Travel Information for Woodsong Festival on Orcas Island

Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands, which are located in the northwestern corner of Washington state.

Orcas Island is one of four stops on the inter-island Washington State Ferry route serving the San Juans.

Ferry access to the islands is from the mainland terminal at Anacortes, Washington (between 45 minutes and an hour and fifteen minutes), or limited service from Sidney, British Columbia.

Orcas Island is also accessible by plane.

 

By Ferry:

Ferries to Orcas depart several times a day from Anacortes, WA. In the summer months, ferries fill up quickly, and if you are driving a vehicle, it is advisable to arrive about 4 hours before the scheduled departure. Walk/bike-ons should try to arrive 30 minutes before departure.

Ferry Fees: For the current ferry schedule and fare information, please see Washington State Ferries or call 1-888-808-7977.

Getting to the Anacortes, WA Ferry Terminal From Seattle: To get to the ferry terminal when traveling from the Seattle area, go North on I-5, then (after about 1.5 hours of driving) take exit 230 - Highway 20 West to Anacortes/Burlington. Turn left at the light onto Highway 20. Follow the highway to Anacortes, and then follow the signs to the ferry terminal. The drive from Seattle to the ferry terminal takes approximately 2 hours in total.

Getting to the Anacortes, WA Ferry Terminal From Greater Vancouver and Bellingham: When traveling from Bellingham, or Greater Vancouver, drive south on I-5, and take exit 230. You will come to an intersection (McDonalds can be seen straight across the street). Here, turn right onto Goldenrod Rd (aka Goldenrod Drive). At the first light, turn left onto Highway 20. Follow the highway to Anacortes, and from there follow the signs to the ferry terminal.

Getting to the Sidney, BC Ferry Terminal From Victoria, BC: From downtown Victoria, BC drive along Blanchard Street (which becomes Highway 17). Drive approximately 17 miles to the McTavish turnoff (across from the airport). Turn right on McTavish, proceed one block, and turn left onto Lochside. Drive north along the sea shore to Ocean Avenue (across from the Information Center). Turn right on Ocean Avenue to the terminal entrance. Signs are posted from the Highway 17 turnoff to the terminal entrance.

Think you might get a little bored on the way here? Print out our list of: Things to do in the Car and Ferry Line!

By Plane:

There are two seaplane charters that make flights to Orcas Island from the Seattle area. You will need to arrange transportation from the plane's landing site to the festival (see taxi info below). For more information on flights, follow one of the links below or call:

1. Kenmore Air - 1-800-543-9595.
2. NW Sea Planes - 1-800-690-0086.

On-island Travel:

Once on the island, you'll find that cars are the most frequently used method of transportation, but bicycling is definitely a possibility. The Crow's Nest (where the festival is held) is 3 1/2 miles from the ferry landing. From Crow's Nest it is another 4 miles to the town of Eastsound. Keep in mind that the area is hilly.

1. Taxi Service on Orcas:

Orcas Island Taxi: 1-800-942-1926 (local: 376-8294)

2. Orcas Island Shuttle:

Orcas Island Shuttle has made the Crow's Nest a stop on their public bus route during the festival! The route includes going from the ferry into town. Day passes are $5 per person. Their phone number is (360) 376-RIDE. Reservations are needed, so please call ahead. They also offer Taxi service and car rentals.

Getting to the Festival:

Woodsong's Annual Arts & Music Festival is held at the Crow's Nest, a 20 acre piece of property in Orcas Island's Crow Valley.

Once you get off the ferry, follow the cars as they exit to the left. You are now on Horseshoe Highway, the main road that traces Orcas' horseshoe-like shape. The Crow's Nest is about 3 1/2 miles away. The first section of road will contain a couple hills. As the road follows the last hill down, you will see a long, somewhat flat and straight stretch before you.

When you have traveled about 3 1/2 miles from the ferry landing, you will notice the road curve sharply to the right. A bit after this the main road will curve sharply to the left. As it is curving left, you will see Swan Road on your right with a row of mailboxes to the left of it and a Woodsong sign pointing the way to the festival.

Turn right (which is more like going straight) onto this gravel road (If you miss Swan Road, you will soon see McNallie Lane on your right, and will need to turn around). As soon as you are on Swan Road, turn right on the second driveway (Emma's Lane).

Crow's Nest Address:
358 Emma's Lane
Eastsound, WA 98245

Woodsong Concerts' Phone Number:
(360) 376-3424 (during the week of the festival) - ask for Burke or Barbara
(360) 376-2926 (to leave a message)