Deer Harbor is on the southwest lobe of Orcas Island. It is the most maritime of the villages on Orcas, with two marinas in a very sheltered harbor. Sailing is great from Deer Harbor, as it offers the easiest access from Orcas Island to San Juan Island, the Gulf Islands, Victoria and the Inside Passage.
Deer Harbor gets more sunshine , is warmer and has less rain than anywhere else on Orcas. Some of the most expansive sunset views over the Gulf Islands are from homes in Deer Harbor.
The community owns a
small park and beach
facing the harbor. My
grandchildren and
my dog love this sunny
sandy beach.
It is the perfect place to launch your kayak and paddle around the Wasp
Islands. There you are
likely to see eagles fishing,
otters playing, seals catching fish, or a racoon
crabbing.
The dock and the post office are the
heart of Deer Harbor. This is where neighbors meet to chat over mail, or have a mocha down at the dock. The small store there carries all the basics plus you can get breakfast, a burger, chili, fries or Lopez Island Ice Cream. Some Saturday nights you'll find locals and tourists alike listening to musicans playing down at the dock, while eating fresh shrimp right off the boat.
We have miles of shoreline in Deer Harbor and there are numerous waterfront homes, many view homes and quite a few very fine estates. The east side of Deer Harbor is known as “the Gold Coast'. Homes in that area are rarely available for less than 2 Million. Spring Point is a more affordable alternative, offering waterfront, view and inland homes, a community beach and gravel roads for hiking. Homes on Spring Point start around $400,000.
We have some great places to walk in Deer Harbor. One of my favorite is along the slough. Another is going around the Frank Richardson Wildlife Refuge. There is also a fabulous walk along the walking path just east of the dock, with views of the water, the islands and Cascades out towards the Gold Coast, and Four Winds Camp.
In the winter months we gather at a potluck at the Deer Harbor Community Club. We have a community Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas Party with local musicians. A week before Christmas, Santa comes by ship to visit the children and bring gifts.
