Marrowstone–Fort Flagler Adventure (Moderate)

Marrowstone–Fort Flagler Adventure

We’ll meet in the upper dirt parking lot at Port Ludlow Marina (free parking), where you will find my white Sprinter van—your beacon for the ride. Please arrive early enough to be completely ready to ride at the posted start time. We will begin with the required safety briefing and then roll out. ALL riders must attend the safety briefing to participate.

Come explore one of the northeastern Olympic Peninsula’s great cycling escapes—42 miles of quiet country roads, island shoreline, historic Fort Flagler, working farms, and sweeping Salish Sea views connecting Port Ludlow, Marrowstone Island, and the Chimacum Valley.

This is a social and supportive ride conducted at a Moderate pace of 14–16 mph on level terrain. We’ll climb and descend hills at our own comfortable pace and regroup frequently to keep the group connected. Speeds on multi-use paths will be limited to the posted legal maximum—usually 15 mph and occasionally 10 mph.

From Port Ludlow Marina, we’ll roll toward Marrowstone Island, where forested lanes, waterfront views, working farms, and abundant wildlife create a distinctly Olympic Peninsula riding experience. With approximately 2,700 feet of elevation gain, there’s enough climbing to make those sweeping descents feel well earned.

At approximately mile 20, we’ll arrive at Fort Flagler Historical State Park, where we’ll pause to enjoy its spectacular setting overlooking Admiralty Inlet and have lunch near the water.

🥪 Please bring your own lunch (BYOL). The seasonal Beachcomber Café may be open, but made-to-order food can take considerable time, so riders should not depend on the café for lunch. It may still be useful for a drink, snack, or quick purchase if available.

DID YOU KNOW?

At the turn of the 20th century, fears of attack by modern foreign warships left Puget Sound—and the newly established Bremerton Navy Yard—dangerously exposed. In response, the U.S. Army built Fort Flagler, Fort Worden, and Fort Casey around Admiralty Inlet, creating the formidable “Triangle of Fire.” Together, the three forts were eventually armed with more than 100 artillery pieces, including massive 10- and 12-inch coast-defense guns—with ranges of roughly 8 to 10 miles.

We’ll make one quick stop to see one of the fort’s coast-artillery guns up close.

Thankfully, for all their fearsome firepower, these massive guns never fired a shot in combat.

Leaving Fort Flagler, we’ll continue through the countryside toward Chimacum Corner Farmstand at approximately mile 32, an inviting celebration of locally grown food and Olympic Peninsula farming. Riders will have an opportunity to purchase drinks, baked goods, produce, or other local treats before we tackle our final climb and enjoy the descent back toward Port Ludlow.

🛍️ Chimacum tip: If you think you might bring something home from the farmstand, consider tucking a lightweight, packable shoulder bag or small backpack into your jersey or bike bag.

Restrooms are planned at the start and at our principal stops at Fort Flagler and Chimacum Corner Farmstand.

Come Prepared

• Plenty of water and ride nutrition
• A packed lunch
• A spare tube and tools needed to repair a flat
• A charged phone and photo ID
• Cash or a credit card for mid-ride purchases
• Full fenders with long buddy flaps if roads are wet—otherwise, you may be asked to ride at the back of the group to keep fellow riders dry

Parts of this route travel through remote areas with limited services, so plan ahead, pack right, and ride ready!

Note: If weather conditions meet the cancellation criterion listed in the Weather Status, the ride will be canceled. The ride may also be canceled if unforeseen hazards or other unexpected conditions make the route unsafe. All registered riders will be notified by email if the ride is canceled. If cancellation occurs at least two hours before the scheduled start, the Ride Leader will not be at the start location. Please check your email and the ride posting before leaving home.

Expect quiet roads, sweeping water views, fascinating coastal history, and the kind of camaraderie that turns 42 challenging miles into a day you’ll remember long after the bikes are back on the rack.

This ride will also serve as a certification ride for a prospective Cascade Ride Leader. 

Ride Strong!
—Steven 😅

Together. We. Ride.