Coming to Orcas Island every step is worth taking. The beauty in the land and people ever-changing through the seasons. Every step has a story, no need to rush any faster than a walk. Experience Orcas island deeply through a guided tour across the “horseshoe” of Orcas island.
Bring a solemate! Here on Orcas, everyday is a good day for a walk!
Walk it! Digg it!
October 12th-19th
Premier 8-day/7-night
Walking Tour Of Orcas Island
Start the day at the Orcas Hotel, where we’ll meet, before exploring local boutiques and picking up the days 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 and artisan studios, the Orcas Grange, and stop for a visit at the famous Exchange before landing at Hummingbird Hideaway, where a hot tub will be ready to soothe and relax from 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.
Breakfast at the Hummingbird Hideaway before venturing past the Orcas golf course, 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 enroute to the iconic Orcas Island Pottery and finally West Beach Resort where we will stop for snacks, hot coffee, cold beers and cider on tap as well or local Lopez island ice cream. Then, the last stretch (2 miles) 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 to the open Mic or at The Lower Tavern).
1- 20 miles. Choose your own adventure day. You’re free to walk as little or as much as you are on your own today. 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, 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, local artists, book a massage or acupuncture at the Healing Arts Center or walk the Labyrinth at the Episcopal Church. All are Welcome!
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 to Moran State Park and dine at Cascade Lake with a campfire and a song!
0-50 choose your own adventure day
Spend the day in Moran State Park.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Otters Pond. After breakfast you will be shuttled to the top of Mt Constitution. With a packed lunch in hand it is your choice how far you 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 peak 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.
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, learn from our local experts on work being done to preserve salmon on Orcas. At last, we will enjoy our last group walk along the beauty and serenity of Point Lawrence road to Doe Bay Resort.
Enjoy all the amenities of Doe Bay Resort and Spa, Hot tub, Sauna, Massage, dinner in your personal kitchenette or enjoy dinner at the resort.
0-15 miles choose your own adventure day
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.
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.
Contact Rusty
Interested in walking together? Fill out some info and I will be in touch shortly. Can’t wait to hear from you!