On other visits, we turned away vowing to return when there was room. The private mooring field is peppered with so many buoys it demands full attention slipping through.
Olga public dock has room for about three boats on each side, all buoys are private.
The dinghy's at Olga belong to locals, there is no access to beach except, a nasty slippery, very steep, and thorny trail in brush under ramp.
The sign says it all
On shore at the top of the Olga ramp is a flagpole, and a memorial bench.
There are a couple blocks, if that, of roads to walk, some say private drive, keep out. There is no bathroom. The old store across the street was closed up many years ago, and the property is for sale, but the little post office is in business. Up a moderately steep hill about 1/4-1/3 mile is a restaurant on the main road. Some other boaters made the hike and reported good food. Other than private homes, most which look like second homes, there is no other business. That's it for Olga. I'm glad we finally stopped by Olga, but except for a nice dock to tie up to, and a pleasant little bay to paddle and dinghy sail, what can I say. On a much more positive note, I rode my bicycle around a little, and after checking my maps I realized that Olga is the shortest and most convenient starting point for a grueling ride to the top of Mt Constitution. 7 miles versus 7.5 starting at Rosario. I did not make the ride due to being late in the day, but I plan to come back and give it a try.
Next time we are in the area and need a place to spend the night, I'm sure we will stop again.
Oh, and we saw a little baby deer on the beach, way to go Olga!
Note: I am reluctant to review or report on businesses that may or may not be around in the future when readers might come across my post, not realizing the information is sadly outdated or just plain incorrect.
That being said, I have heard that a coop has reopened (2023/2024?) the old store/deli at the top of the gangplank in Olga. I have also been told that there is a new restaurant in West Sound, across from the county dock.
To the best of my knowledge, the San Juans are still subject to tides, currents, puffins and the occasional seal pup and orca in unexpected places.
Obstruction Pass Blakely's Deer Harbor Roche Harbor
Friday Harbor Jackson Beach Hunter Bay Prevost Harbor
Washington Park La Conner Eastsound Odlin Park
West Sound English Camp Orcas Landing Olga
When visiting the San Juan's many of us head for the great marine state parks, and for good reason, that's where the floats, campgrounds and amenities are located that vacationers desire.
However, if you want to get off the boat and see something other than campers and boat people you have two choices. #1 dinghy ashore somewhere or #2 find a public dock and head out. This list and description of San Juan area docks excludes the state parks because most marine state parks are landlocked or waterlocked leaving visitors with no opportunity to explore beyond the park.
Sixteen public docks, organized and listed in no particular order.
Obstruction Pass,
This county float and boat ramp is located just inside Obstruction Pass on the southern tip of Orcas Island. Nearby pass traffic wakes make this a punishing place to tie up even for just the two hours allowed, however rendezvousing with friends on shore or heading out on bicycles for a strenuous ride to the top of Mount Constitution may be just what's needed to round out a perfect cruise. Tip: For longer visits, anchor nearby after dropping off passengers and bikes, then drag the dinghy up onto the float or shore. Your boat will thank you when you return
Obstruction Pass county dock in red circle at top
Blakely's at bottom
Blakely's
Blakely's is a conveniently located fuel dock about halfway between
everywhere we go in the San Juan's.
They are just inside Peavine Pass on Blake Island. On shore is a small store and deli bar famous for ice cream cones to savor on the lush waterfront lawns. Grazing deer share the lawn so watch your step. The dock is rather long with plenty of room on both sides to tie up big and little yachts and still not interfere with those getting fuel. They offer overnight marina slips in a very protected tiny cove. The island and roads are private so boaters may not leave the resort property.
Fuel and store dock at Blakelys is long and you may tie up on either side to avoid wind or current issues.
Deer Harbor
Deer Harbor is on the west end of Orcas Island at the end of the road is diminutive Deer Harbor community and marina.
You may purchase fuel and snacks, get ice and rent a slip. The county dock is actually the same dock as the fuel float. Simply tie up out of the way just past the fuel dispenser. The county section is painted yellow and accommodates several runabouts or one large yacht. This is an excellent jump-off point for kayakers heading for Jones Island or dropping off people catching the San Juan Transit minibus. The bay out front is calm and rogue wakes are few, anchoring room is abundant, restrooms, showers and laundry are on the wharf.
If you squint, looking under the main wharf at Deer Harbor, you can see the yellow painted county dock.
