Washington: San Juan Islands Family Multisport

Day 1

Meet your Backroads Trip Leaders (the folks wearing Backroads T-shirts) at 10:45 a.m. in the vehicle line at the ferry terminal in Anacortes, Washington. Alternatively, you can meet a leader at 10:30 a.m. at the Majestic Inn & Spa in downtown Anacortes and take the Backroads shuttle to the terminal. Please arrive dressed for hiking, with a rain jacket handy, and bring your biking gear in a separate small bag.

Ferry to San Juan Island 1 Hour
Young Hill Hike 2 Miles (550-foot elevation gain)
English Camp Biking Route 11 Miles (400-foot elevation gain)

Welcome to the San Juans! After meeting at the Anacortes ferry terminal, we board the ferry and get acquainted over lunch en route to San Juan Island’s Friday Harbor. According to local lore, the harbor got its name when a passenger aboard a survey boat yelled to someone on shore, ―What bay is this?‖ Thinking he had been asked what day it was, the islander shouted back, ―It’s Friday!‖

After arriving in Friday Harbor, we shuttle to English Camp in San Juan Island National Historical Park, where you can find out about the history of San Juan Island, which was occupied by British and American military troops in the mid-1800s. Both sides established separate camps at opposite ends of the island and existed in relative harmony until the Pig War, a confrontation that started with the shooting of a farmer’s pig and lasted more than 12 years—the only casualty was the pig!

Set out on a hike to the top of Young Hill, where on a clear day, Haro Strait, Vancouver Island and the Olympic Mountains are all within view—it’s a great photo opportunity, so don’t forget your camera! When you return to English Camp, your Trip Leaders fit your bike and give a brief talk on biking techniques and safety. Then head out along scenic country roads, which lead back to Friday Harbor and our hotel for the next three nights, Friday Harbor House. (Feel free to hop in the shuttle if you prefer not to ride today.) Tonight we gather for a wine reception overlooking the picturesque harbor, followed by dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, where we enjoy innovative Pacific Northwest cuisine while taking in the sunset view.

Lodging: Friday Harbor House

Day 2

Ferry to Lopez Island 1½ Hours Round-Trip
Lopez Biking Loop 26 Miles (1,080-foot elevation gain)
Shorter Option: Lopez Vista 20 Miles (650-foot elevation gain)
Longer Options: Bayshore 29 Miles (1,260-foot elevation gain) or Lopez Ferry Terminal 33 Miles (1,500-foot elevation gain)

This morning we board an early ferry bound for tranquil Lopez Island. Known for its rural beauty and protected harbors, Lopez is a bicyclist’s paradise with rolling terrain and friendly locals. As you pedal through farmland and pastures you’ll quickly become familiar with the ―Lopez wave,‖ the greeting liberally dispensed by the island’s cheerful residents, who wave to familiar faces and travelers alike. At Lopez Village, take time to sample some sweet treats at Holly B’s Bakery or the Just Heavenly Fudge Shop, home to Lopez Island Creamery Ice Cream. After a lunch of local specialties, shuttle or bike to the ferry terminal to return to Friday Harbor.

Back on San Juan Island you can spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Friday Harbor. Check out the colorful shops and small art galleries, and consider stopping by the Whale Museum, where fascinating exhibits, artwork, models and artifacts are on display. Or maybe you’d prefer to treat yourself to a massage at the Lavendera Day Spa. (Spa services are not included in the trip price; we recommend making reservations in advance. Please see your Travel Planner for details.)

This evening we dine at The Place Bar & Grill, a local favorite. The menu features fresh fish and shellfish from the region when available, and the restaurant bakes its own artisan bread daily. Located on a pier overlooking the harbor lights, The Place offers an appealing ambience that’s sure to enhance your dining experience.

Lodging: Friday Harbor House

Day 3

Lime Kiln Biking Route 20 Miles with Shuttle (1,030-foot elevation gain)
Longer Option: Roche Harbor 30 Miles (1,680-foot elevation gain)
Sea Kayaking 3 Hours

This morning spin south to Cattle Point Lookout, where sweeping views of the massive Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Peninsula make you feel as though you’ve reached the end of the world. Retracing a bit, you’ll pass False Bay, whose shallow bottom is exposed for hundreds of yards during low tide. Then wind your way to the Pelindaba Lavender Farm, where you can take a break to breathe in the soothing scent of lavender and shop for an array of lavender products, from teas, soaps and candles to fire-starters. Leaving Pelindaba, check out the view of the Haro Strait and Vancouver Island from under the shade of a red-barked madrona tree before continuing to Lime Kiln State Park, the nation’s only official whale-watching park. An upwelling of cold salmon-rich waters just off the coast creates the ideal feeding ground for orcas. Scan the water for whales before riding (or shuttling) the hilliest section of today’s route to Roche Harbor.

After a picnic on the harbor lawn, trade your pedals for paddles and take to the water on a guided sea-kayaking excursion. As you explore the protected waterways, peaceful inlets and vast kelp beds around Pearl, Posey and Henry Islands, look for harbor seals, otters, bald eagles and a variety of seabirds. (Note that sea kayaking is dependent on the weather.) You’re on your own for dinner in Friday Harbor tonight; your leaders will be happy to recommend their favorite dining spots.

Lodging: Friday Harbor House

Day 4

Wildlife-Watching Cruise 3 Hours
Shuttle to Moran State Park 30 Minutes
Mountain Lake Loop Hike 4 Miles

After breakfast we stroll down to the marina and climb aboard our private charter boat for a wildlife-watching cruise. As we enter orca habitat, a naturalist tells us about these magnificent animals, as well as other wildlife we’re likely to see, including seals, great blue herons and majestic bald eagles. With three resident pods of orcas in the area and our captain in constant communication with other tracking boats, we have an excellent chance of a sighting. Whether we see them or not, the journey is bound to be beautiful.

Coming ashore on Orcas Island, the largest and most mountainous of the San Juans, we’re greeted by rocky shores, dense forests, rural valleys and hilly roads. We shuttle to Moran State Park, a nature lover’s paradise of 5,000 wooded acres, five freshwater lakes, 30 miles of hiking trails, four waterfalls and Mount Constitution, the San Juan Islands’ highest peak at 2,409 feet. As you walk along sparkling Mountain Lake, the park’s largest, take a moment to stop at one of the many inlets and dip your toes in the cool trout-stocked water. Afterward we shuttle to the Outlook Inn, our home for the next two nights, where each suite features its own fireplace, whirlpool tub and private porch overlooking the sound.

This afternoon you may want to relax with a massage or spa treatment. (See ―During Your Trip‖ for details.) You can also check out the art shops and galleries in town, visit the Orcas Island Historical Museum (housed in an original pioneer log cabin) or grab a cool drink and head down to Waterfront Park. Later we gather at the inn’s New Leaf Café for a delicious dinner created from organic produce, ethnic ingredients and fresh seafood.

Lodging: Outlook Inn

Day 5

Mount Constitution Hike 4.5 Miles (2,100-foot elevation gain)
Longer Option: Mountain Lake 8.2 Miles (2,100-foot elevation gain, 1,490-foot elevation loss)

This morning we tackle Mount Constitution, following an uphill trail through a fragrant forest of cedar and fir trees. On a clear day you’ll have a breathtaking panorama of Canada’s coastal mountains, snow-covered Mount Baker and the islands of Puget Sound from the summit. If you’re feeling energetic, continue hiking down steep switchbacks to the secluded shores of Twin Lakes and on to Mountain Lake. If you’d prefer a leisurely afternoon, shuttle down the mountain and spend time relaxing, hiking or swimming at Cascade Lake. And yes, spa treatments are an option too. Art enthusiasts can browse through nearby Olga Artworks, a beautiful gallery featuring the work of more than 60 local artists and craftspeople. If you need an afternoon pick-me-up, visit the gallery’s bakery for an espresso and the best blackberry pie on the islands.

For our last night together we head to Red Rabbit Farm for a special event. Learn some culinary magic at the hands of chef Christina Orchid during a unique farm-to-table dinner featuring fresh meats and produce.

Lodging: Outlook Inn

Day 6

Orcas Village Biking Route 15 Miles (1,040-foot elevation gain)
Longer Option: Deer Harbor 23 Miles (1,220-foot elevation gain)
Ferry to Anacortes 1 Hour

After breakfast at the New Leaf Café, bike along the base of the Turtleback Mountains and explore Orcas Island’s west arm. A short but challenging climb up Enchanted Forest Road leads to Orcas Island Pottery. Nestled amid Douglas firs and western red cedars on the edge of a cliff with broad views of President’s Channel, the grounds of the studio serve as a unique ―showroom‖ for one-of-kind pieces made by local artists.

En route to Orcas Village, you’ll tackle several climbs before arriving at the historic Orcas Hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. After enjoying a barbecue lunch in the hotel’s English-style garden, we catch the ferry back to Anacortes, where our island adventure comes to an end.