Visit Washington State's San Juan Islands, riding some of the quietest and scenic terrain available in this spectacular state. Slow down and take it all in - a temperate climate, tranquil waters, mountain vistas, and the chance to get glimpses of whales – elements that are sure to make your island-hopping-by-bike experience truly unique. Our San Juan Islands Bike Tour is one of a kind.
This trip is designed as a loop so you can drive to and from the tour in case you prefer not to fly. Save $200 if you decide to bring your own bike.
Dates: Pick a date below or select your own date, starting on a Sunday. We are able to operate this tour with 4 or more people. Price changes may apply for 4 people. Given the unique circumstances surrounding travel we understand if you are more comfortable traveling in a private group.
There are no upcoming tours scheduled at this time.
Anacortes; Friday Harbor; Whale Watching Cruise; Lavender Fields; Orcas Island; Cycling Mount Constitution; Doe Bay
Includes
6 days, 5 nights lodging, double occupancy; meals as noted in itinerary; non-optional activities as outlined in itinerary; ride-friendly snacks and beverages throughout each day; hybrid or alloy road bike rental – carbon road bike or E-bike available for an upgrade fee ($100 for carbon; $200-300 for e-bike); professional trip leader(s); van support & porterage service; reusable water bottle & luggage tags.
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic Tour Style page.
DAY 1: Meet in Anacortes, Bike Fidalgo Island Loop
Highlights: Anacortes, Fidalgo Island
After meeting in Anacortes, WA (~1 pm, about 90-min drive north from Seattle) for a brief orientation we’ll pedal around Fidalgo Island taking in stunning water views of the surrounding Puget Sound. After getting settled in for our lodging for the evening we’ll enjoy the first of our meals together.
After breakfast we’ll board the first of the ferries we’ll take this week traveling among the San Juan Islands to the town of Friday Harbor. Upon arrival we’ll loop around the entire island – which in the middle of the 19th century was subject to a border dispute and was once divided between the UK and the USA, as both claimed it as their territory. Fortunately, despite the presence of troops from each country, the only fatality was a pig, hence the incident was dubbed the “Pig War”. You’ll have options to stop along the way to learn more about this quirky chapter in American history as we pass by the American and English camps that comprise San Juan Island National Historical Park.
September: Possible Upgrade Option - Tucker House Inn
Today we’ll return to our bikes for a morning ride looping inland on the island past a lavender farm before returning to Friday Harbor. After lunch on your own in Friday Harbor, we’ll board a whale watching boat and, with luck, have the opportunity to see Orca whales in the wild. Our boat ride is 3-4 hours and if whales aren’t featured we may see other wildlife including bald eagles. Tonight we enjoy another great dinner in Friday Harbor with ample fresh, local seafood options if you are so inclined.
September: Possible Upgrade Option - Tucker House Inn
Distance: 29km (18mi)
Gain: 366m (1200ft)
Terrain:
Day Level:
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4: Friday Harbor to Orcas Island
Highlights: Orcas Island, pottery studio
This morning we take another ferry to Orcas Island. You’ll pedal off the boat from there stopping at Deer Harbor then a pottery studio featuring the work of several local artists and a stunning natural setting overlooking the Canadian Gulf Islands just across the border a few miles away. After a guide-prepared picnic lunch you’ll pedal onward to our home for the next two nights in Eastsound. You are free to explore and choose your own dinner restaurant tonight.
September Hotel: Outlook Inn
Distance: 48km (30mi)
Gain: 793m (2600ft)
Terrain:
Day Level:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5: Hike Orcas Island
Highlights: Explore Orcas Island
You'll have the option to hike today, including the possibility to hike Mt Constitution. At 2,398 feet, it’s the tallest point in the San Juan Islands and features a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding islands in the US and Canada as well as Washington’s snow-covered Mt Baker rising over 10,000 ft. After returning to Eastsound, you'll have time to shower before check out. We’ll return by ferry to Anacortes (arriving ~ 2pm – dependent on ferry schedule and ferries sometimes run late) where we will say goodbye and you can continue your adventure as you please!
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6: Bike to Doe Bay
Highlights: Moran State Park and Doe Bay
If you’d like to get another ride in the morning we have a great route though Moran State Park to Doe Bay. After returning to Eastsound, enjoy exploring town before we gather again for our farewell group dinner.
Check the online itinerary of your trip and review the arrival and departure information under the "Travel Information" tab to see meeting place and time, if a reservation on a complimentary ExperiencePlus! Shuttle (if applicable) is required, and other important information to help you plan your arrival and departure.
Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed.
Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights.
Begin your chosen training program.
Final payment is due 90 days (120 days for Bike &Barge/Boat tours) prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail you have received for detailed instructions.
We'll email you your access code to Digital Daysheets, Hotel Itinerary, Participant Roster, names and contact information of your Tour Leaders, emergency phone numbers, and other important departure information about 2 weeks prior to your tour start date. All this will be provided to you via a feature called Experiences via the RideWithGPS App (tracks available but not necessary for navigation on Classic, Expedition, Spotlight and Bike & Boat tours).
Day of Your Flight
Get as much sleep on the plane as you can. Pack your Getting To and Away information and one day of cycling gear in your carry-on. See you soon!
What to Expect on Tour
Classic Tour Style
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic page.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Rolling Hills
Rolling hills featuring multiple gentle slopes (average grade of 3-4%) usually less than 3 km (2 miles). There may also be an occasional shorter (less than 2 km -1 mile) but steeper climb. Or a longer climb where the average grade is less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Tour Levels
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle
Very hilly
Mountainous
