Contributing writer: Roo Smith I grew up on an island paradise located in an archipelago of 172 named islands, as well as many others unnamed. The community of just over 2,000 people in the winter means that you know just about everybody by name and it’s not uncommon to see the same faces at pick...

Pastoral and pristine, Orcas Island makes for a blissful summer getaway. Get our tips for what to do on Orcas Island with kids.

Orcas Island is a beloved getaway. There are tons of things to do on Orcas Island--from kayaking, to whale-watching to shopping.

On remote Orcas, off the coast of Washington State, the summer is short, the days are long, and the empty beaches, gin-blue lakes, and dense forest trails add up to the castaway vacation you’ve been dying to take.

Orcas Island, part of the San Juan Islands off the Washington State coast is teeming with beauty and entertainment year-round. There are waterfalls, hikes, galleries, beaches, hot springs, and restaurants galore to keep you busy. Here are the top things to do on Orcas Island in the off-season. #washington #sanjuanislands #islandlife #island #orcasisland #holidays #offseason #travel

Orcas - Mt. Baker in the background and the Patos Lighthouse - San Juan Islands, WA

This is a vacation that remains at the top of my favorite trips for numerous reasons. One of those reasons is that all of the natural beauty led to the most stress free week of my adult life. Everything is so peaceful out in the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington state. Orcas Island is the largest island and is full of stunning scenery. Check out my post and relive my vacation memories with me!

The remote, revitalizing peace of Orcas Island in the springtime is one of the island's best kept secrets. (San Juan Islans, Washington State)

Travel to the rugged and serene area of Puget Sound in the Northwest corner of Washington state. Visit the largest of the San Juan Islands- Orcas Island. Here you'll find that life slows down as you take in your stunning surroundings. Get great tips for visiting Orcas Island with a detailed list of things to do, directions on getting there, and information on the best time to visit! You'll surely fall in love with this peaceful destination.