Price: $3,395+
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Terrain: Flat / Hilly
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.
ITINERARY
Day 1: “Friday on a Sunday” (38 miles – 2,500 vertical feet) To start our San Juan Islands bike tour we’ll depart from Anacortes by ferry to begin our week of island hopping and bike touring. We’ll board the ferry and head to San Juan Island proper. Arriving at Friday Harbor, we’ll saddle up and explore the north side of the island from atop two wheels. With stops at Roche Harbor, the storied English Camp, and Smallpox Bay, if we’re lucky we’ll encounter a pod or two of whales off the Island’s western shores. If a distillery or winery visit sounds enticing, then feel free to stop off along the route to sample the artisanal libations being crafted on San Juan. Returning to Friday Harbor, wander the walkable town by foot and get settled in to our accommodations for the next three nights before we reconvene for dinner. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 2: Slow-pez Island Time (42 miles – 2,200 vertical feet) Today we’ll start with a ferry ride to the quaint Lopez Island, which offers up some of the easiest cycling routes within the archipelago. Upon arrival, we’ll hop on bikes to explore virtually every nook and cranny that Lopez has to offer. Taking in the abundance of wildlife and ocean views we’ll make our way to Lopez Village, nestled alongside Fisherman Bay, where you can stroll the variety of shops, cafes, and galleries. Later we’ll take another ferry ride back “home” to Friday Harbor. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3: Spinning around the South Side (40 miles – 2,300 vertical feet) Our travels today will encompass the southern half of San Juan Island as we cycle past alpaca ranches, valleys dotted with cows and sheep (baaaa!), and an active lavender farm. Enjoy the culinary creations of a generous picnic spread prepared by your trusty guide at Lime Kiln Point State Park while taking in views of the finest shoreline on the island. Take a hike beneath towering madrone trees and along rock formations to the lighthouse, which is situated at one of the best spots in the world for shore-based whale watching. After pedaling back to Friday Harbor, unwind as you see fit and enjoy dinner tonight on your own at a restaurant of your choice. Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 4: Orcas: The Whales & The Island Optional ride(s) (Up to 30 miles – 1,600 vertical feet) After checking out of our accommodations on San Juan today, we will set out on the water again, but this time on a small boat whale-watching cruise – our chance to get up close to some whales. A short boat ride in the afternoon will deliver us to the village of Orcas on the island by the same name, where we can take an easy, short spin to the hamlet of Eastsound on the northern banks. Rest those legs this evening as we’ll need them to conquer the terrain that this Gem of the San Juans offers up. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5: Mount Constitution (40 miles – 5,200 vertical feet) Have a hearty breakfast to provide the necessary nutrients to propel yourself to the summit of Mount Constitution on today’s mini-epic. We’ll explore the east side of Orcas Island and see for ourselves how it garnered the nickname ‘Emerald Isle’. After a stop at Doe Bay to refuel, we’ll ascend the 2,400′ peak and take in panoramic views of the surrounding islands, the Cascade Mountains, and many Canadian and American cities. A fun descent will bring us back into Eastsound Village, where we can relax before gathering for another meal together, and the close to another fantastic day on our San Juan Islands bike tour. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6: Sampling Shaw Island (49 miles – 4,000 vertical feet) It may be our last full day of the tour, but that doesn’t mean it’s light on activity. We’ll venture out to peaceful Shaw Island for a half-day of exploration by bike. Upon return to Orcas Village, have a stroll around and enjoy lunch before exploring the West Sound en route back to Eastsound Village. Tonight we reconvene for a farewell dinner and share the highlights and memories made along the road on this incredible Black Sheep Adventure. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 7: Farewell! Optional Ride (9 miles – 700 vertical feet) We pack up this morning and make our way via van or bike to the ferry terminal in Orcas Village. A final ferry ride will return us to Anacortes, where you can continue your vacation as you see fit. Meals included: Breakfast
Lodging
Discovery Inn on San Juan Island- 3 nights The Discovery Inn is known as the friendly hotel in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Our recently renovated rooms feature air-conditioning, private bath, queen beds, Keurig coffee maker, flat screen TV, and free Wi-Fi.Please be our guest and enjoy our renowned customer service, lovely property with yard games and sitting areas and decks with flowers, barbecues and our seasonal outdoor Jacuzzi.
Outlook Inn on Orcas Island – 2 nights Founded by settlers in 1888, revived by hippies in the 1960’s, and refined by lovers in the 2000’s.The Outlook Inn has a rich and colorful history on Orcas Island. It’s presently owned by the Farish Family and operated by Sara Farish. She’s one of those lovers – of people, of beautiful things, of comforting arms and restful pauses in the long walk up a steep hill. It’s her vision to welcome you to the Inn and have you experience some of the peace and calm that she experiences every day living on Orcas Island.
PRICING & INCLUSIONS
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Lodging as outlined in lodging section above based on double occupancy
- Meals as noted in itinerary above
- Non-optional activities as outlined in itinerary above
- 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
- Services of professional trip leader(s)
- Van support during the trip & porterage service
- Black Sheep Adventures reusable water bottle, wool (baaaah) socks & luggage tags
TRIP PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Pre & post tour travel
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities such as spa treatments
- Gratuities for your BSA guides
PUBLIC DATES AND AVAILABILITY
Interested in a different National Park? Contact us to learn about designing your own custom adventure!
HIKE. BIKE. RAIL.
TRAVEL EWEPHORIA.