Orcas Island: North Beach

The aptly named North Beach is located at the northernmost point of Orcas Island. This is the best launching point for a paddling adventure to other nearby islands, including Sucia Island, Patos Island, or Matia Island. Kayaks are available right at the beach through a local outfitter (which also provides whale watching tours). If you’re not looking for a paddle, the beach still provides panoramic views to the previously mentioned islands, and you'll also see Canadian islands since the border is so close. Also, from North Beach you can catch a water taxi to the state park islands to the north. While not quite as adventurous, the water taxi is an easier and safer way to access the exceptional islands to the north of Orcas Island.