Vashon Island: A 39-Mile Three-Loop Ride (Moderate)

Be at the Vashon North-End Park & Ride parking lot, ready to go, at the time listed above.  We will start with a required safety briefing and roll out when that's done.  All riders must attend the safety briefing to participate.

For those arriving from SOUTHWORTH Ferry Terminal: My white Sprinter van will be parked at the nearby complimentary Harper Church Park & Ride at 7:30 a.m. (map here).  We leave at 8:05 a.m. for a 10-minute bike ride, ensuring we arrive in time to purchase a ticket and board the Southworth ferry, set to depart at 8:35 a.m.  At the toll booth, the standard fare for an adult with a bicycle is $7.75, whereas for a senior (age 65 & over) with a bicycle is $4.35.  NOTE: The return fare is free of charge.  The Vashon ferry departs back to Southworth at the following times in the afternoon: Noon, 12:45, and 2:30.

For those arriving from FAUNTLEROY Ferry Terminal: Parking is on-street near the Fauntleroy Terminal or at Lincoln Park (use the North lot).  At the toll booth, the standard fare for an adult with a bicycle at the toll booth is $7.75, whereas for a senior with a bicycle is $4.35.  The final departure time for guaranteed punctuality is 8:15 a.m., and the crossing takes approximately 24 minutes to complete.  NOTE: The return fare is free of charge.  The Vashon ferry departs back to Southworth at the following times in the afternoon: 12:40, 1:30, 1:50, and 2:45.

For those with vehicles arriving from POINT DEFIANCE Ferry Terminal (Tacoma): At the toll booth, the standard fare for an adult with a bicycle at the toll booth is $7.75, whereas for a senior with a bicycle is $4.35.  For vehicle fare information, please refer to the link on the right.  The final departure time for guaranteed punctuality is 7:35 a.m.  The drive from the Tahlequah ferry terminal on the island to the meeting site takes about 30 minutes, followed by a 15-minute crossing time.  NOTE: The return fare is free of charge.  The Tahlequah ferry departs back to Pt. Defiance at the following times in the afternoon: 12:10, 1:00, and 2:10.

The bike journey will take approximately four hours, though it may be shorter.  To make sure you catch your return ride, you should plan to arrive at your chosen ferry terminal on the island at least 20 minutes before your decided departure time for check-in and boarding.  If you want to exit the ride early, you may use your smartphone to access the Route Map on the right, or I will provide a printed map and cue for your convenience.

Please take a look at the link on the right for additional information about the ferry schedule and vehicle fare details.

It is a picturesque 39-mile route with a paved surface and 3,000 feet of elevation gain through challenging rolling hills, including a few descending steep twisty double hairpins.  This pathway offers thick forest and Puget Sound views and a unique chance to meet a Troll.  On a clear day, you can also interact with a panoramic view of Mt. Rainier and the Cascade Mountain Range.

Our journey begins with a Moderate pace ranging from 14 to 16 mph on flat, smooth surfaces without wind.  Riders must sustain the pace speed on flat terrain throughout the entire ride. Riders can climb and descend at their own pace, regrouping at several summits to reinforce safety reminders for the challenges ahead.  

At milepost 16, stop by Burton Coffee Stand for a quick pick-me-up; at milepost 22, on a clear day, enjoy a breathtaking view of Mt. Rainier and the Cascade Mountain Range; at milepost 24, take a well-deserved 20-minute lunch break with Oscar; the Bird King Troll, at Point Robinson Park; and at milepost 32, if we time it just right with the ferry schedule, we can savor a delightful last stop at Vashon Island Baking Co. and Vashon Thriftway within the same vicinity.

Restrooms are available on all ferries and at the beginning of the route at the Vashon Island North-End Ferry Terminal.  As needed, restrooms and water breaks are available at mileposts 15 in Jenson Point Park, 22 in King County Natura Area, 27 in Point Robinson Park, and 32 in Vashon Thriftway.

Just in case, bring a spare tube and tools to fix a flat.  Other things to bring are a phone, ID, cash and/or credit card, ORCA card, water, and a small snack.  Please have full fenders if the roads are wet, or you may be asked to ride at the group's rear.

Note: If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation criterion listed above or if there are unforeseen hazardous riding conditions or other unexpected events, the Ride Leader will cancel the ride, and all registered riders will be sent a notification email.  If the ride is canceled at least two hours before the start, the Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location.  Please check before leaving for the ride.

We hope you can join us!