Port Townsend Tour

Event Description

Ready for a fresh new adventure? Want to explore the tastiest corner of the Olympics? Port Townsend is chock-full of splendid wineries, cideries, bakeries, cakeries, creameries, meaderies, eateries, treateries, and many other hidden treasures. 

The Quimper Peninsula is the quaint NE corner of majestic Jefferson County, which spans the rugged Olympic Mountains. Perched on the northeastern-most corner, the “Key City” of Port Townsend has surprises around every bend — from Victorian to steampunk, Rothschild to Carnegie, and historical to horticultural. We’ve got forts and ports and courts of all sorts.

Come join the most delightful three-day diversion two wheels can offer. Daily loops range from a bumpy and challenging 35-miler to a gloriously languid 55-mile route of rolling highlands and lowlands, ridges and reaches, bays and beaches, and more lovely vistas in every possible direction. Ridership is capped at 200 riders, making for a delightfully social and close-knit experience.

This event is a fundraiser for Cascade Bicycle Club's programming in advocacy, education, and community rides, such as the Major Taylor Project, Let's Go, Your Streets Your Say, and Pedaling Relief Project.

Registration

Registration opens on February 13 at 10 a.m. and closes on August 11 at 11:59 p.m.

Register in advance online. Registration is not available the day of the event.

Route

Click through to see the full map on Ride With GPS.

Day 1  —  Port Ludlow, Chimacum, and Fort Townsend

To introduce you to the varied sights across the Sound, we start, appropriately, down Discovery Road. When we reach the center of the Quimper Peninsula via West Valley Road, a vault eastward over a few hills and dales drops us into the picturesque resort of Port Ludlow. Bask in the views before looping west and north to the farm community of Chimacum and lunch at Finnriver. 

Continuing northward through Irondale, we climb over Kala Point, plunge through deep forest into historic Fort Townsend and wend our way back to Port Townsend Vineyard to wrap up today’s 47-mile trek.

Day 2  —  Fort Worden, Cape George, Larry Scott Trail, Downtown and Uptown

A lovely 37-mile winding all around the upper Quimper and Port Townsend.  Rolling north to Fort Worden you may opt for a two-mile loop up around the old gun emplacements (view from up top) before turning westward past farms, pastures, vineyards and orchards to Cape George overlooking Discovery Bay. 

The return to town shows off the City of Dreams’ cycling showpiece — the Larry Scott Trail, also known as the easternmost seven miles of the Olympic Discovery Trail.  Landing back down in the Port Townsend Bay waterfront, we’ll ooh-and-ah through the vintage downtown, up around overly-scenic Chetzemoka Park and across Uptown with its popular Farmer's Market, which could delay your return home.

Day 3 —  Port Hadlock, Marrowstone Island, and Fort Flagler

A much less vertically-challenging 44 miles as we merrily roll along a nice, easy, scenic and rewarding cruise. Plenty of speedy highway miles to get to HJ Carroll Park where a sneaky back door leads to Port Hadlock and thence onto the islands.

You could opt out of the 24-mile gently rolling loop out to Marrowstone Vineyard, Mystery Bay, Fort Flagler and back… but you'll be glad you did it while you enjoy lunch with one stunning vista back across Townsend Bay to our home Port with the Olympics and Vancouver Island beyond. You will certainly remember the four bays, three bridges, two islands, and at least one more trail.

Event Schedule

Inclusion

Everyone is welcome at Cascade events. We are committed to celebrating and promoting diversity in the bicycling community. We aim to provide safe spaces at start lines, finish lines, and official rest stops. Read our commitment to anti-racism and our participant code of conduct and grievance policy.

We would like to acknowledge that our rides take place on native land. Our offices are located on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present.

Food & Breaks

Light snacks will be available at the morning check-in.

Lunch is provided and includes fresh fruit, sandwiches (gluten free and vegan options), chips, and other snacks and drinks.

Additional water and snack stations will be posted as needed.

Where to Stay

Preferred Partners 

• Harborside Inn  
• Aladdin Motor Inn, 2333 Washington St, (360) 385-3747

Most unique and downtown:

• Palace Hotel,1004 Water St, (360) 385-0773 Limited Availability
• The Belmont, 925 Water St, (360) 385-3007 Limited Availability
• The Bishop Victorian Hotel, 714 Washington St, (360) 385-6122 Limited Availability
• The Monarch Hotel, 635 Water St, (360) 385-5467 Limited Availability

Uniquely Port Townsend, though farther:  

• Fort Worden,200 Battery Way,(360) 344-4434 Limited Availability. Camping is an option.
• Fort Townsend, Old Fort Townsend RdWashington 98368. Camping sites available.
   

Nearest to PT Vineyards Start/Finish Line: 

• Manresa Castle Hotel, 651 Cleveland St, (360) 385-5750 
• Port Townsend Inn, 2020 Washington St, (360) 385-2211 Limited Availability
• Tides Inn and Suites, 1807 Water St, (360) 385-0595 

Support During the Ride

This ride is supported by Cascade staff and volunteers.

Support and gear (SAG) vehicles are present on the route and dispatched when you call the ride support hotline. SAG vehicles can transport you and most models of bikes in the event of a mechanical or minor medical event. You should always call 911 in a life-threatening emergency.

Weather

August weather can bring many things: rain, extreme heat, and lots of sun. Morning temperatures may vary drastically from midday temperatures. Wear or bring layers to have available on your bike with you, and lots of sunscreen.

Get your bike tuned up and in shape to ride on gravel and roads. Bring front and rear lights, backup batteries, install fenders, service your brakes, and clean your chain.

E-Bikes

Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are permitted on this ride, which utilizes multi-use trails.

Training

The Cascade Training Series is a twelve-week ride series designed to prepare you for long-distance and multi-day rides. Riders of all paces will not only building their strength and endurance, but also their confidence.

To help you prepare for this ride, you can also check out our extensive schedule of Free Group Rides in the Puget Sound area. Find rides that fit your schedule and desired pace and distance.