San Juan Islands Women’s Cycling Weekend

Name: San Juan Islands Women’s Cycling Weekend
Brand: REI Adventures
SKU: scw

Trip Length 4 Days

Group Size 4–12

Activity level

Starting from

$1,449 for REI Members

$1,599 for non-members

Departures Jul 2021-Sep 2022

travel@rei.com Live Chat 800-622-2236

Mon–Fri 6am–6pm PT

Delight your senses on a 4-day women’s camping, cycling and culinary adventure through the gorgeous San Juan Islands.

The San Juan Islands offer a treasure trove of jaw-dropping scenery, world-class cycling, quaint oceanside campsites, and mouthwatering local food and wine. We’ll spend our four days on the islands experiencing a diverse array of culinary and cycling highlights while enjoying the company of new friends and fabulous women guides.

Spectacular San Juan Island, with a cultural history as rich as its biodiversity. Charming Lopez Island, with its rolling farmlands and friendly locals who greet you with a smile and a wave. And Orcas Island—"the gem of the San Juans"—home to Mt. Constitution and unparalleled opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Every day of our trip is an inspiring journey through the heart of each island, and every night is spent fireside, feasting on locally inspired meals and delicious regional wines.

See all trip photos

Trip Highlights

A beautiful ferry ride between the crown jewels of San Juan, Lopez, and Orcas Islands
Cycle along stunning ocean shoreline, through pastoral farmlands, and amidst verdant emerald green forests
Conquer Mount Constitution, the highest point in the San Juan Islands
Feast on locally inspired meals paired with delicious regional wines at each of our cozy campsites
Enjoy awesome views and the opportunity to spot local wildlife from historic lighthouses
Celebrate each day’s accomplishments with a group of likeminded women travelers

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 1,700'–3,800' 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

Bikes (including e-bikes in limited quantities); all meals as noted in the daily itinerary; wine tastings at each dinner; tent, sleeping pad; campsite and permit fees.

Accommodations

Camping, 3 nights

Your Adventure Itinerary

Day 1

Visit the historic lighthouses and world-class wildlife viewing perches of San Juan Island

Our trip begins at 10am this morning in Friday Harbor on beautiful San Juan Island. After brief introductions, a short transfer and bike fitting, we hop on our bikes for a ride to Cattle Point Lighthouse, which sits on the south end of the island. Along the way, our guides share the inspiration behind its name and insights into the contentious history of San Juan Island. After lunch we’re off on our ride to Lime Kiln State Park, considered by some to be one of the best shoreline viewpoints in the world to spot whales. At the end of the day we make camp at one of the island’s favorite resorts where we enjoy a delicious meal and get to know our fellow cyclists better. Lunch and dinner included.

Cycling: 35–38, Elevation gain/loss: 2,398'

Day 2

Cycle the rolling hills, scenic shorelines and forested roads of charming Lopez Island

After a hearty breakfast we break camp, pack up, and set out for a morning stroll through Friday Harbor. We then hop aboard a Washington State ferry for a quick sail to Lopez Island. An idyllic location for decompressing, Lopez also offers miles of quiet, scenic country roads—perfect for a day in the saddle. Our expert guide team has weaved together an exceptional cycling itinerary that takes us through farmland, forest and shoreline. At the end of the day we round out our sensory experience with an indulgent and well-deserved dinner and wine pairing in camp. All meals included.

Cycling: 32 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 1,680'

Day 3

Get your heart pumping with a ride up and down Mount Constitution

Our first four miles of the day take us from camp to the ferry terminal, where we hop aboard for a short jaunt to Orcas Island. After disembarking, we head straight from the ferry terminal to the historic village of Eastsound where we enjoy a guide-prepared lunch. We’re then back on our bikes for a six-mile ride to Cascade Lake, a perfect warmup for our push up Mt. Constitution, the highest point in the San Juan Islands. While our five mile ride up the peak is a challenge, the 360 degree views from the top make our hard worth work it. On a clear day, views extend to Mount Baker, the North Cascades, British Columbia’s Gulf Islands, and the rest of the San Juan Islands archipelago. Tonight we enjoy a final dinner and wine celebration at our cozy state park camp site. All meals included.

Cycling: 27 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 3,826'

Day 4

Explore Eastsound and Deer Harbor before our ferry ride home

After breaking camp and loading up our sag wagon, we’re off on a ride back to Eastsound. We take time to explore the quaint corners and charming stores in the village before riding to Deer Harbor Preserve for lunch at a pretty oceanside perch. Should time allow, we'll ride the last few miles back to the ferry terminal where we bid our new friends and the San Juan Islands a fond farewell. From here, each group member is on their own to decide whether they’ll return to Anacortes or explore more of the islands on their own. Breakfast and lunch included.

Cycling: 25 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 1,681'.

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
Flat or Drop Bar Compact Gear Road Bike or EBike
Flat Pedals
Handlebar Bag
Repair Kit, Including Spare Tube
Sleeping Pad
Tent(s)

Packed by you (Required)

Cycling Helmet
Cycling Jacket (Waterproof)
Cycling Shoes or Shoes for Biking
Face Mask
Hand Sanitizer
Prescription Medications
Sleeping Bag (Rental Available)

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Travel documents

Final Bulletin (Emailed Prior to Departure Date)

Contact Us

Feel free to give us a call at 800-622-2236 800-622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840800-426-4840) 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.

Practical details

Call 1-800-622-2236 to reserve this trip on the phone

Mon–Fri 6am–6pm PT

Not Included

Transportation to Friday Harbor (first day) and from Orcas Island (last day); airport transfers; insurance of any kind; optional guide gratuities; alcoholic beverages other than wine tastings; bike helmets, sleeping bags (rental available), items of a personal nature.

Consider as you sign up

Airline tickets - Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip is confirmed with the minimum number of participants required to operate.

Travel insurance - To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance.

REI membership - Get a member discount on most REI Adventures trips plus other valuable benefits.

REI Co-op World Mastercard^® - Earn 5% back on REI Adventures trips and all REI net purchases. Learn more.

Additional Information

Cancellation and Transfer Policy

Updated cancellation and transfer policy (In effect until further notice)

Travelers may transfer or cancel their reservation without penalty should they no longer feel comfortable proceeding with their planned departure due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Standard cancellation and transfer policy (Currently inactive)

Full payment is due at sign up, fully refundable up to 30 days prior to departure.

If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply and are due when we receive notice of your cancellation:
30+ days prior to departure = $0
15 to 29 days prior to departure = 50% of the total trip cost is non-refundable
0 to 14 days prior to departure = 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable

If you instead transfer to another trip, the following fees are due at the time of the request:
15+ days prior to departure = $0
0 to 14 days prior to departure = 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable

To protect your investment, we recommend that you purchase travel insurance.

Weather

The San Juans average 50% less precipitation than Seattle. This is due to the rain shadow effect of the Olympic Mountains located to the south and west. During summer months, expect moderate to warm daytime temperatures in the upper 60s and 70s (Fahrenheit) with evening temperatures in the 50s. Most days are sunny with occasional fog in the early morning. Rain is always a possibility in the Northwest, though, so adequate rain gear is still important.

Single Travelers

Tent accommodations are shared and solo travelers will be paired with a same gender tent-mate. If you request single accommodations, REI will provide you with your own tent at no additional charge if a single tent is available. Please be advised that there are a limited number of tents and single tents are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

General Information

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. Additional trip information will be provided upon sign up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

Meet your guides

Emily S.

From hiking, swimming, fishing and kayaking in summer to skiing and snowshoeing in winter, you'll find Emily outside. She grew up in Oregon and took her love of the ocean to UC Santa Cruz where she earned a B.S. in marine biology. She began guiding in 2012.
Meet your guides

Claire K.

Claire has called California her home for a few years. During the school year she is taking students hiking, climbing, and kayaking while teaching about the ecology of the area. Claire is stoked to be spending another year in the Pacific Northwest!

Adventure Expert

Heather

When I envision an ideal cycling adventure, I want awesome riding, beautiful scenery, delicious food, and amazing company. This San Juan Women’s Cycling Weekend delivers on all counts—I love it!