles don’t have white heads until later, so big gray birds are eagles too - they’re about three years old). Sometimes they fly literally inside our decks. One family hunts for fish every night in the evening hours next to the Cascade Lake lagoon bridge - just look to the right from the bridge - you’ll see the father and the son eagles on two trees. Another family hunts for mice over the Crow Valley - that dad can be spotted on a tree at that turnout on top of the Turtleback Mountain.
Need a little extra inspiration? Click here to watch a short film created by Orcas Island students during a 2018 filmmaking workshop led by multi-Emmy-winning, Grammy-nominated director and producer Mike Stryker.
PHOTOS
All of the photos on this site were taken by us over the past few years - a personal glimpse into life on the island. We look forward to welcoming you to one of the most beautiful places in the world.
All images © 2014-2022 In the Harbor LLC. All rights reserved. Republication without permission/licensing strictly prohibited.
