Weekend Getaways in Washington State: West Beach Resort on Orcas Island

 

West Beach Resort offers accommodation in the form of cottages or RV and camping grounds. Units at the resort offers views of the beachfront as well as surrounding islands – and here a myriad of marine life can be viewed including seals, porpoises, and even the odd whale or two on a lucky day. The cottages are all self-contained and are stocked for self-catering stays. These little beach lodgings are made to enjoy the splendor of the Pacific Northwest. One of the most popular features of the cottages is the fact that some of them are outfitted with a picnic table and barbecue area, making for an even more magical experience as the sun sets. At night, gather round a private fire pit situated steps away from the water’s edge as the family tells tales of the day’s adventures.

The Beachfront Cottages are available as one or two bedroom units, and are equipped with queen size beds in each bedroom. They are also kitted out with fully equipped kitchens and wood stove for that authentic beach cottage feel. Guests are also treated to complimentary Wi-Fi as well as electric heating and housekeeping services to keep everything neat and tidy. Some units also pet friendly, meaning that four-legged family companions can also enjoy the break away.

Cottages are available as deluxe, classic or standard with each featuring their own unique atmosphere. The deluxe unit is kitted out with extra amenities that ensure it lives up to its name. These units have an open and bright layout with a larger deck as well as hardwood floors and luxury bedding.

The classic cottages have undergone a recent remodel boasting hardwood floors and pine – typical of a seaside village atmosphere. As the most popular unit, these cottages are pet friendly and offer all the comforts of home and parking right next to the unit for easy access. The living area is equipped with a futon as well as a dining area and reading chair. All these units are equipped with amenities such a fully fitted kitchen, electric heat and a full bathroom stopped with complimentary toiletries.

 

Lastly, the standard cottages boast a rustic charm that harkens back to the 1930’s when the resort was founded. While not kitted out with extravagant amenities, these cozy cottages has a wood burning stove and a beachfront situated patio decked out with a barbecue, table and chairs.

While not situated directly on the beach, the Ocean View cottages are a quick walk away from beach and ringed evergreen trees that open up to an ocean vista, ideal for sunsets. These units are equipped with the same comforts as the beachfront cottages, and range from one bedroom to two bedroom, farmhouse and studio style units – ideal for groups of all sizes.

Lastly, the Garden Cottages are situated in a manicured garden setting along the pond at the resort. All unit are cozy and studio-style and makes for the perfect romantic getaway for two.

For those who prefer to get a real outdoors experience, but don’t want to invest in all the equipment needed, the Tent Cabins are an ideal middle ground. These units have partial or full ocean views and a private patio allowing for stunning sunsets with a drink on one of the cedar Adirondacks as the day unwinds. The tents measure 14 x 16 feet and is canvas tent situated on an elevated stand. Each tent is equipped with queen bed, table and chairs, a futon, as well as barbecue with the needed utensils. Some units are equipped with power and water, while the units with no-view offer the real experience with no power and water. Of course, for those camping enthusiasts the resort offer camp grounds where they can set up their own camp and enjoy the surrounds. All of the amenities at the resort are available to campers including fire pits and picnic tables and passes can be purchased for the hot tub.

West Beach Resort is noted as the only RV camping park among the Orcas Island. These sites are equipped with water and 30 amp power. Although the resort does not have a sewer dumping facility, they can direct campers to a site close by. The space also allows for one tent and a maximum of six guests per stand.

 

West Beach Resort is a rustic escape offering a real beachside getaway feeling as family camp, so while there may not be gourmet dining, everything a guest needs is available. Head to the grocery store found onsite to stock up on the basics as well as coffee, candy, ice cream and a large selection of sodas, wine and treats to keep the family full and on the go.

At the Beachfront Patio, guests of the resort can stop in for a quick snack like an ice cream or soda, or they can connect to the Wi-Fi to upload some vacation photos and make everyone jealous. Of course for those who plan to spend an afternoon with some friends, step into the Beachside Bar for a beer or gourmet coffee or a hot dog and some popcorn in between.

 

Kids are treated like royalty with a summer program kid’s activities. These activities are supervised by well-trained staff and makes little dreams come true with face painting, a treasure hunt, arts and crafts as well as fishing and a build your own sundae stand!

For the whole family, there are activities galore. Start with a relaxing bit of fishing (all tackle can be bought at onsite store). The resort has a host of fish in the area and can advise fishers on what they may potentially reel in. For a more hands on experience, guests are also welcome to crabbing – dive deep and pick their dinner fresh from the ocean or set a trap and check to see who wanders in. Once the tide recedes, why not complete the seafood feast by going clamming in the tide flats. For those who are lucky when fishing, the resort also has a fish cleaning facility where fishermen can prepare their catch and share a couple stories of close encounters with river monsters.

Guests with their own boats are also welcome to make use of the marina. The marina allows guests to dry dock their boats and has floating docks and a launch area. They also offer gas meaning no need to plan boating adventures out meticulously in order to make the best of a full tank.

For those who are not interested in perfecting the freshest paella on the fire, why not try kayaking. Row along the bay and see the wildlife such as seals, eagles and perhaps and orca whale! Guided trips are offered and can be done at sunset to make the best of the stunning island. For a bit more adrenaline fuel, hop aboard a speed boat and play in the bay or wade in deeper for even more fishing.

If seeing an orca whale is the aim of the game, Outer Island Expedition can provide an up close experience in one of their aluminum boats. At night after a day of seaside activities, gather around the large bonfire and listen to flames crackle as the day draws to a close. Of course, for something more private head to the hot tub and let the warm bubbling water soothe away the stresses.

In addition to all these activities, West Beach Resort also offers a variety of games like ping pong, volleyball and badminton.

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For the bride who has always dreamed of a tranquil beach wedding, West Beach Resort offers the ideal location. Ceremonies are held on a walk-out beach that faces West in order to make use of the sunset as an added special touch.

When using the resort as a wedding venue, guests are offered parking for up to 15 vehicles and bonfire wood for a relaxed reception. The resort can also provide a selection of wine and beer, a canvas tent for the ceremony and they will do their best to fulfill special requests. When using West Beach Resort as a wedding venue, it is done for the views, the atmosphere and the relaxed rustic and informal tone of the ceremony – not everyone wants a five star ballroom with a chandelier.

190 Waterfront Way, Eastsound, WA 98245, Phone: 877-937-8224