Since the early 1940s, Buck Bay Shellfish Farm has been the go-to spot for shellfish on Orcas Island. Passed down through the Sawyer family for generations, Buck Bay is currently owned and operated by Mark Sawyer and Toni Knudson, who took over in 2008. Over the years, Buck Bay has grown from a small shellfish farm to an expansive seafood destination and weekend getaway.
Originally, Buck Bay started selling clams and oysters that were farmed on the property. From there, Buck Bay started selling locally sourced crab and fish from local fishermen.
Last year, Buck Bay added their own bistro where you can grab a bite to eat on their waterfront property. The bistro offers everything from Halibut Fish and Chips to Dungeness Crab and, of course, oysters. Although temporarily closed, the bistro plans to reopen in April. You can also buy locally sourced fish at their fish market.
Buck Bay is not just a shellfish farm, it is also a traditional farm. The property has four acres of organic garden, used to grow ingredients for the bistro. The farm is also home to various animals — if you’re lucky, you might get a visit from one of the resident free-range chickens.
“While you’re eating oysters or food from the bistro, you often have a flock of chickens around your table, looking for goodies,” Knudson says.
Whenever possible, Buck Bay Shellfish Farm sources their food locally, prioritizing island-based farmers and growers.
“When we make bread, we make our own bread from local sources of flour. Anything that we don’t have, we source locally from local farmers, like lettuce,” Knudson says.
If while visiting Buck Bay Shellfish Farm you get entranced by the beautiful views, you’re in luck. The property also hosts an Airbnb dubbed The Buck Bay Getaway. Located just 100 feet from the shoreline, the one-bedroom Getaway offers amazing views of the San Juan Islands along with a fully stocked kitchen and a deck right on the shore. Bookings fill fast, so be sure to reserve your stay far in advance. 117 E. J. Young Rd., Olga, 360.376.5280, buckbayshellfishfarm.com
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