The San Juan Islands, Victoria & Olympic National Park Walking & Hiking
- Ferry between the United States and Canada in the idyllic San Juan archipelago
- Mount Constitution, with 360-degree mountain and island views
- Discover Victoria's colonial harbor-side charm
- Explore the incredible assortment of colorful flowers at Butchart Gardens
- Olympic National Park, where temperate rain forests, alpine lakes and gushing waterfalls meet
A Classic Taste of the Pacific Northwest
Each moment seems better than the last. Viewing Mt. Baker on a ferry crossing. Soaking up the montage of cultures - from First Nations to British - in vibrant Victoria. Following Canyon Creek through an Eden of sword ferns, mosses and old-growth Douglas fir. Then arriving at magnificent Sol Duc Falls. Hiking mile-high Hurricane Ridge and seeing Mount Olympus in one direction, Mount Rainier and Seattle in another. Most vacations have that one defining moment you remember forever. This trip has those incredible moments daily.
Days 1-2 The spectacular panorama from the summit of Mount Constitution, Orcas Island's apex - shimmering water, evergreen-clad isles and snowcapped Mount Baker on the horizon 
Explore Moran State Park, a nature-lover's paradise On San Juan Island, discover pedestrian-friendly Friday Harbor Partial to pottery? You won't want to miss the locally made, one-of-a-kind pieces at Orcas Island Pottery.
Day 3 Ferry between islands - and countries - in the idyllic San Juan archipelago en route to the Canadian port of Sidney Take on Mt. Work and enjoy the rewarding views of the Olympics Explore the enchanting Canadian city of Victoria on Vancouver Island.
Day 4 World-renowned Butchart Gardens, a Canadian National Historic site with 55 acres of exquisite flowers and plants 
Take part in the English ritual of afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress hotel Savor striking views of the Olympic Mountains en route across the swift-moving Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Day 5 Olympic National Park, where temperate rain forest, alpine lakes and waterfalls meet Meander along Lover's Lane Trail through an old-growth forest of Sitka spruce, hemlock and Douglas fir Marvel at the awe-inspiring Sol Duc Falls, one of Olympic National Park's largest and most scenic waterfalls.
Day 6 Hike stunning Hurricane Ridge, winding through flower-filled meadows that look onto Mount Olympus, the Bailey Range and the San Juan Islands Views of the Seattle skyline and Mount Rainier cap off the trip.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
Explore some of the best of the Northwest. From the island beauty of the San Juans to the cultural and historic significance of Victoria, finishing with the lush temperate rain forests of Olympic National Park. An exploration in its finest sense.- Regional Manager, Pacific Northwest
Casual Inns*
Outlook Inn
Orcas Island (1 night) It's a short walk to the private beach and the shops and galleries of down-town from this retreat at water's edge.
Friday Harbor House
Friday Harbor (1 night) Described by Andrew Harper as an appealing contemporary island lodge affording exceptional views of the San Juan Channel. (spa)
Inn at Laurel Point
Victoria (1 night) A sleek waterfront hotel surrounded on three sides by Victoria's Inner Harbor; a Japanese garden and original works of art add to the serene ambience. (pool)
* Premiere Inn
Lake Crescent Lodge
Olympic National Park (2 nights) Set on the shore of deep-blue Lake Crescent, this lodge treats us to an enormous stone fireplace and a front porch ideal for watching sunsets.
California: Yosemite Walking & Hiking
The Natural Wonders in California's Sierra Nevada
Classic:
This Trip Is Rated Level 1-3
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 4, 6.5 miles
- 100 - 200 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 4.5, 8.2 miles
- 2100 feet elevation gain, 1490 elevation loss
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 3, 5 miles
- 500 - 1080 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 1.5 miles
- 100 feet elevation gain
- Garden Walk 2 hours
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 3.8, 7.4, 9.6 miles
- 130 - 1830 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 3.2 miles
- 800 feet elevation gain
Terrain Description
Alpine trails, coastal and lowland forest paths, garden walks.More Recommended Trips
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For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Washington tour experts. See our award-winning USA walking tours and hiking tours, USA biking tours and USA multisport tours.
