ÖTILLÖ Orcas Island 2026
ÖTILLÖ Orcas Island is the flagship North American race in the ÖTILLÖ World Series, set among the evergreen-covered San Juan Islands in Washington State's Puget Sound. The event attracts swimrun athletes from across the Americas and beyond who are drawn to the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest — old-growth forest, rocky shorelines, and cold, clear water.
Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands, known for its rugged topography, orca whale sightings, and a strong outdoor culture. The race takes full advantage of the island's geography, sending teams through sheltered coves, across open channels, and over forested ridgelines.
Course and Venue
The ÖTILLÖ Orcas Island course uses the island's complex coastline of bays, peninsulas, and neighbouring islands to create a demanding point-to-point or loop format. The terrain is classic Pacific Northwest — mossy trails, exposed rock, and dense conifer forest.
- Sprint: Approximately 15.6km total, ideal for swimrun newcomers
- Experience: Mid-distance format covering approximately 24-28km
- Full: The longest category at approximately 39km with substantial open-water crossings
- Terrain: Rocky coastal trails, forest single-track, some road sections between trailheads
- Swim sections: Cold, clear Puget Sound waters with potential tidal currents
- Elevation gain: Moderate to significant — Orcas Island reaches 734m at Mount Constitution
Tidal conditions play an important role at Orcas Island. Race organisers time the swim sections to work with the tides where possible, but athletes should be prepared for currents that can either help or hinder depending on the crossing direction.
Getting to Orcas Island
By Air and Ferry
Fly to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), the major hub for the Pacific Northwest. From SEA, drive approximately 90 minutes north on I-5 to Anacortes, the ferry terminal town. The Washington State Ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island takes about 75 minutes and runs multiple times daily. Book vehicle reservations in advance — the San Juan ferries fill up quickly in late spring.
For a more direct route, Kenmore Air operates floatplane service from Seattle's Lake Union directly to Orcas Island. The flight takes about 60 minutes and lands in the harbour. It is significantly more expensive than the ferry but eliminates the drive to Anacortes.
By Car
From Seattle, take I-5 north to exit 230 (Burlington/Anacortes), then follow WA-20 west to the Anacortes ferry terminal. The drive is straightforward. From Vancouver, BC, you can cross at the Peace Arch border and drive south on I-5 — approximately 2 hours to Anacortes, plus the ferry.
Accommodation
Orcas Island is a small community with limited accommodation. Book well in advance of race weekend — the island fills up quickly when ÖTILLÖ is in town.
- Eastsound: The main village on Orcas Island, with the most dining and lodging options including inns and vacation rentals
- Rosario Resort: The island's largest resort, located on the eastern shore with waterfront rooms
- Doe Bay Resort: A more rustic option on the far eastern tip, popular with outdoor enthusiasts
- Anacortes: If island accommodation is full, stay in Anacortes and take the early morning ferry on race day (book the first sailing)
- Vacation rentals: Cabins and houses are widely available through VRBO and Airbnb, often the best value for teams
Training Tips for Orcas Island
The Pacific Northwest conditions at Orcas Island present specific challenges that your training should address:
- Cold water tolerance: At 9-12°C, the water is colder than most European ÖTILLÖ races. Invest in a 3-4mm wetsuit and begin cold water acclimatisation at least 6 weeks before the race.
- Tidal current swimming: Practice swimming in moving water if possible. Ferry wakes and tidal flows can disorient even strong swimmers.
- Rooty, technical trails: The forest trails on Orcas Island are filled with roots, moss-covered rocks, and uneven surfaces. Train on similar terrain to protect your ankles.
- Elevation preparation: Some routes include climbs toward Mount Constitution. Include hill training in your run sessions.
- Wetsuit running in warmth: Late May can bring sunny, mild conditions (15-20°C air). Practice running in your wetsuit during warm weather to manage overheating.
Use the Swimrun Pace Calculator to set realistic targets, and factor in slower swim splits if you are not accustomed to cold Pacific water temperatures.
Other ÖTILLÖ Races in the Americas
- ÖTILLÖ Casco Bay 2026 — August 9, Portland, Maine (East Coast alternative)
- ÖTILLÖ Colorado 2026 — October 4, Colorado mountain lakes
- ÖTILLÖ Austin 2026 — November 8, Austin, Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
When is ÖTILLÖ Orcas Island 2026?
ÖTILLÖ Orcas Island 2026 takes place on May 31, 2026 on Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands archipelago, Washington State, USA.
What distances are available at ÖTILLÖ Orcas Island?
ÖTILLÖ Orcas Island offers distances ranging from approximately 15.6km to 39km, covering multiple categories from sprint to full-distance swimrun.
How do you get to Orcas Island?
Fly to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), then drive 90 minutes north to Anacortes. From Anacortes, take the Washington State Ferry to Orcas Island — the crossing takes about 75 minutes. Alternatively, Kenmore Air offers floatplane service from Seattle to Orcas.
What is the water temperature at ÖTILLÖ Orcas Island in May?
Pacific Northwest water temperatures around the San Juan Islands in late May typically range from 9-12°C. A 3-4mm wetsuit is essential for the swim sections.
How much does ÖTILLÖ Orcas Island cost?
Entry fees for ÖTILLÖ Orcas Island typically range from $250-450 per team depending on the distance category. This covers race entry for a team of two. Ferry, accommodation, and gear are additional costs.
Are there other ÖTILLÖ races nearby?
The closest ÖTILLÖ race geographically is ÖTILLÖ Colorado in October and ÖTILLÖ Austin in November, both in the USA. ÖTILLÖ Casco Bay in Maine (August) is another American option.
Ready to Train Smarter?
Get personalized training zones, race predictions, and performance insights with our free calculators.
