Orcas Island Travel Info
Location of Wildlife Cycles
Washington State Ferries
The Washington State Ferry is the most practical and least expensive way for most cyclists to reach Orcas. The ferry system runs car/passenger/bicycle boats to the islands from a mainland terminal in Anacortes, about 80 miles from Seattle.
To get to the Anacortes terminal from Seattle, take Interstate 5 north past Mount Vernon and exit onto Highway 20 at Burlington. Highway 20 (called Spur 20 on the signs) takes you straight into Anacortes, where you can follow the signs to the ferry.
Reservations are strongly recommended for travelers taking a vehicle to the San Juans. You can make a reservation both ways. Go to Take a Ferry for more info and to make a reservation.
Airporter Shuttle
If you fly into Seattle’s Sea-Tac Airport, you can ride the Bellair Airporter Shuttle to Anacortes, where you can walk on an Orcas-bound ferry. Call the Shuttle at (800) 235-5247 or go to their website for schedule and fare information.
Tip for cyclists: If you’re in good shape and ride a fair amount, you can enjoy the San Juans a lot more if you leave your car at the Anacortes terminal and bike onto the ferry. Often, the lower parking lot will be jammed with cars, but the upper lots, about half a mile away from the terminal, are seldom full. From these lots, it’s a lazy downhill run to the boat.
Victoria Clipper Passenger Ferry
Here is a fun and scenic way to get to the San Juans in the summer: the Victoria Clipper runs comfortable, speedy passenger boats between Seattle, Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, and Victoria, B.C. Schedules change seasonally Check the website or call 1-800-888-2535.
Traveling by Air
Air travel is an attractive option for vacationers who are pressed for time and aren’t bringing their own bikes. The Eastsound airport is located about a mile north of town, and, while it’s hardly a major hub, it works fine for the small, Cessna-type aircraft that convey people to and from the San Juans.
San Juan Airlines and Kenmore Air offer scheduled flights from Seattle to the San Juan Islands.
If you plan to travel by air, Wildlife Cycles can help. We can reserve rental bikes for your party, or we can arrange to receive your bike via UPS and assemble it prior to your arrival. In fact, if we know when you’re coming in, we can have your bike waiting for you at the Eastsound airport. When you’re ready to leave, we’ll disassemble your bike and ship it back to your home. Our fee for this service (both assembly and disassembly) is $25 in addition to the UPS shipping charges. Email us or call us at (360) 376-4708.
Transportation on the Island
Orcas Island Taxi (360) 376-TAXI
Orcas Island, Rental Cars & Vans 360-376-RIDE (7433)