A Beautiful Day on Orcas Island
Before kids, before the schedules and sports and school pick-ups, it was just the two of us — two twenty-somethings with bikes loaded down like pack mules — pedaling our way from Seattle to Yellowstone. That trip will always feel like a lifetime tucked into a few slow, sun-soaked weeks, climbing mountain passes, camping under big skies, riding through some of the most breathtaking corners of the country. TAKE ME BACK!
But what I didn’t expect was that one of my favorite memories from the entire adventure happened before we ever officially started pedaling east.
We decided to take a warm-up ride and hop over to Orcas Island, one of the magical specks in the San Juan Islands off Washington’s coast. I had no idea what was waiting for us there — this quirky, creative island energy that feels like stepping into another world.
And then we found Doe Bay Resort & Retreat:
👉 https://doebay.com/
We rolled in dusty and sweaty from the ride, not really sure what we’d find, and instead stumbled into this bohemian little pocket of Orcas Island — soaking tubs overlooking the ocean, a sauna tucked into the trees, and a café full of people who felt like instant friends. It was peaceful, imperfect, and unforgettable — the kind of place you don’t plan to fall in love with, but do anyway.
But the very best part?
The people.
Orcas Islanders have this way of pulling you in like you’ve been there forever. We chatted with artists—a couple who had just started their own tiny farm, a handful of travelers who were doing exactly what we were doing—chasing moments that felt completely free.
There’s something about islands that slows time down, and Orcas is no exception. It was the perfect beginning to a trip that shaped our early years of marriage, love, adventure- you know it!
If you ever find yourself in Washington — or if you need an excuse to go — promise me you’ll carve out time for Orcas Island. Spend a day at Doe Bay Resort, take a dip in the soaking tubs (clothing optional!), grab a meal at the café, wander down to the water, and just… be.
And if you have more time, hop to the other San Juan Islands:
San Juan Island — home to Friday Harbor and some of the best whale-watching in the world.
Lopez Island — the friendliest cycling island with relaxed roads and farm stands everywhere.
Shaw Island — quiet, tiny, and peaceful.
Each island has its own personality, and together they make up one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the U.S. — honestly, in the world. So if you ever need a place to escape, reset, and meet some truly incredible humans, go to Orcas. You’ll understand exactly what I mean.
