San Juan Islands

Today you explore the northern half of San Juan Island — the largest and most visited island in the archipelago.

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The Intermediate ride heads north through lush forests and past small farms, with views across the water to Vancouver Island and the Canadian Gulf Islands. The route circles the northern tip of the island before heading back through the center to Friday Harbor.

Leisure riders follow a shorter loop, staying closer to Friday Harbor and exploring the gentle countryside near the town.

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Challenge riders extend the northern loop further, adding additional coastal viewpoints and more climbing.

Today you take a ferry from Friday Harbor to Lopez Island — the flattest of the main San Juan Islands and known for its relaxed community atmosphere and famously friendly drivers who wave to every cyclist.

The Intermediate ride circles most of the island, passing through Spencer Spit State Park, Shark Reef Sanctuary, and the charming Lopez Village for lunch.

Leisure riders follow a shorter loop, exploring the gentler terrain near the ferry terminal and Lopez Village.

Challenge riders complete a full circumnavigation of the island plus additional loops to explore the more remote southern bays.

Today you have a choice of water activities — whale watching or sea kayaking — before an optional afternoon bike ride around the southern part of San Juan Island.

Whale Watching Cruises typically head deep into Canadian waters in search of Orca, gray, and humpback whales. You may also see porpoises, seals, sea lions, otters, and bald eagles. Tours last approximately three hours.

On Sea Kayaking Tours you have the opportunity to get close to marine life and explore the coastline. Tours typically last three hours.

You also have the opportunity to take a bike ride around the southern part of the island. The Intermediate ride heads to American Camp and the marine sanctuary at False Bay.

Leisure riders follow the Intermediate ride but skip the southernmost tip of the island to loop around False Bay.

Challenge riders follow the Intermediate ride and add on a loop out to Lime Kiln State Park.

Today you travel from Friday Harbor on San Juan Island to Eastsound on Orcas Island. The day starts with a ferry ride from Friday Harbor to the port of Orcas.

From the ferry terminal, Intermediate riders follow the curving shoreline past a series of small inlets to Deer Harbor. The little sandy beach and dock make this a great place for a picnic lunch. Crow Valley Road then takes you across the heart of the Island past Turtleback Mountain Preserve and a succession of small farms. A short detour takes you to Orcas Island Pottery — a world-renowned institution perched on a 100-foot-high bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. From here it is just a short ride to Eastsound.

Leisure riders start out on the Intermediate route but head straight across the island on Crow Valley Road via Orcas Island Pottery, skipping the out-and-back to Deer Harbor.

Today's rides explore the dramatic eastern end of Orcas Island, centered on Moran State Park.

The Intermediate ride heads east from Eastsound into Moran State Park. The park is dominated by Mount Constitution — the highest point in the San Juans at 2,409 feet — with a paved road that winds up to the summit tower for 360-degree views of the archipelago, Vancouver Island, and the Cascade and Olympic mountains.

Leisure riders explore the gentler terrain around Doe Bay and the eastern shore of the island, with beautiful water views throughout.

Challenge riders combine the full Mount Constitution climb with additional loops around the outer shores of eastern Orcas Island.

Today you take a ferry from Orcas Island to the tiny, tranquil Shaw Island for a final morning ride before returning to Friday Harbor.

Shaw Island is the smallest of the main islands — nearly car-free and wonderfully peaceful. The Intermediate ride circles the island on quiet lanes through forest and farmland, with frequent water views.

Leisure riders take a shorter route around the southern part of the island.

Whichever route you choose, your guide will meet you for the ferry back to Friday Harbor and your end-of-tour transfer.