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Best Orcas Island Bike Routes
Quiet , tree-lined roads wind around lakeshores and cow pastures . They skim rocky beaches and crest mountain tops . This is Orcas Island . The largest in the San Juans , it ’ s roughly 57-square miles . With a horseshoe shape and the archipelago ’ s tallest peak ( Mount Constitution ), the remote gem offers a geographically diverse wonderland of views and nature .
WHILE THE THIGH-BURNING CHAL-
LENGE of exploring on two wheels might make you think twice , an e-bike can turn a grueling trek into a fun-filled adventure . So gather ye ’ helmets and favorite adventure buddies . The road is calling .
Mount Constitution Climb Standing at 2,398 feet , riding to the top of Mount Constitution is the ultimate trip for most cyclists . And the reward is breathtaking indeed . At its peak , a stone tower offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding area , including Mount Baker , the North Cascades , and the surrounding islands .
Start by heading east out of Eastsound on Crescent Beach Drive for just under a mile . At Olga Road , take a sharp right south . You ’ ll stay on Olga Road for 4.5 miles . This initial stretch includes some medium slopes and takes you under the concrete arch that marks the entrance to Moran State Park .
Olga Road winds along Cascade Lake , eventually Y-ing into Mount Constitution Road . Here ’ s where the climb really begins , as the road switchbacks up the mountain to the very top . Distance : 20.2 miles ( round trip )
Doe Bay For those who like to pair their pedaling with some snacking , waterfront views , and a clothing-optional dip — the eastern side of Orcas offers more than just a big mountain .
The path to Doe Bay will take you past Rosario Resort , the small town of Olga , and Obstruction Pass . Each of these beautiful destinations are delightful , but would add a little milage and a few extra hill-climbs to your ride .
Like your trip to Mount Constitution , you ’ ll take Olga Road into Moran State Park . But instead of veering up the steep mountain climb , you ’ ll continue on Olga Road ( also known as Horseshoe Highway ). The two-lane highway will take you to the town of Olga , where you ’ ll turn left on Point Lawrence Road .
Winding through farmland and forests for 3.3 miles , you ’ ll come to Doe Bay Road . It ’ s a serene jaunt to Doe Bay Resort , where their vicki leimback photo birthday suit-friendly spa and farm-totable restaurant are as rave-worthy as the views . Distance : 28.4 miles ( round trip )
Deer Harbor The western side of Orcas is not to be ignored . While the ferry landing rightfully attracts a lot of attention , trekking farther west takes you to Deer Harbor to a more remote section of the island . Considered a boaters ’ paradise , it features one of the largest marinas on Orcas and more than one decadent dining destination .
You ’ ll follow Orcas Road southwest out of town . For the flattest route , you ’ ll stay on Orcas Road until it turns into Dolphin Bay Road . But for those who prefer a little less traffic , you ’ ll take a slight right just 1.1 miles out of Eastsound onto Crow Valley Road .
Winding past pasture lands and under tree canopies , you ’ ll come to West Sound , where you ’ ll find a cute town and marina . As you reach the water , you ’ ll turn right on Deer Harbor Road , heading west along the waterfront . This scenic ride hugs the waterfront before taking a slight inland veer along a fairly steep grade . Veering south again , the final stretch takes you through an open area with a rolling field . Distance : 18.2 miles ( round trip )
Electric Bike Rentals
Located in Eastsound , Wildlife Cycles offers e-bike rentals . Their fleet features Trek bikes equipped with Bosh Motors , giving you roughly 40 miles of range on Orcas ’ hilly terrain . 350 North Beach Road Eastsound , WA 98245 360.376.4708 wildlifecycles . com
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