San Juan Islands—4 Day

Island Flavor from Variety of Perspectives

This multisport tour is a favorite of those with limited time who want to explore the gentlest terrain in the San Juan Islands.  We’ll bike, walk, and sea kayak, allowing you to experience the beauty of the islands from a variety of perspectives.  Our four-day trips are our easiest trips, designed for people who are newer to cycling yet wish to sample a multisport vacation.  The terrain encountered and routes selected are less demanding than our longer trips.

USA Today’s Travel Editor Gives Thumbs Up to Bicycle Adventures Tour

“This trip with Bicycle Adventures [travels] through the picturesque San Juans…soaking up sun, scenery, and wildlife,” says USA Today.  “Bikers stay at charming places, dine at wonderful local restaurants, and have their luggage carted from place to place.  Tour guides are on hand to make sure every need is met.” To read her entire article, click here.

Peaceful Guemes Island Begins Exploration

We meet on Monday morning in Seattle for a complimentary shuttle in our van to Anacortes, then catch a morning ferry for the 10-minute ride to Guemes Island.  Guemes is a small, quiet island with only one commercial establishment: a general store with great ice cream cones.  After cycling around the wooded, rocky shore of this peaceful island — and sampling the ice cream — we take an afternoon ferry to Lopez Island and our lodging at the Edenwild Inn, a charming bed and breakfast and our home for the next two nights. 

Lopez Island, the “Bicyclist’s Island”

Tuesday we cycle around the perimeter of Lopez Island.  Lopez is considered the bicyclist’s island because of its relatively easy terrain, miles of wandering, low-traffic roads, and friendly residents who will wave to you as you ride by.  We explore Spencer Spit, where many bald eagles nest in the winter.  From Bob’s Bench at Agate Beach we can relax and enjoy the tranquility of the water gently lapping the rocky beach below. From this peaceful spot, we can gaze at the view of a lighthouse straight ahead on San Juan Island just a mile away across the channel, see the outline of the city of Victoria on Vancouver, and enjoy a panorama of glacier-covered mountains in the Olympic National Park across the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Guided Kayaking Tour

Wednesday is a layover day.  In the morning we catch a ferry to San Juan Island, where you’ll have the chance to go sea kayaking.  The calm waters of Puget Sound are the perfect place to try sea kayaking for the first time.  Bicycle Adventures has hired a local outfitter to supply us with two-person kayaks, guides, and instruction.  After receiving dry-land instruction from our outfitter, we explore the rocky shore and watch for seals and eagles.  The afternoon is free for cycling on San Juan Island, visiting the many shops and art galleries in Friday Harbor, or relaxing at our country inn, Lakedale Resort.  The Fine Living Channel ranks Lakedale Resort as one of the world’s 10 most romantic getaways.  You’ll love relaxing on the deck overlooking a tranquil lake surrounded by woods.

“Pig War” Camps and a Lavender Farm

Thursday we cycle the perimeter of San Juan Island and experience commanding views of the Olympics and other islands.  Along the way, you’ll visit historic American and British Camps, where the opposing armies were encamped during a post-Civil War boundary dispute between the U.S. and England.  You’ll cycle to a beautiful lavender farm — browsing their hand crafted wares — and have an opportunity to stop at Lime Kiln State Park, the only state park in the country devoted to observing orca (killer) whales.  We’ll have lunch at a lighthouse park, then cycle back to the ferry that returns us to Anacortes and our shuttle to Seattle.

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