Orcas
Welcome to Orcas, a Temperate island in the The Coastal Waters of Southeast Alaska and British Columbia, part of the majestic Pacific Ocean. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of what makes Orcas unique – from its geography and climate to its population, infrastructure, and beyond. Dive into the details:
- Geography and Size: Explore the island’s size and location.
- Climate and Weather: Weather patterns and temperature.
- Topography and Nature: Uncover the natural wonders of the island.
- Infrastructure and Travelling: Insights on reaching, staying, and making the most of your visit.
- News and Headlines: Latest News.
Geography and size of Orcas
Size: 149.9 km²
Coastline: 138.8 km
Ocean: Pacific Ocean
Sea: The Coastal Waters of Southeast Alaska and British Columbia
Continent: North America
Orcas is a Large Island spanning 150 km² with a coastline of 139 km.
Archipel: Inside Passage Islands – A series of islands along the Pacific Northwest coast of North America, known for their stunning coastal landscapes and rich wildlife.
Tectonic Plate: North America – Covers North America and parts of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, characterized by diverse geological features and varying levels of seismic activity.
The geographic heart of the island is pinpointed at these coordinates:
Latitude: 48.65084331 / Longitude: -122.89252811
Climate and weather of Orcas
Climate Zone: Temperate
Climate Details: Warm-Summer Mediterranean Climate
Temperature: Warm Summer
Climate Characteristics: Characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, typical of coastal areas with abundant sunshine Rain is more common in the winter months, maintaining a moderate climate.
Topography and nature of Orcas
Timezone: UTC-08:00
Timezone places: America/Los_Angeles
Max. Elevation: 677 m
Mean Elevation: 160 m
Vegetation: Evergreen Needleleaf Forest
Tree Coverage: 89%
The mean elevation is 160 m. The highest elevation on the island reaches approximately 677 meters above sea level. The island is characterized by Plateau: Elevated flatlands rising sharply above the surrounding area, with a maximum elevation over 500 meters but a mean elevation less than 300 meters, forming unique highland areas on islands.
Dominating Vegetation: Evergreen Needleleaf Forest
Dominated by evergreen coniferous trees such as pines and firs, which retain their needle-like leaves throughout the year. These forests are often found in cooler climates. Orcas has a tree cover of 89 %.
Vegetation: 10 vegetation zones – Very Highly Diverse Island
Islands in this range are ecological powerhouses, showcasing a wide array of vegetation zones. Each zone, from lush rainforests to arid scrublands, coastal mangroves to mountainous regions, contributes to a complex and interdependent ecosystem. These islands are often hotspots of biodiversity, supporting numerous species and intricate ecological processes.
Infrastructure and Travelling to Orcas
Does the island have a public airport? yes.
Orcas has a public and scheduled airport. The following airports are located on this island: Orcas Island Airport.
Does the island have a major port? yes.
Orcas is home to a major port. The following ports are situated on the island: ORCAS.
The mean population of Orcas is 41 per km². Orcas is Gently Populated. The island belongs to United States of America.
Continuing your journey, Shaw is the next notable island, situated merely km away.
Orcas Island, Washington, USA [Amazing Places 4K]
![Orcas Island, Washington, USA [Amazing Places 4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5BHBZr3OuRQ/mqdefault.jpg)
United States of America is classified as Developed region: G7: Group of Seven – Major advanced economies, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The level of income is High income: OECD.
News – Latest Updates and Headlines from Orcas
Stay informed with the most recent news and important headlines from Orcas. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments.
Please note: The data used here has been primarily extracted from satellite readings. Deviations from exact values may occur, particularly regarding the height of elevations and population density. Land area and coastline measurements refer to average values at mean high tide.