Save the date(s) for fun in the San Juans
Saturday, September 9th, 2023 (with the 10th as a backup date) has been selected for the Lake Stevens Rotary “Island Getaway” event. Don Iverson had suggested we get a group together go to Lopez Island where we have the option to travel on-island by bicycle or by vehicle. Lopez is special due to its fine roads, very limited traffic, and incredible sights.
We will have at least one vehicle (sag wagon) on the island with tools and the ability to transport bikes or bikers with issues. This vehicle will also transport food, water and equipment for our lunch.
Don suggests the following schedule (need to confirm ferry times in September)
- 8:40am: Be at the ferry dock at Anacortes, which is about 1.5 hours from Lake Stevens. Ferry departs at 9:40 and vehicle reservations require arriving an hour early. Those not taking a vehicle should still be early to make sure you get parked, unloaded and ticketed on time.
- 10:30am: Arrive at Lopez Ferry Landing at the north end of the island.
- First stop: Lopez Village. Drivers will have more time to explore this lovely island community than bikers.
- Second stop: Shark Reef Park, about a 1-mile easy walk round-trip from parking area. Fascinating place to watch seals (if the sharks did not get them all), tidal rapids and boat traffic.
- Third stop: Agate Beach County Park at south end of the island. Here we will have a BBQ lunch around 1:30 provided by the Club. After lunch you can remain at the park (lovely beach) or go on a beautiful 2-mile easy walk around Iceberg Point. Incredible views!
- Fourth stop: Watmough Bay. This is where the first European explorers landed in the San Juans. An amazing place to just sit on the beach and contemplate. Otters, seals, boats at anchor, an amazing cliff, Mt. Baker in the distance, and sometimes eerie silence. This stop may not make sense for bikers unless you ride fast and can handle a few extra miles.
- Last stop: Be back at the Lopez ferry dock by 6:00pm to catch the 6:20 ferry. A little earlier is not a bad idea if you want to make sure you catch that ferry. There is another ferry at 7:35pm as a backup. The ferry system has been having some issues lately with mechanical and staffing problems causing delays and canceled sailings.
For bikers, it is best to park at the Anacortes terminal and walk your bike on the ferry (no reservations required.) The round-trip bike ride on the island will be approximately 30 miles with very limited hills.
For drivers, you should get an online ferry reservation to get to the island (not needed for return.) Get the reservation on July 9th as they become available two months before the travel date and can book up quickly. Another batch of reservations will become available two weeks before the travel date. Go to the following site: https://secureapps.wsdot.wa.gov/Ferries/Reservations/Vehicle/default.aspx