San Juan Islands to the Olympic Peninsula Family Multi-Adventure Tour
Wildlife, Whimsical Isles & Washington’s Stunning National Park
Discover marine and mountain landscapes where nature reigns and it’s always playtime. From tide pools and old-growth forests to scenic inlets and lush rain forest, find your rhythm in the Pacific Northwest.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Kayak serene waters and peaceful inlets above vast kelp beds, spotting harbor seals, otters and bald eagles
- Be on the lookout for minke whales and orcas during a wildlife-watching cruise
- Hike a bluff trail in the nation’s first national historical reserve, with sweeping views across the Puget Sound
- Bike a car-free section along clear blue Lake Crescent and into Olympic National Park
- Step just outside our historic lodge for a peaceful walk through old-growth forest to waterfalls and stunning Lake Crescent, perhaps taking the plunge into its clear blue waters
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Anacortes Airport & Travel Details
- Kick off your family adventure with a ferry ride to San Juan Island for a hike offering views of the San Juan Channel
- Bike inland toward the coast with the whole family
- Kayak through peaceful inlets—you might spot harbor seals or otters napping in the kelp canopies
- After a beach picnic with views of the Olympic Mountains, head out on a family bike ride to False Bay
- Adults continue pedaling to Roche Harbor while kids shuttle back to the resort for an afternoon of outdoor games with the Kids Adventure Leader.
Nights 1-2
Luxury Hotel
Located in the charming waterfront hamlet of Roche Harbor, this popular island destination has hosted guests since 1886, when it was part of a lime works and company town. (pool)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Start the day biking a lovely loop around the island's forested north side and along the coast
- Look for minke whales and majestic orcas during our wildlife-watching cruise with a local marine naturalist
- Ferry through the picturesque San Juan archipelago on our journey to Whidbey Island, the longest island in the Puget Sound, offering miles of hiking trails, beaches and loads of small-town appeal
- Settle in at our charming seaside lodge, built from hundred-year-old logs and tucked into six acres of primeval forest on the shores of Penn Cove
- Dive into seasonal island delicacies and fresh seafood, including award-winning Penn Cove shellfish, while kids have pizza, make s’mores and play lawn games.
Night 3
Casual Hotel
Nature lovers, corn hole connoisseurs and barefoot children are all blissfully at home at this charming lodge nestled on the shores of Penn Cove. Catch the summer camp vibes that make you long for those carefree days.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Explore Ebey's Landing on a hike along coastal bluffs and through Douglas fir and hemlock forest
- Discover Olympic National Park, a World Heritage Site recognized for its abundant geological formations, biological diversity and spectacular coastline
- Step back in time at our historic national park lodge, where Franklin D. Roosevelt stayed just prior to authorizing the creation of Olympic National Park
- Adults hike a rolling woodland trail alongside babbling Barnes Creek, while kids join a Kids Adventure Leader at the lodge for an afternoon of tie-dying and games
- Bike the old Spruce Railway Trail, a car-free bike path offering great views of Lake Crescent
- Kids set off on a scavenger hunt and nature walk while adults enjoy some free time at the lodge
- Follow a peaceful trail to Marymere Falls on a short morning walk.
Nights 4-5
Casual Hotel
Built in 1916, this rustic national park lodge on the shores of Lake Crescent offers a casual atmosphere and a front porch ideal for watching sunsets.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Seattle Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 1-3
Biking routes follow quiet paved roads along the coastline and through farmland and forest, with some more heavily trafficked sections outside towns and near ferry terminals. Terrain features constant rises and valleys, with some rougher road surfaces that can make riding feel more challenging than the mileage suggests.
Kid-friendly routes are shorter with some elevation gain, and alternate kids’ activities are available on days with longer rides. Some sections are on roads with traffic, and while bike paths are common, kids should be comfortable riding with cars.
Coastal and forest hiking routes are mostly on well-maintained trails, with some rocky and rooty sections.
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Kids' bikes, trailer bikes, carriers and kid-sized helmets
Bike fitting and equipment support throughout your trip
Lightweight carbon hiking poles
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads cycling jersey, t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
