Fall Biking on San Juan Island

October 2022

You will have an amazing time riding through San Juan Island’s stunning natural beauty in Fall, regardless if you are a serious racer or haven’t sat on a bike in decades. Friday Harbor and San Juan Island exhale after a lovely, bustling Summer. You’ll find the roads, beaches and mountains uncrowded and serene. Plus, tucked in the Olympic Ran Shadow, the isle receives about a third of the rainfall Seattle gets, while we here at the Bird Rock Hotel are offering amazing specials.

Cool short Rides on Bird Rock Bikes

We are the only hotel on San Juan Island offering complimentary beach cruiser bikes for our guests to check out. Those are sturdy, one-speed bikes, perfect to explore our little town and other nearby attractions. Have a picnic and play some volleyball at Jackson Beach, a mile from our hotel.

Treat yourself to a wine tasting at the gorgeous San Juan Vineyard, three miles out of town. Or explore the easy five mile loop around Pear Point with breathtaking views, incredible homesteads and cute little pocket parks.

Fall Farm Ride – 14 Miles

Bring your own bike or rent one from our friends at Meat Machine Cycles, take Spring Street out of town, continue straight and head to the lovely, lush San Juan Valley. Be mindful of the narrow roads and bike behind each other. Take in the majestic Gerry Oaks changing their leaves, stop by every farm stand on the way and take a short hike around Zylstra Lake Preserve, beaming with Fall colors.

Continue down Wold Road and treat yourself to a visit to the Pelindaba Lavender Farm. We are sourcing all our body care products for our guest rooms from them, so good! Continue on Wold until you come to a T. Take a left on Bailer Hill Road back to town and don’t forget to stop at all the wayside farm and flower stands here as well.

Serious Scenic By-Way Ride – 25 miles (backtracking route)

This ride is hilly and absolutely gorgeous. Take Argyle Street out of town. It becomes Cattle Point Road. At around mile 12 you’ll enter American Camp National Historical Park. Stop by the visitor’s center and explore the prairie with its foxes and bunnies and views of the Olympics in the distance.

Don’t miss South Beach, San Juan Island’s longest and wildest beach. See Bald Eagles, otters, seals, sea lions and maybe even Orcas from land here. Continue on Cattle Point Road, for stunning views, more beaches and the renowned Cattle Point Lighthouse with its almost 360 degree views of the mighty Salish Sea. Go back to Friday Harbor the way you came.