San Juan Islands Weekend Cycling

Trip Length 4 Days
Group Size 4-12
Activity level
Starting from
$1,499 for REI Members
$1,649 for non-members
Departures Jul 2022-Sep 2023
Live Chat 1 (800) 622-2236
Mon–Fri 7am–5pm PT

Great island cycling, panoramic views and endless adventure on this 4-day camping weekend on Washington’s San Juan Islands.

Our 4-day bike touring journey offers adventurers a quick weekend getaway highlighting the best riding and camping of Washington’s famed San Juan Islands. Great snowcapped peaks rise all around as scores of marine mammals and shorebirds bask on the craggy coastline. Whales and dolphins feed in the protected waters while cyclists enjoy the ‘punchy’ terrain on low traffic roads, enjoying the world-class scenery of Puget Sound.

Spend the day meandering along the quiet roads of San Juan, Lopez and Orcas islands. Experience the joys of climbing Mount Constitution, the highest peak in the San Juans. Catch photographic views atop the summit and on the descent as the sun reflects off myriad inlets. Dine on locally-sourced, organic meals prepared fresh daily by our guides throughout the trip. Each evening, we indulge in a campfire under the starry Pacific Northwest sky.

Don’t forget your camera!

Viewing Lime Kiln Lighthouse with Vancouver Island, BC on the horizon

Trip Highlights

  • Get a taste of island life of the Pacific Northwest while cycling the San Juan Islands
  • Explore scenic villages with local shops, marinas and restaurants
  • Cycle among snowcapped peaks, bountiful islands and beautiful beaches
  • Camp the great outdoors with starry nights and campfires along the lakes, bays and beaches
  • Clock 121 miles in the saddle with a total elevation gain/loss 9585’. E-bikes available.

Activities

This trip is rated Moderate [3-4]. Participants should be experienced riders who are comfortable in the saddle for 4-6 hours per day; they should be comfortable riding paved, chip-seal roads with light vehicle traffic.

Rides range from 25-35 miles per day. Terrain is hilly with a few steeper ascents and descents. Elevation gains and losses range between 1700'-3800' each day. Most hill gradients average 3-6% and a few steeper points can reach up to 10% grades. E-bikes are available in a limited quantity upon request.

Participants should come equipped with a spirit of adventure and willingness to pitch-in and help with camp chores when necessary.

  • Road Cycling
  • Cycling

What's Included

Two professional guides; all meals as noted in the daily itinerary; transfers as noted on the daily itinerary; wine tastings at each dinner; tent; sleeping pad; group cooking and camping gear; all park fees and permits. Guest’s choice of a Drop Bar Road Bike, or a Drop Bar e-bike (based on availability).

Accommodations

Camping, 3 nights

Your wheels for the journey

Every great tour begins with a great bike, and our top-flight fleet has been carefully curated for your cycling adventure.

Want to bring your own bike?  You can do that too.

Your Adventure Itinerary

Itinerary map for San Juan Islands Weekend Cycling
Day 1

San Juan – Ferry to Friday Harbor then cycle to historic parks and harbor towns.

Our trip begins this morning in Friday Harbor, WA on beautiful San Juan Island. We’ll load up our luggage and take a short transfer to Jackson’s Beach for our orientation. While eating a freshly-made snack, our guides will brief the group and fit our bikes. We will then set off on our ride for the day visiting Cattle Point lighthouse, Lime Kiln state park and spectacular views of Haro Straight; looking over at Victoria, BC. Our last leg of our day takes us north to the quaint village of Roche Harbor for a quick visit around the marina or sculpture park. Our day finishes with a guide prepared meal at the Lakedale Resort camping area. Lunch and dinner included.

Cycling: 35-38; total elevation gain/loss: 2398'.

Day 2

Lopez – Explore Lopez Island’s expansive beaches and camp under starry skies.

We will return to Friday Harbor by another route after a hearty breakfast just in time to explore the harbor and catch the late morning ferry to Lopez Island. After enjoying a picnic lunch on board and arriving on the island, we will ride the perimeter of the island to Lopez Village, Agate Beach Country Park and onward to our campsite for the evening at Spencer Spit State Park. There will be no showers this evening, but a washup station will be provided for guests. The tradeoff is great views of Lopez Sound and the mainland with views of the North Cascades. All meals included.

Cycling: 32 miles; total elevation gain/loss: 1680'.

Day 3

Orcas – Summit San Juan’s highest peak then descend to a crystalline lake.

Our guides will prepare breakfast in camp before we pack-up and ride the 4 miles back to the Lopez Island ferry terminal boarding the mid-morning ferry to Orcas Island. Upon arrival, we will mount up to ride to Eastsound along a rural country road; where we will stop for lunch at a park overlooking East Sound. We will continue along the beach road to Crescent Lake at Moran State Park where we regroup before tackling Mount Constitution; a 2000’ climb over 5.2 miles. We will be rewarded at the top with spectacular, breathtaking views of the entire San Juan island chain, the Olympic peninsula, Canada, and the North Cascades. After we recover and enjoy the views from the summit we will hop back on our bikes for an exciting descent down to Cascade Lake and into camp at Moran State Park where there will be swimming, walking, and showers available. We'll review our achievements of the day around our evening campfire and guide provided meal. All meals included.

Cycling: 27 miles; total elevation gain/loss: 3826'.

Day 4

Orcas – Cycle through enchanted forests and lunch al fresco then bid farewell.

After a guide prepared breakfast in camp, our final day’s ride will head toward Eastsound where there will be more opportunity to explore Eastsound and enjoy the local culture of Orcas Island. From Eastsound we will ride out through Enchanted Forest road to West Sound then to Deer Harbor where lunch at be Deer Harbor Preserve. Time permitting, we will ride back to the Orcas Ferry terminal, or otherwise transfer back to the ferry landing for a early afternoon sailing to Anacortes; or if preferred, a late afternoon sailing to Friday Harbor. Breakfast and lunch included.

Cycling: 25 miles; total elevation gain/loss: 1681'.

Itinerary map for San Juan Islands Weekend Cycling

Gear List

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Collection of selected R E I Co-op cycling merchandise and snacks laid out to pack for a bike tour

What to pack

Packed by REI

  • All Group Cooking Gear
  • Drop Bar Road Bike or Drop Bar E-Bike
  • Flat Pedals
  • Handlebar Bag
  • Paper Maps/Odometer
  • Rear Bike Light
  • Repair Kit, Including Spare Tube
  • Sleeping Pad
  • Tent(s)

Packed by you (Required)

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Travel documents

  • Final Bulletin (Emailed Prior to Departure Date)

Contact Us

Feel free to give us a call at 1 (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales ( 1 (800) 426-4840 ) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out REI Expert Advice , which has great information to help you prepare for your trip.