Orca Island, WA

In article ,
Robert M. Gary wrote:
My wife and I have talked about flying up to Washington state to visit
Orca island. My understanding is that they have Oracs that live their
year-round (they don't migrate).

I fly from KBFI and go there often, despite the name teh Orcas are NOT
there all year long I'm not sure when they run but I would suspect
that you could find a few this time of year.


Can anyone suggest..

1) Best place to land ( I understand you can land on one of the
islands and you don't need ground transportation??)

Yes, there's an airport on the island ORS
(http://www.airnav.com/airports/kors) great little strip. If you buy fuel
no landing fee.

2) Best place to stay

There are several Bed and Breakfasts on the island and a small 'hotel.'
Do a google search for "San Juan Islands Resorts" and you should be able
to find a list of them. The island is small, and you can rent bikes to
get around, there are taxis on the island as well but no car rentals,
IIRC.

3) Best Orca activity. Do you need to get tickets for a charter boat
to go out to see them. What are the odds of actually seeing an Orca?

I don't really know. I've never actually seen them, I've flown over a
pod 3x on my way to the island, but never went out in a boat. I know that
the charters are pricey.

4) What other activities can you do on the island?

I like to bike up Mt. Constitution, it's a nice hike/walk up as well.
Lots of picnic areas and swimming holes.