Camping at Orcas Island Airport

Now that our airplane 997 is home based in Bellingham, there are lots of interesting flying destinations nearby in the Pacific Northwest. For example, the San Juan Islands are just a twenty minute hop away. This week we returned to Orcas Island Airport (KORS) in 997 with our tent and sleeping bags in tow. We landed on Runway 16 with a slight headwind, a remnant from the front that had just passed through.

The runway is 2900 feet in length, plenty of room even for our cityfolk Piper Arrow. There's a small terminal, but it's only open when a commercial flight is scheduled. If you go around to the front of the building there's a pilot's conference room that may be open. Inside you will find pilot information and space for flight planning. Transient parking is available on the tarmac (easily identified by the blue cones) or in a large grass area.

If you are just coming for a day trip, park at the southeast corner. This is the closest location to the exit gate and trail towards town. If you want to camp, go the large grass tiedown area midfield on the east side. It is well maintained with clearly marked parking spots, some with hooks to attach your own ropes. There's a portable toilet next to the self-serve fuel building. Overnight parking is just $6.

Last time we flew to Orcas we walked the well marked trail to the village of Eastsound. That time we ate a The Sunflower Cafe. This time we decided to try Vern's Bayside Restaurant. It's right on the water with a quaint atmosphere and fabulous view up the u-shaped sound to the north. Since we were spending the night I could enjoy a Mac & Jacks with my leisurely meal.

We walked back to the airport and put up our tent for a quiet night. All was well until the Airport Crow decided to give us a wakeup call at 6:30 am. Fortunately, he departed allowing us to sneak in a few more winks before we packed up. Rather than walking back to town for breakfast, we flew south to Port Townsend to eat at the Spruce Goose Cafe. It was a great outing for 997 and her owners alike. -- Margy