Lopez Island Tour

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San Juan County, WA, US

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Route Overview

Biking Puget Sound

Recreational cycling guidebook for the Seattle area

36 mi.

1,883 ft.

Lopez Island is the agricultural heart of the famous San Juan Islands. Hop a state ferry and enjoy a comfortable day tour in this rural paradise, or bring your tent and make it a weekend.

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Route Details

Spend a leisurely day cycling the San Juans' rural gem, Lopez Island. There's plenty to see in this figure-8-with-a-tail route, but you'll find plenty at which to stop and linger.

After the initial serious hill climb from the ferry dock, you'll find miles and miles of flat or rolling terrain, with only a couple more areas to challenge your legs. This entirely paved route stays off Center Road, which handles most of the island's scant cars, so you'll not be bothered much by traffic. When you do see one, the driver will likely give you a friendly wave.

It's a great place to plan a picnic, but be aware that there are only two places for provisions: @point[Lopez Village](d,6813.75), which is a couple of miles from the ferry on the island's north end, and @point[Southend General Store](d,26730.37), near Makaye Harbor.

## Stay a while

If you want to stay the weekend, bring your camping gear and make camp before touring the island.
* [Odlin County Park](http://www.sanjuanco.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Odlin-County-Park-5)
* [Spencer Spit State Park](http://parks.state.wa.us/687/Spencer-Spit) 
* [Lopez Farm Cottages & Tent Camping](http://www.lopezfarmcottages.com/)

Camping is very popular, so be sure to reserve a space in advance. There also are B&Bs scattered throughout the island.

Lopez Village has a full-service grocery store, two great @poi[bike shops](1327647) and good eateries, including an incredible bakery and, of course, a gourmet coffee shop. Be sure to stop at the [Lopez Island Vineyards](http://www.lopezislandvineyards.com/) tasting room in the village and try their island-grown Sigerrabe or Madeline Angevine white wines.

## What you'll see
Rural sights are abundant, from farms with unusual cattle breeds to old barns and nature preserves. Views to the other islands and beyond are incredible.

You'll see island history at @poi[Center Church](1327650) and its old cemetery, and views across to the Cattle Point Lighthouse on San Juan Island at @poi[Shark Reef Sanctuary](1327649).

The island's residents are artistic and agrarian, and you will find their creations in small shops in town, or occasionally at a roadside stand.

There are a number of fun events throughout the summer, kicking off with [Tour de Lopez](http://www.lopezisland.com/tourdelopez.htm), held the last Saturday of April.

# More resources

[Washington State Ferries](http://www.wsdot.com/ferries/schedule/Default.aspx) 
* It's easy to ride your bike on and off the ferry, and cheaper than bringing a car. No advance reservations needed -- just show up.
* The ferry dock at Anacortes has safe, inexpensive parking.

* If you do want to drive on the ferry, you must make advance reservations for the car.

# Important Reminders

Be prepared to handle mechanical problems, as the island does not have public transportation or lots of traffic.

Restrooms are not as plentiful as in some areas, so think ahead.

Winter in the San Juans can be beautiful and a great value. But beware that the weather can be changeable, so be prepared to handle cold and stormy conditions.

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