Outdoor exploration is a key ingredient during a vacation on the San Juan Islands. With a variety of scenic San Juan Islands bike tours routes that can be traveled on foot, bike or by car, the views are breathtaking and the adventures amongst nature plentiful.
A Northwestern archipelago composed of four main islands (San Juan, Orcas, Lopez and Shaw), this area is rich in waterfront views and Pacific Northwest wildlife, and pedaling your way down whatever route you choose allows you to set the pace of your sightseeing adventures. From town streets to rolling valleys to challenging inclines, the 54-square-mile main San Juan Island offers bike tours for any level of cyclist, and islands just a short ferry ride away offer new spaces to explore as well.
Where To Rent Your Bicycle
The Tucker House Inn offers the use of complementary hybrid bicycles for guests of the Inn to tour the island. Just a short walk from the Tucker House Inn is Island Bicycles, a San Juan Islands bike rental service established in 1979. This rental shop offers custom bikes that can readily assist an assortment of travelers. Some options include child or cargo trailers, bikes for kids, tandem mountain bikes, road racers, and electric-assist hybrid bikes. For day trips or overnight treks, phone reservations (48 hours ahead) are recommended, but if you plan to be out for just a few hours, simply drop in and book with Paul and his team. With your rental, you will receive a helmet at no charge and a pump and tire repair kit if requested to ensure your personal safety and comfort. San Juan Island is the not the only place to explore, and there is no extra fee to take your bike across to Lopez or Orcas Islands via the inter-island ferry. Another option to rent bikes is Susie’s Mopeds, which allows you to enjoy the same sights as cycling the San Juan Islands, without the rigor. Susie’s rents mopeds and Pedego Electric bicycles.
San Juan Islands Bike Tours Routes
Mainland
Tucker House Inn’s Vacation Guide offers key activities to explore during your vacation, including valuable information on local San Juan Islands bike tours. On the main island, there are two popular bike loops each 20-25 miles. These are perfect for unguided adventure, allowing plenty of scenic stops along the way. You can also circumnavigate the island in 35 miles, giving you the best all-around views. Shorter routes are also available, such as a 9-mile ride to Lime Kiln State Park with an easy detour to the popular Pelindaba Lavender Farm or a 5.8-mile Turn Point Peninsula Loop, which is picturesque ride perfect for families with children.
Inter-Island Cycling
Lopez Island offers easier, less hilly routes with bountiful opportunities to hike and take in three state parks – Agate Beach, Spencer Spit, and Shark Reef in between pedaling while taking in views of Fisherman’s Bay and Lopez Sound. Neighboring Orcas Island is fit for experienced cyclists, sporting narrow, winding roads and a mountain climb to Mt. Constitution. Regardless of which island you choose to explore, the Tucker House Inn provides concierge services to help plan your San Juan Islands bike tour route, as well as picnic lunches provided in-house to take along for the ride. Your customized picnic basket will be delicious for a midday stop.
Guided Trips
For guided bicycle day trips San Juan Outfitters offers several options including a Bike and Fly package from Seattle to San Juan Island. For a well-rounded experience, one of their tours might fit the bill.
Plan Ahead to Enjoy Your Cycling Experience
During busy summer months, San Juan Islands bike tours participants abound, so it is important to plan ahead of time to fully enjoy your cycling experience on the island. A bike trek might also be well-paired with a variety of other recreational opportunities to fully take advantage of the outdoors. Activities are in no short supply, but the best way to explore the entire island is on a self-propelled journey. Sightseeing awaits in the Puget Sound, so clip on your helmet, spin those pedals, and explore the Northwest nature that the San Juan Islands have to offer.
For more information on San Juan Islands bike tours and other area activities, download the Tucker House Inn Vacation Guide.
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