Orcas Washington Map

About Orcas, Washington

Orcas is a locality in San Juan County, Washington, United States. It is a small community with a population of 820. The population density is 38.0 people per km². Orcas is located at 48.5979°N, 122.9446°W. It observes the Pacific Time (America/Los_Angeles) timezone. ZIP code: 98280.

Orcas Island rises from the Salish Sea like a slumbering green dragon, its spine a chain of weathered peaks that catch the Pacific light in shifting patterns. It lies 23.6 miles west-south-west of Bellingham, WA (from Bellingham, WA: bearing 242°T), and is situated 6.9 miles east-north-east of San Juan. Verdant forests, a deep, damp emerald, cloak the slopes, giving way to the occasional sun-drenched meadow where wildflowers paint broad strokes of color. The coastline is a ragged tapestry of coves and rocky promontories, where the restless tide whispers secrets against driftwood and smooth, sea-worn stones. Here, the air carries the briny tang of salt and the sweet, resinous scent of Douglas fir, a constant reminder of the wild heart that beats beneath Orcas's tranquil surface. The silence, when it descends, is profound, broken only by the cry of a gull or the distant sigh of wind through the ancient trees. This island, Orcas, has long drawn a particular kind of soul, a blend of hardy pioneers and artistic wanderers who found common ground in its rugged beauty. Historically, its economy was tethered to the sea – fishing boats bobbing in protected harbors, and the quiet industry of logging that shaped its early settlements. Today, a gentle hum of tourism and a flourishing artisan community define its economic pulse, with local crafts and organic produce finding their way to market. The iconic Eastsound village, with its charming shops and galleries, serves as a vibrant hub, but the island’s true character resides in its scattered hamlets and the quiet dedication of its residents to preserving the natural splendor that makes Orcas so uniquely captivating.

About This Orcas Map Page

This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Orcas, Washington — switch between views using the small square in the bottom left-hand corner of the map. Coordinates: 48.59788, -122.944626. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service, with current observations and a 7-day forecast also powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time local news and world news feeds keep the page current, while a Wikipedia summary or an editorially written description provides background on Orcas and San Juan County.

Detailed location data for Orcas includes the ZIP code (98280), telephone area code (206, 253), county seat of San Juan County (Friday Harbor), and school district assignment. These are among the most commonly searched location details for any US city or town.

Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity — ensuring the correct Orcas is identified even where the name is shared across multiple counties or states. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.