North Beach takes its name from its position on the northern shoreline of Orcas Island near Eastsound, the main village and commercial center of this horseshoe-shaped San Juan Islands gem. Orcas Island itself carries a name shortened from Horcasitas, honoring Juan Vicente de Guemes Padilla Horcasitas y Aguayo, 2nd Count of Revillagigedo, who served as Viceroy of New Spain and sent Francisco de Eliza's exploration expedition to the Pacific Northwest in 1791. British cartographer Henry Kellett assigned the name Orcas specifically to this island in 1847 during his reorganization of Admiralty charts, eliminating the American name Hull Island that Charles Wilkes had given during his 1838-1842 expedition to honor Commodore Isaac Hull. North Beach sits along Tidewinds Lane in Eastsound, providing water access to East Sound, the protected body of water that nearly divides Orcas Island into two sections and creates the natural harbor that attracted early settlers. The beach offers views across the sound toward the island's eastern shore and beyond to other San Juan Islands, with the dramatic backdrop of Mount Constitution rising 2,409 feet as the highest point in the archipelago. The residential setting serves Eastsound's community and visitors seeking convenient waterfront access to explore tide pools, watch wildlife, and enjoy the peaceful beauty that makes Orcas Island a beloved Pacific Northwest destination.
Beachcombing at North Beach reveals smooth stones shaped by East Sound currents, driftwood in various forms deposited by winter storms, shells from local clams and mussels, and occasional treasures like sea glass and interesting rocks. Tide pooling during low tides exposes rich intertidal ecosystems with colorful sea stars in purple, orange, and ochre, green anemones waving tentacles, hermit crabs scuttling between rocks, various mollusks including limpets and chitons, and small fish trapped in tidal pools. Bird watching includes spotting bald eagles common throughout Orcas Island, great blue herons hunting in shallows, various duck species, gulls, cormorants, and during summer months black oystercatchers with their distinctive red beaks probing for food. Kayaking from North Beach allows exploration of East Sound's protected waters, approaches to nearby shorelines, and access to marine trails connecting Orcas Island beaches and coves. Harbor seals frequently swim in East Sound or haul out on rocks, while river otters occasionally play along the shoreline. Fishing from shore attracts anglers pursuing salmon during migration seasons and bottom fish, with proper licensing and San Juan County regulations required. Walking the beach provides peaceful exercise with water and island views, popular among Eastsound residents and visitors staying in the village. Photography captures East Sound scenery, Mount Constitution backdrops, wildlife encounters, and the exceptional light conditions that draw artists to the San Juan Islands. Swimming is possible during summer months when water temperatures rise, though Puget Sound remains cold enough to make wetsuits comfortable for extended water time, and no lifeguards patrol this neighborhood beach. The proximity to Eastsound village makes North Beach convenient for those exploring Orcas Island's main commercial center with its galleries, shops, and restaurants.
Eastsound offers excellent dining celebrating San Juan Islands ingredients and island lifestyle. New Leaf Cafe serves farm-to-table breakfast and lunch with organic ingredients sourced from Orcas Island farms, creative omelettes with local eggs, artisan sandwiches on house-made bread, fresh salads, pastries, and coffee drinks in a cozy atmosphere. The Barnacle provides waterfront dining with views of East Sound, featuring fresh seafood including locally caught salmon and halibut, steaks, burgers with island-raised beef, salads with farm vegetables, and full bar service in casual island setting. Doe Bay Cafe offers creative cuisine with international influences, featuring seasonal menus highlighting Orcas Island and San Juan Islands produce, fresh seafood preparations, vegetarian and vegan options, wood-fired pizzas, and natural wines in an artistic community atmosphere. Hogstone's Wood Oven serves artisan pizzas baked in wood-fired ovens with creative toppings including local vegetables and meats, fresh salads, craft beers from Pacific Northwest breweries, and casual island vibe perfect for families. Brown Bear Baking creates artisan breads baked fresh daily, morning pastries including cinnamon rolls and scones, cookies, and other baked goods using organic ingredients and traditional techniques, perfect for beach picnics or fueling island exploration from their Eastsound Village location.
