Golden hour over the San Juan Islands: layered island ridgelines, calm water and a small sailboat, framed by fir trees.

Orcas Island · San Juan Islands, Washington

You found Nowhere.

Erehwon

SeasideForest, height, a wide view BaysideHarbor, boats, evening light

Two homes, one family

Morning at Seaside. Evening at Bayside.

Sunrise from a forested height above East Sound, looking across the water to Mt. Constitution. A small house with one lit window sits among the firs.

Erehwon

Seaside

Sunrise over East Sound

A Northwest-contemporary home at the end of a winding forest drive, high above East Sound and facing the sunrise.

  • 3 bedrooms
  • 5 wooded acres
  • 300 ft of shoreline
See Erehwon Seaside
Evening light on Cascade Bay, seen from a covered deck looking south: moored sailboats at the marina, a small floatplane overhead, a madrona leaning over the water.

Erehwon

Bayside

Evening on Cascade Bay

A light, bright cottage above Cascade Bay and the Rosario marina, where boats and seaplanes come and go below the deck.

  • King suite + guest room
  • On Cascade Bay
  • Private hot tub
See Erehwon Bayside

Which home is right for you?

SeasideBayside
Setting Five wooded acres at the end of a forest drive, high above East Sound Above Cascade Bay and the Rosario marina, a short walk to dinner
The light Sunrise across the water to Mt. Constitution Warm evening light on the bay
Bedrooms Three: a king in the primary, a queen in each of the others Two: a king upstairs, a queen on the lower level
Best for Families & couples who want more space Couples; a pair of friends or small family
Standouts Chef’s kitchen, sauna, hot tub, river-rock fireplace, 2,000+ sq ft of decking Covered deck above the harbor, private hot tub
Feels like Forest, height, a wide view Harbor, activity, light

Booking with us directly

Longer stays

Planning a week or more? Write to us.

Returning guests

Welcome back: returning guests who book direct for four nights or more receive a thank-you rate.

You deal with our family

Not a platform. Every message is answered by our family.

The name

Nowhere, spelled backwards

In the 1970s my grandfather, who had flown in the Second World War, came to the San Juan Islands on a fishing trip. He bought land on Orcas Island, built his retirement home there, and named it Erehwon: “nowhere,” spelled backwards.

For decades it was our family’s retreat, and in 2018 my wife and I were married there. Today we have a home of our own on the island, Erehwon Seaside, and a cottage, Erehwon Bayside, on the same bay where it all began. Even the family boat is named Erehwon.

The name honors his foresight, the island retreat, and the freedom every boater knows of simply being nowhere at sea.

A small floatplane crossing an evening sky above island ridgelines.

A note from the owner

Erehwon has been our family’s place on Orcas Island for three generations. Now we share two homes here with guests, and I answer every message myself (or sometimes my mom does!).

Write with any question, big or small, before you book or while you’re here. I hope you find a little of Nowhere, too.

— Jared

From our guests

“Everything we hoped for! The location was stunning -- peaceful and private (but not too remote). Our family made use of the home's amenities daily and enjoyed the endless views from every window and deck location. The kitchen and outdoor grill were perfect. Our highest recommendations, we can't wait to return one day.”
Erehwon SeasideRobert, June 2026
“If you are reading this review, just book it!! The view from the upper deck of the marina is spectacular and oh so peaceful. ☺️ If you are an early bird like me, you can catch the morning mist on the mountain top and watch it creep slowly down the side of the mountain towards the bay or maybe catch a float plane land and later take off. This was a gem of a find! The home is comfortable and beautifully decorated. The lower level suite is perfect and creates an extra living space. The history of Rosario is also not to be missed. Another plus are two eateries within walking distance. One for dinner and one for bfast.”
Erehwon BaysideJanna, August 2026
“What a special place to unwind and breathe and take in the spectacular surroundings. The house was very comfortable and spacious, the layout of the living room and kitchen onto the deck great, and thoughtfully appointed. Already planning our next visit!”
Erehwon SeasideAshley, May 2026
“This is a wonderful spot on beautiful Orcas Island. We particularly loved how close it was to Rosario resort and the state park, allowing us to enjoy the amenities and food. It’s a 10 minute max drive to Eastsound. It boasts great views and wide spaces. The bathtub in the main room is gargantuan and the hot tub was a special treat. We hopped around the San Juan’s from this spot and spent a great time in Eastsound. If you’re thinking of Orcas island, do it and stay here!”
Erehwon BaysideRosalyn, July 2026
“Jared's place was absolutely fabulous and we hated to leave.”
Erehwon SeasideNancy, August 2026
“Steps from the marina. Beautiful views of the Sound. Kayak touring nearby was fun - we went on the nighttime bioluminescence tour and it was stunning! Easy access to all Orcas highlights but quiet and out of the way.”
Erehwon BaysideSusan, August 2026
“This is a gorgeous home! The views were stunning! Incredible views from the deck. … The hot tub was amazing and we saw many shooting stars and sea lions. … The host was super responsive to my pre-check in questions. … Saw two baby deers in the backyard. Would highly recommend!”
Erehwon SeasideMaureen, August 2026

Getting here

By ferry

Washington State Ferries sail from Anacortes to Orcas Village. Reservations are advised in summer and on holiday weekends.

Washington State Ferries reservations

By floatplane

Scheduled seaplanes fly from the Seattle area and land on the water at the island’s harbors.

Kenmore Air

By small plane

Orcas Island Airport in Eastsound serves scheduled and charter flights, and private pilots.

San Juan Airlines · Kenmore Air

From the ferry

Seaside is about 15 minutes’ drive from the landing. Bayside is about 25 minutes.

The island through the year

Spring

The woods turn green, the madronas start to shed their bark, and the island is quiet before summer.

Summer

Long evenings, warm rocks and a bay full of sails. Reserve ferries early.

Autumn

Clear, cool days, fewer visitors and low gold light on the water.

Winter

Storms rolling through, woodsmoke, and a fire going. The island at its quietest.