San Juan Islands Multisport
Mother Nature's aqueous masterpieces - tranquil channels, shimmering harbors and pristine bays - provide the stunning backdrop for this Backroads exploration of Washington's San Juan Islands. On bike and foot, follow thick corridors of trees past sheltered inlets and coves and over rolling green mountains. Sleek kayaks let you navigate peaceful bays, where harbor seals, great blue herons and sea stars make their home. Shop in galleries featuring the work of local artists, feast on the freshest catch of the day, soak in the magical sunsets and kick back by the campfire under the stars - it's all part of life on the San Juans.
Days 1-2 San Juan Island
Meet in Anacortes 
Ferry to Friday Harbor Head out on a rolling warm-up ride through pastoral countryside Put in at Roche Harbor for a sea-kayak adventure in the placid waters around Henry Island Bike along the dramatic west coast of San Juan Island for views of Haro Strait and British Columbia Stop in at Pelindaba Lavender Farm and sample their lavender cookies.
Days 3-4 Orcas Island
Start the day with a quick spin to Young Hill and a hike to the summit Ferry to Orcas Island Enjoy a scenic hike around Cascade Lake in the beautiful Moran State Park Hike or bike to the top of Mount Constitution, the highest point in the archipelago, for spectacular 360-degree views Bike to picturesque Doe Bay for an added challenge.
Days 5-6 Lopez Island
Board a private charter boat for a wildlife-watching cruise to Lopez Island, and stay on the lookout for orcas, harbor seals and majestic bald eagles Bike through picturesque rural terrain to our scenic campground Pedal on country roads lined with blackberry bushes to Fisherman Bay, a prime habitat for marine birds Visit the cafés and galleries in Lopez Village before ferrying to Anacortes.
ISLAND DELIGHTS: Deluxe Camping
Lakedale Campground (2 nights): Surrounded by 50 lake-dotted acres, our home base offers a private beach for swimming.
Moran State Park Campground (2 nights): Our campsite is near the shore of tranquil Cascade Lake—a great spot for a refreshing dip.
Spencer Spit Campground (1 night): Set on a dramatic spit that juts into Puget Sound, watch the ferries go by as you enjoy the island scenery.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 8, 24 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 10, 14, 24 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
- Sea Kayaking 3 hours
Day 3
- Level 1 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 1.4, 2.5 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 3 6 Route Options Available
- Hiking 1.5, 4.5 miles or Biking 11 miles
- 500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
- Biking 6, 13, 17 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 2 4 Route Options Available
- Walking 1.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Biking 15, 22, 25 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Wildlife-Watching Cruise 3 hours
Day 6
- Level 1 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 5, 9, 15 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
*Please note that the elevation gain on some routes increases the level of difficulty.
Trips 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 | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2009 DATES
SINGLES+SOLOS TRIPS
- 6/21-26Price: $1898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $0 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/19-24Price: $1898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $0 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/9-14Price: $1898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $0 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/6-11Price: $1898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $0 for sgl. occ.)
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
Overall I was on a six week adventure, with Backroads being one week. It was probably the best week. As far as activity, accommodations, guides, and environment . . . Backroads was the best. I can not get over how much fun I had, how perfect it was for me (ability to be part of a group or solo, go in or out, and level of challenge) Backroads will definitely be a part of my vacation planning, on a continuous level. The thing is, I have been on adventure for the past five weeks, and Backroads just jumps to the front of my brain when I remember what a great time I had!- Lahaina, HI
Amazing! I had a fantastic trip, particularly since it was my first active adventure vacation. While I appreciated the variety of fitness levels this trip catered to, it really inspired me to push myself farther than I ever have. My biggest dilemma now is trying to decide which trip to go on next!- Tualatin, OR