Multiday Tour
San Juan Islands Tour 2026
Registration opens for Members TBD, and for the Public TBD
Event Description
*Event details are still being finalized and are subject to change.
The San Juan Islands, nestled in the Salish Sea between the Olympic Peninsula and Point Roberts, Vancouver Island and the Skagit Valley, tempt vacationers, explorers, avid recreationalists, and all those seeking a unique getaway to someplace extraordinary.
We’re crafting a Tour for all ages to let you discover the wonders of the Islands at your own pace and curiosity level. Loops around at least three of the most bikeable Islands range from 33 to 55 miles with plenty of time during and after to experience savory delights, satisfying rides, and other-worldly relaxation.
Starting on Lopez, we’ll take advantage of Washington Ferries inter-island service to also experience San Juan Island from English to American Camps, Orcas’ stunning mountain range from sleepy Deer Harbor to majestic Mt Constitution, as well as a countryside loop on Lopez.
With three days (and an optional "on your own" fourth day) of mapped routes over three islands, cyclists may choose to ride as much or as little of the terrain as they wish. All will gather on Lopez for the first day’s introduction to island life and an easy warm-up ride of 37 miles. Whether you take an afternoon or evening ferry for Tuesday's accommodation or catch the early morning Wednesday boat from Anacortes, you’ll have plenty of time to check in, pitch a tent, or sling a hammock before the first half-day’s pedal. We’ll reconvene for a group supper (bbq, anyone?) and rider briefing covering the following day’s options around San Juan Island.
Another rider briefing Thursday evening will present your options for the Friday excursion across Orcas Island. Riders may arc over the top of the island and then return to Lopez to complete their day. Or the more intrepid will be able to venture all the way to Doe Bay for an extra night’s rest and recuperation before kicking off a fourth day’s ride with the possibility of reaching the top of Mt. Constitution in Moran State Park.
Riders may return at their own schedule to Anacortes, from either Orcas or Lopez Island.
Registration
Registration opens to members on Mar. 3, 2026 and to non-members on Apr. 7, 2026.
Registration closes on Sunday, August 2 or when all available spots are full. Registration is capped at 200 riders.
Route
Event Schedule
Wednesday, 5 August – Lopez Island | Opens | Closes |
Rider Check-In | 9:30 am | 11 am |
Lunch in Lopez Village | Noon | 2 pm |
Course Start/Finish & Support | 10 am | 3 pm |
Social Hour & Rider Meeting at Lopez Farm | 5 pm | 7 pm |
Thursday, 6 August – San Juan Island |
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Lopez ferry to Friday Harbour | 7, 9:25 am | Arrive FH 7:35 or 10am |
Lunch at Lime Kiln St Park | 10:30 am | 1 pm |
Course Support on San Juan Friday Harbour Ferry to Lopez | 8 am 3:50 pm | 4 pm Arr: 4:25 pm |
Social Hour: Lopez Island Vineyard | 4 pm | 6 pm |
Rider meeting: Lopez Farm | 7 pm | |
Friday, 7 August – Orcas Island | ||
Lopez Ferry to Orcas Friday Harbor Ferry to Orcas | 9:25 am 8:35 am | Arrive Orcas 10:15 am |
Course Support on Orcas Lunch TBD Orcas Ferry to Lopez Island | 10:15 am 12 noon 3:15 pm | 5 pm 2 pm Arr: 3:50 pm |
Wednesday, Aug. 5 — Day 1 – Lopez Island
Clockwise loop around the ‘easy-biking’ Isle of Lopez begins from the charming Lopez Farm at the NW corner. Early on in the 33 very rolling miles we’ll find a breakfast/snack option at Barn Owl Bakery to fuel up for the first big climb up Lopez Hill (368 feet!) before bouncing down to Agate Beach at the southern end.
Winding back up to westerly views at Shark Reef Sanctuary, we turn north again over the high ground around Lopez Airport prior to plummeting back down to The Village for a late lunch and perhaps an unwinding at Lopez Island Vineyards before wobbling back ‘home’ for the evening.
Thursday, Aug. 6 — Day 2 – Friday Harbor - English & American Camps
A ferry hop to Friday Harbor starts the long day – 37.5 or 55 miles – all around San Juan. First north to Reuben Tarte and Roche Harbor, we then wind down the west side of the island thru historic English Camp, Lime Kiln Point, and swoop across the SW coast to False Bay. There we have an option for a shorter route back to Friday Harbor, but you’ll miss out on the other side of history – American Camp at the SE point. Winding along the eastern shore returns everyone to the Ferry terminal for the ride back to Lopez.
Friday, Aug. 7 — Day 3 – Orcas Ferry - Eastsound - Moran - Obstruction Pass
Starting with the ferry hop over to Orcas Island, folks may opt for a single-day haul around the horseshoe to contemplate Mt Constitution (optional 10-mile up & down) and Obstruction Pass, and then back through Eastsound and Orcas Vineyard for a return to Lopez. Or…
(Optional) Day 3 – Orcas Ferry - Deer Harbor - Doe Bay
Trek a more thorough exploration from Deer Harbour on the west side all the way over to Doe Bay at the SE with the option of another night out there in solitude, serenity, and hot springs!
(Optional) Saturday, Aug. 8 — San Juans — Optional Day 4 – Doe Bay - Mt Constitution - Eastsound
Best to have a good night’s rest before facing Moran’s mighty mountain — the ultimate Island Experience. An easy five miles warms up the legs before the next five-mile, nearly 2000’ climb to the top of Mount Constitution. And it’s all downhill from there…mostly… whether you opt for the swift, smooth ascent road or the backcountry experience (less paved) down to Buckhorn. Basking in the endorphins glow will carry you back the last 18 miles thru Eastsound (lunch at the Village Green), West Beach, Dolphin Bay, and finally back to Orcas Ferry dock for the long cruise back to the mainland.
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
Food and break details will be provided soon.
Where to Stay
Lopez Island Cottages is where Cascade will have its main base camp. We have tenting, glamping and cottage options.
Lopez Island offers many other opportunities for stays! Including Spencer Spit State Park, bed and breakfasts and Air BnB options.
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.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact our Sponsorship team: sponsorship@cascade.org.
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