San Juan Islands Bike Tour

Read more about the Washington Ferry System here: http://www.wsdot.com/ferries/

This morning, bicycle the serene shores of San Juan Island, enjoying open farmland and marine vistas from quiet country roads. Visit English Camp, a national historic park that was once part of the “Pig War” between England and the United States, and Lime Kiln State Park, one of the best orca (‘killer’) whale watching spots in the country. Tour the heavenly-scented fields at Pelindaba Lavender Farm. Take your pick between 3 different routes back to Lakedale Lodge. For dinner, take your pick of Friday Harbor’s excellent dining options.

Kayak the calm waters of Puget Sound and the Salish Sea this morning. A local sea kayaking outfitter provides two-person ‘yaks, guides and instruction. Spend the morning watching and learning about the abundant bird and marine life along the rocky, tree-lined shore. Wander the tiny coastal village of Roche Harbor. This afternoon, swim in one of Lakedale’s three lakes, relax at the inn or hike nearby Mt. Young to relish commanding views of the islands. Dinner tonight will be at the acclaimed Coho Restaurant.

Take another short Washington State Ferry cruise to Orcas Island, the largest of the San Juans. Ride to Eastsound, explore the town and have lunch on your own. Back on the bicycle, pedal to Moran State Park and Cascade Lake. Hike a forested trail up to the summit of Mt. Constitution, highest viewpoint in the islands. Prefer to ride? Challenge the switchbacks on the road to the top of ‘Mt. C’ instead of hiking the trail. It’s one for the books! Either way, your reward at the top is a marvelous view of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges and the emerald archipelago flung wide below. Ferry to Lopez Island, home for the next two nights, and dine at Vita’s – another fantastic local restaurant.

Explore Lopez Island today. Lopez is the flattest, most rural and least populated of the three main San Juan Islands. It’s also considered the ‘bicyclist’s island’ for its quiet roads, gentle terrain, spectacular marine vistas, and friendly residents who wave as you bicycle past. Ride clockwise around the island, starting with Spencer Spit State Park, then south to Watmough Bay (watch for seals!). Listen to the sound of the waves gently stirring the rocks on the shore at Agate Beach. This is a great day for views of the Olympic Mountains and looking back over some of the places you’ve explored this week. Dinner tonight is hosted by Haven Kitchen, another of our local favorites.

Enjoy a relaxing morning and breakfast at the Edenwild. Bicycle the ‘Free Willy’ ride out to Fisherman Bay, then back to the Edenwild for lunch in the village. Hop aboard a chartered float plane for a glorious return flight over the islands and back to Seattle.

NOTE: We have a stored fleet of “Island Bicycles” at the Edenwild Inn which we will be using for the ride this morning. Your personal bicycle (including our fleet bikes used for the first five days of the tour) will be returning to Seattle with our van that leaves Lopez Island on the early morning ferry.