San Juan Islands Bike Tour
Call Ken anytime:
847-309-4740
By Pedal Across Wisconsin Established 1985
Call Jerry anytime:
847-707-6888
August 18-23 2024
Hotel rooms will be available Sat Aug 17
Check-in Day--Marina Inn Anacortes WA
Saturday August 17.......Warm-up ride for early arrivals
Plan to arrive early for a fun filled day in Anacortes, a gorgeous coastal town located on Fidalgo Island. Activities include whale watching, kayaking, hiking, unique cafe's/restaurants, shopping & art galleries. Check in will be held at the Marina Inn where you will have ample time to meet the crew and other riders. A short bicycle ride on Guemes Island with Cue-sheets, GPS & maps will be included for those arriving early in the day.
Day 5: Lopez Island!
Thursday August 22...........20 or 41 miles
Sailing the calm waters to the peaceful island of Lopez; Lopez Island was made for biking. A mixture of wooded areas and open farm land with many shoreline views and very light traffic make for a memorable day of good riding. Lopez Village has stops to refuel along the way. You can cycle the entire route or cut it short and spend time on the beach, in a cafe, or hunting for treasures. The ferry is a memory in itself with a chance to see bald eagles, seals, and perhaps even a whale.
Day 1: San Juan Islands Loop
Sunday August 18
20, 28, 35
When you wake up this morning you will be traveling to Friday Harbor, WA. In the mid 1800's San Juan Island was the center of a heated border dispute between the United States and the British. When an American shot a pig owned by a worker of The Hudson Bay Company tempers flared and war was avoided only when British Rear Admiral Robert L. Baynes stated, "war between these two nations over the killing of a pig would be foolish," and refused orders to attack.
During the boundary dispute both American and British troops were allowed to set up camp on the Island and American Camp is the first stop on our route today. There you can not only learn the entire history of how the Island came to be part of the United States, but treat yourself to some outstanding shoreline riding as well. At the American Camp a short hike to the top of the "Redoubt," a small portion of land built up to command a view of activity in the surrounding area, you can treat yourself to views of Mts. Rainier and Baker, The Cascade and Olympic Mountains, The Strait of Juan de Fuca, Griffin Bay, and Vancouver Island! Also, keep an eye out for native Red Foxes!
Heading North you can stop at the Lavender farm, then continue to Lime Kiln State Park where it's a good bet you can see whales splashing off shore. (Yes, your route scouts did!) The park provides an ideal destination before deciding to head back to Friday Harbor.
Our hotel for the next 5 nights will be Friday Harbor Suites, just .6 from downtown with a complimentary shuttle for those not wanting to walk.
Friday Harbor Suites will host us for 5 nights!
Day 4: Your choice day
Wednesday August 21
Take the day to explore the wonders of this magnificent area! The choices are plentiful and vast including whale watching expeditions, kayaking, scuba diving, fishing and hiking. Or you can explore Friday Harbor's cafes & restaurants, galleries & museums. Or perhaps enjoy hopping a ferry to Orcas Island for sightseeing via the San Juan Transit which makes stops at Island highlights.
Day 3: ORCAS ISLAND
Tuesday August 20
20 or 30 miles
Each Island has it's own unique look and feel. In addition to Lopez & San Juan Island, we're lucky enough to explore Orcas Island, or as the locals call it, "The Gem of San Juan." Our first stop is the lively and vibrant Eastsound Village, a bustling & charming village where you will find waterside dining, homemade ice cream, outstanding bakeries, fresh coffee & unique art and gift shops. You'll surely want to spend some time here before departing. Afterwards, we cycle North to Northbeach where you can take in the spectacular panoramic views of nearby mountaintops and Islands. Kayaks are available for rent here too. Finally, we wind our way through the trees into picturesque Deer Harbor, where the boats in the harbor outnumber the people in town. More kayaking/whale watching opportunities can be found here before we depart back to San Juan Island.
Day 2: Roche Harbor
Monday August 19
22 or 35 Miles
PAW bikers have always enjoyed this easy and simple route to the small village of Roche Harbor, which is tucked away in a post-card worthy harbor. Definitely plan on taking your time here before heading back. Relax at a cafe on the harbor or check out the intriguing sculpture garden. Browse unique kiosks where there's always something interesting or charter a boat for a memorable adventure on the calm beautiful waters.
Day 6: Return to Anacortes
Friday August 23
Ferry Ride Back to Anacortes
After breakfast we enjoy one more captivating ferry ride which brings us back to Anacortes. One more chance to watch the waters for seals, seal lions, otters & porpoises. Your car will be conveniently parked right at the Anacortes Ferry Terminal, and your baggage at Skagit Cycle just 5 minutes South on the way out of town. One last opportunity to sample the local restaurants for lunch before you depart.
All aboard! Ferry to Lopez & San Juan Island!
Beautiful cycling scenery & great paved roads. Mileage options everyday
Enjoy San Juan, Lopez & Orcas Islands with spectacular scenery!
Lopez Island!
2024 Itinerary
