From the top of 2,400 foot Mount Constitution, the highest point in the San Juan Islands, Orcas and almost all the islands of San Juan County can be seen. With the deep cleft of East Sound, nearly dividing Orcas Island in half, it is easy to see how there can be over 375 miles of ocean waterfront encompassing only 175 square miles of land in the county.

East Sound, carved by glaciers in the last major Ice Age, is the biggest fjord in the lower 48 states and would not look out of place in Norway or Alaska.

Orcas Island is home to more than 4,500 islanders who celebrate the rural character of the largest island in the chain.

The friendly village of Eastsound is in the center of the island, with schools, stores and a new senior center.

Before irrigation was introduced east of the Cascade Mountains, Orcas, San Juan and Lopez Islands made up the prime apple and pear-growing region in the state of Washington. Many properties still have remnants of the old orchards, but today most fruit is consumed locally or sold in island farmer's markets.

5,252 acre Moran State Park was established in 1921 by shipbuilder, Robert Moran. Mt. Constitution is within this park and at the top is a 52-foot stone observation tower patterned after 12th century watchtowers of Russia's Caucasus Mountains. Rosario Resort was the private mansion for Robert Moran and his family.

 

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