Cycling on the San Juan Islands can make the world seem smaller and larger all at once. The world shrinks, as hustle and bustle is replaced with placid water, distant peaks, and simple fishing villages along the shore. At the same time, your focus is drawn to the vastness of the Pacific sprawling to the west, the magnificence of the Cascades on the horizon, and the mournful sigh of an orca echoing in the distance. These idyllic and relaxing islands, with their temperate maritime climate, lush vegetation, and quiet country roads, offer an absolutely amazing location for your next active travel bicycle vacation.
Trip Wow’s
- Embrace the leisurely pace of ’island life’ and feel your preoccupations from home melt away and slip into the sea.
- Taste the unparalleled flavors of freshly caught seafood and locally grown produce.
- Perch upon Lime Kiln Point, one of the world’s best places from which to spot passing orca pods.
- Visit the sight of one of America’s most unusual wars, the Pig War, which could have altered the course of American history.
- Marvel at the island seascape view from atop 2,409’ Mt. Constitution.
| 2012 Trip |
Dates |
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July 8, 29
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Day 1 | Anacortes
Stay at The Majestic Inn and Spa
Picnic Lunch in a park in the Pacific Northwest | Cycle the quiet country roads of the Skagit Valley, bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Coastal Range | Enjoy the antique shops and galleries in the town center of Anacortes, "The City within a Park"
Days 2 & 3 | Lopez and Orcas Islands
Stay at Outlook Inn
Enjoy a boat ride to Lopez and Orcas Islands | Experience the varied terrain and character of these two islands–bike the more gentle terrain of Lopez and the more rolling landscape of Orcas Island | Visit Orcas Island Pottery for one-of-a-kind pottery | Ride Mt. Constitution for spectacular views
Days 4 – 6 | San Juan Island
Stay at Earthbox Motel and Spa
Visit the whale museum, quaint shops, and galleries in Friday Harbor | Pedal along the seashore to Cattle Point and hike to the lighthouse—keep an eye out for bald eagles! | Sample everything lavender, from ice cream to foot scrub, at Pelindaba Lavender Farm | Look for orcas from the shores of the country's one and only designated whale watching park, Lime Kiln State Park | Intimately experience the nuances of the Pacific with a guided sea kayaking tour
The Majestic Inn and Spa | Anacortes, WA
Emanating historical elegance, this small hotel has been recently remodeled with careful attention to detail and is centrally located in the heart of Anacortes. It is an ideal jumping off point for your adventure to the San Juan Islands.
Outlook Inn | Eastsound, WA
Perfectly located in the village of Eastsound and adjacent to the shores of the Pacific Ocean, the Outlook Inn is a delightful place to stay. The charm of a historic country inn, matched with classic architecture and wonderful hospitality, creates an incredible atmosphere and experience for all guests.
Earthbox Motel and Spa | Friday Harbor, WA
This recently renovated motel - located just 4 blocks from the Friday Harbor Ferry Landing - embodies comfort and convenience. Rooms feature simple designs and calming colors, inspired by the earth, sea, sun and sky. With cruiser bikes to borrow, an indoor pool and on-site spa, the Earthbox is a fun retreat within walking distance of Friday Harbor’s many restaurants and attractions.
What’s Included in the Trip Price
- 5 nights of accommodation
- Daily breakfast, 3 lunches, 2 social hours, 3 dinners, and all snacks and drinks for each day
- The knowledge, support, and camaraderie of experienced guides
- Daily route support
- The use of a Trek Madone™ 5.2 carbon road bike, or Trek Madone™ 5.2 Women’s Specific Design carbon road bike (limited selection), or Trek 7.7 FX™ hybrid bike
- The use of Trek bike helmets and other gear and equipment to make your ride comfortable
- Trek Travel water bottles
- Private tours
- Entrance fees to all group events/activities
- All luggage transfers
- All transportation during the trip, including private coaches
- Comprehensive trip literature and complimentary Trek merchandise
- All gratuities for special events, local guides, transfers, hotels, and restaurants
- $300 Discount on a 5 or 6 series Trek Madone purchase at your local Trek retailer
Not Included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Transportation to the trip pick-up location
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Gratuities for Trek Travel guides
- Personal items purchased during the trip
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which allows you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. Your guides are happy to make recommendations should you so desire.
What is the weather going to be like?
Daytime temperatures range from the upper 60s to low 80s. Evenings cool to averages of 50 to 60 degrees. The West Coast can be rainy so come prepared with wet weather gear, although we’ll cross our fingers that you won’t need it!
What are the daily rides like?
Rider Type | 1
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Average Daily Mileage | 22
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| Terrain | hilly |
Average Daily Elevation | 1,225
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On all of our vacations, Trek Travel strives to find quiet, paved secondary roads or bike paths to experience a region; busy roads are avoided as much as possible. San Juan Islands is best suited for our Type 1 Riders. Those who wish to ride every mile but are concerned about their physical ability may want to try our electric bike option—you still get a workout but can climb alongside even the strongest rider. Type 2 Riders will enjoy the extra mileage the avid route options offer. The terrain is full of rolling hills, including some long, gradual grades and some short steep ones. There are times when we'll be starting at sea level and the only way to go is up! Of course, a shuttle is available if needed. See Itinerary for specific daily ride distance and elevation options.
What are the options for a non-rider travel companion?
On most Trek Travel trips, we offer non-riding options for riders who want to take the afternoon off, or travel companions who want to spend little or no time in the saddle. Some of these options may need to be scheduled before your trip—please contact one of our Trip Consultants for more information. Expenses and/or related transportation to these activities may not be included in the trip price. See Included In The Trip Price for more information.
Some non-riding options on this trip are:
- Massage and full spa available at two of our hotels
- Take a Catamaran cruise
- Many museum options from the Whale Museum, to the art & history museums located on the islands
- Enjoy sight seeing and the varied terrain of the San Juan Islands by horseback riding
- Tour the Sehome Hill Arboretum which plays host to a diverse collection of native plants and animals
- Scenic hiking all over the islands
- Witness firsthand the awesome ocean ecosystem while sea kayaking
General FAQs
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to all the most common questions that don’t necessarily pertain to a specific trip.
Wow’s From Our Guests & More Photos
When we asked our guests what their favorite WOW’s were from their San Juan Islands bike vacations, here is what they said…
My wife and I usually do trips on our own, but now realize that guided tours are the way to go! All the mistakes that you can make on your own are eliminated, and our guides found some great attractions that we surely would have missed on our own. —Jeff
The guides made it all happen including changes on the fly when obstacles were thrown in the way. I don’t know if all your guides are as good as Jon Vick and Scott Cavanaugh but if they are, Trek Travel has something to beat their chest about.—Mark
On Day 4, the scenic view approaching Lime Kiln State Park. We had a mini rest stop just long enough to sight the ocean ahead.—Mary Ellen
I honestly feel lucky to have met not only the guides, but the other fantastic members of our group. I hope the friendships continue!—Adrienne
WOW factor for me was Scott and Jon. On all days they were either excellent or exceptional, and I’m not sure there’s much difference between those two grades.—Chris
Any one of the spectacular coastal views. Mt. Constitution. Tour was even better than anticipated.—Gary
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