Olympic Peninsula Bike Tour

Meeting Location: Hampton Inn and Suites Seattle-Airport/ 28th Ave in Seattle, Washington. (*Do not confuse this with the nearby Hampton Inn).

Meeting Time: 8:30 AM on Day 1

Return Time: 4:00 - 6:00 PM on the afternoon of Day 6

Retun Location: Hampton Inn and Suites Seattle-Airport/ 28th Ave

Trip Length: 6-days 

Age Limit: Minimum age is 14

Bicycles & Gear: Pedego Bikes Included with tour price

Day 0: Arrival in Seattle, Washington

Arrive in Seattle, Washington, with air service from almost all major airlines, or drive from your home. 

Parking: If you need to park a car; the Hampton has long-term parking for an extra fee, available for hotel guests only.  If you are meeting us at the hotel and not staying at the Hampton Inn, you will need to arrange for parking at one of the nearby parking lots and meet us at the hotel for the orientation meeting.

• Accommodations: Not Included - The preferred hotel is the Hampton Inn and Suites Seattle-Airport/ 28th Ave. (*Do not confuse this with the nearby Hampton Inn).
• Meals: Not Included

Day 1: Seattle to Lake Quinault

We pick you up at our recommended tour hotel near the SeaTac Airport, the Hampton Inn and Suites Seattle-Airport/ 28th Ave at 8:30 AM and begin our adventure trek into the beautiful Olympic Peninsula. Once we depart the Seattle area, our van carries us through rolling farmland that gradually changes into undulating forest. After about three hours of driving, we reach Lake Quinault Lodge, a historic lodge set on the shore of Lake Quinault. Stepping out into the fresh air, we enjoy our first taste of the verdant forests of the Olympic Peninsula.

The name “Quinault” is an anglicized version of kʷínayɬ, the name of a village located where the Quinault river meets the sea, and today called Taholah. For eons, the land of the Olympic Peninsula has been the home of a number of tribes of the Salish people. Today, The Quinault Indian Nation (QIN) consists of the Quinault and Queets tribes along with the descendants of five other coastal tribes: the Hoh, Quileute, Chehalis, Chinook, and the Cowlitz.

We enjoy lunch in the lodge dining room and afterwards take a short hike to see the world’s largest spruce tree, with an immense trunk that stretches high into the sky. Later, we check into our rooms and you have free time to explore one of the many trails near the lodge, enjoy a pontoon boat ride on the lake (extra charge) or simply relax on the expansive lodge lawn, or the inviting lakeside beach. We enjoy dinner in the lodge dining room as we all get to know each other better.

• Accommodations: Lake Quinault Lodge
• Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2:  Morning Ride, then on to the Coast

After breakfast in the lodge dining room, we begin our ride on a paved road that turns to dirt after about five miles. Soon we are following the Quinault River. We pass gigantic trees and a magical forest of ferns and moss and stop to appreciate two different waterfalls that tumble down from side canyons into the river. The pristine waters of the Quinault River flow some 69 miles from the peaks of the Olympics and is fed by a number of snowfields and glaciers.

After 11 miles we cross the river on a bridge and begin our ride westerly, towards the sea. At the end of this lovely ride we stop by the edge of Lake Quinault for a picnic lunch.

Afterwards we board the van and drive to the coast. Depending on the date, we are headed to one of two oceanfront lodges for the night. Both are situated in stunning locations where beach and surf welcome explorers.

Biking: 22 miles. 21.6 miles · +712 ft / -691 ft Gentle grade. Some short ascents and descents.

Walking: Beach walking once we arrive at our accommodation.

• Accommodation: Either Kalaloch Lodge or Quileute Oceanside Resort
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Ride the Olympic Discovery Trail

After breakfast we start cycling on the Olympic Discovery Trail just outside of Sappho. First up is a 10-mile paved ride along the seldom driven Mary Clark Road through brilliant emerald forest. If road riding isn’t your style, take the sag-wagon to the next trailhead and rejoin the rest of the group on a paved, designated bike trail. Soon we’re on the Spruce Railroad Trail, one of the most beautiful rails-to-trails in the country. This railroad line was built in order to transport spruce lumber destined for use in the construction of World War 1 airplanes. However, by the time it was finished in 1919, the war was over. Following the shore of glacially-carved Lake Crescent, towering peaks surround the dazzling clear sapphire waters. The trail passes through two tunnels adding novelty to our ride. Near one of these, if the weather is warm, we may set the bikes aside momentarily and take the short stroll out to the Devils Punch Bowl for a refreshing dip in the lake.

We finish the day with a shuttle to the charming oceanfront town of Port Angeles just 18 miles across the water from Victoria, British Columbia.

Biking: Distance: 20.5 miles all paved designated trail + optional 9.3 miles paved road, no shoulder but very little traffic. Elevation + 971; - 753  / plus optional +132; - 463.

• Accommodation: Red Lion Inn, Port Angeles Harbor
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Hurricane Ridge and Afternoon Ride

After an early breakfast we drive south into the mountains and the Olympic National Park to visit Hurricane Ridge. As the name suggests, this is a windswept topography with endless views in all directions. In the distance you can see Vancouver Island while closer in are the majestic Olympic mountains that inspired the designation of this National Park in 1938. There are several trails to explore, ranging from a half mile to a couple of miles, all boasting dramatic views.

We return to Port Angeles and on the way, if time allows, we stop at the Olympic National Park Visitor’s Center before continuing on to lunch in town. Our afternoon ride begins from our hotel parking lot, heading east on another beautiful section of the Olympic Discovery Trail. This is an out and back ride that leaves the coast and heads inland towards the Elwha River. We cross the river at the half-way point and learn about the two dams that were removed between 2011-2014, making this the largest dam removal project in world history.  It’s an inspiring story of recovery and regeneration as salmon have returned to spawn and coastal diversity has increased. We trace our route back with ever-new perspectives until we arrive again in Port Angeles and our hotel.

Biking: Distance 14 miles · +669 ft / - 669 ft.

• Accommodations: Red Lion Inn, Port Angeles Harbor
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Port Angeles to Port Townsend

After breakfast we mount our bikes and ride directly onto the Olympic Discovery Trail, going easterly along the coast. The trail turns inland after a few miles, and we ride through farm fields of lavender interspersed with evergreen forests. After 16 miles we stop to visit the informative Dungeness River Nature Center. This is a U.S. Audubon Center that is the result of partnerships with the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, the Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society and the National Audubon Society.

The Center is involved in the restoration and stewardship of the Dungeness watershed and features an excellent exhibit room where you can learn about the incredible diversity found in the Dungeness watershed as well as the people who have utilized the resources of the area for millennia.

Our ride continues through the town of Sequim, unique in that unlike the rest of the Olympic Peninsula, it only gets approximately 17 inches of rain on average, compared to 6-7 times that not far away. We pass over 9 bridges on today’s ride, four of which are restored railroad trestles dating to 1914-15. These are sections of the abandoned Milwaukee, Chicago, Pacific and St. Paul lines, making for gentle grades. Our ride ends at Blyn Crossing and we load up the bikes. As we drive toward Port Townsend, we pass the southern tip of Discovery Bay. The bay was named in 1792 by Captain George Vancouver, after his ship, the HMS Discovery. On a mission to explore the northwest, Captain Vancouver sailed these waters, including the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound. He is responsible for giving colonial names to many geographical features in the region including the Hood Canal, the Dungeness River, Port Townsend and the Olympic Mountains.

Soon we arrive in the quaint and delightful Port Townsend. The Port Townsend Historic Landmark District was established in 1977 and is one of only three surviving Victorian-era seaports in the nation. Located near where the Strait of Juan de Fuca meets Admiralty Inlet, this was the home to a band of the Klallam Tribe as well as smaller groups from other tribes. The first colonial settlers arrived in 1851 and it wasn’t long before Port Townsend became a bustling seaport. It has a colorful history and went through several boom and bust phases. Today its stunning location on the water combined with Victorian-era architecture make it a real treasure.

It’s also a busy tourist town and easily explored on your own. Today you find your own restaurant for lunch which is not included. Afterwards you may want to visit the fascinating town museum and drop into some of the many shops, or relax with a drink overlooking the water. We reunite a couple of hours later to check into our evening’s hotel. At our final dinner together, we share stories and tall tales of our adventures.

Biking: Distance 27 miles, paved trail with elevation: +1200 ft, -1160 ft.

• Accommodations:  Bishop Hotel or The Tides Inn & Suites
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Larry Scott Trail and Return to SeaTac

This morning we ride from the hotel to the waterfront trailhead of the Larry Scott trail. Thanks to the vision of a local trails advocacy group, the first section of this trail was opened in 1991. Since then it’s been expanded and has become part of the Olympic Discovery Trail. This is a lovely ride through forests of hardwoods and conifers that are a feast for the senses. Our out and back ride is the perfect way to end our cycling journey.

We take you to lunch at a nearby cidery where we toast our time together. Then we drive about two hours to return you to the tour hotel at SeaTac.

Biking: 14.6 miles paved out and back trail to/from Port Townsend.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Getting There

Seattle on the Puget Sound in Western Washington state. You can fly into the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) on any major airline including Alaska, Delta, Southwest, United, JetBlue, and Allegiant. You should plan to arrive the day before your bike tour starts.

You can easily grab a taxi or rent a car to get into downtown or your hotel. 

Provided transportation will begin in the morning on the first day of your bike tour.

For guests that need assistance sourcing a long term parking near the Hampton Inn, who are not staying at the Hampton or are looking for a more economical option; here is a resource to explore parking in the vicinity.

Weather in the Olympic Peninsula

We highly recommend checking the weather prior to your trip for an updated forecast and current conditions. We recommend the following websites. 

Weather in Forks, Washington 

Weather in Port Townsend, Washington

When To Go?

July, August, and September are pleasant months to be in Seattle and the surrounding Olympic Peninsula with average summer temperatures ranging from 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

The weather like anywhere is unpredictable. We ask all guests to adhere closely to the packing list to make sure they are prepared at whatever weather the North West throws at us!

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Here at ROW Adventures, our first and foremost goal is for you to have an enjoyable and safe experience. While most of our trips are suitable for beginners, some of our trips are more active than others and it’s important that you understand the physical requirement of the trip you choose. 

All of our multi-day biking trips are active adventures that involve some level of physical exertion and possible exposure to the elements including but not limited to wind, rain, heat, sun, cold temperatures and cold water conditions.  ROW Adventures is able to accommodate people with physical limitations, disabilities, and medical conditions; please speak with your Adventure Consultant if you think you will require any additional assistance while on the trip.  We ask that you consult your doctor if you have health or medical conditions that could impact your ability to participate in an active and outdoor adventure. As your trip approaches, for your own safety as well as that of the entire group, we want to make sure that you can fulfill the following physical requirements of the trip:

• Wear all protective and safety equipment that is required by ROW Adventures and recommended/required by industry-wide standards.
• Load and unload, on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion, the bus and/or van providing transportation for ROW Adventures activities.
• Perform all biking activities, including following instructions on their own or with the assistance of a qualified companion or adaptive bike.
• The ability to make a quick and controlled emergency stop.
• The ability to start and stop on a hill.
• The ability to make controlled turns in tight corners.
• The ability to ride at 10-14 mph for extended periods of time (We simply can't do the distance of desingated miles in the allotted time otherwise.)
• Able to enter a van with an 18-inch step.
• Ability to climb 2-3 flights of stairs.
• Experience riding a bicycle for 2-4 hours at a time.

Olympic Peninsula Bike Tour Packing List

Here is a recommended list of things to pack. Add and subtract to meet your needs. Please keep your luggage to one medium sized soft-sided piece such as a duffel bag which packs into our trailer more easily.  Next best is a soft-sided roller-bag. Otherwise, a regular roller bag will work as the next best option. You will also want to bring one carry-on day pack to leave in our support van during the day, where you will access at lunch and other points when we meet up with the van. We will provide 2 Luggage tags per guest. The two-bag guideline is strictly enforced. Please note that if you do not attach the provided luggage tag to your bag, there is a risk that the bag may be left behind.

E-Bike: We are providing either Pedego Interceptor or Pedego Boomerang Bikes for your enjoyment.  We will assign you a bike based on your size and our availability.

E-Bike Battery: We provide only one battery per day.  Our guide carries a spare battery on the trail in case it’s needed, but you will need to pedal in order for your battery to last the day. In the evening we give you your battery and a charger in a small backpack to take to your room and charge. Most guests do not have any difficulties with the mileage each day provided they use the battery conservatively.  If you desire a secondary battery, we have a limited amount of extra batteries available for an additional $125 on the 5-day tour.

Recommended Bike Specific Clothing

Remember that we ride 8-28 miles each day, which may be further than you are used to.  This is why we recommend padded bike shorts and a few other things that may be new to you. As well, we recommend checking the weather prior to your trip departure and adjusting the below quantities accordingly based on current forecasts. 

• 3-4 pairs of padded bike shorts or padded liners

• 1 pair of full-length bike pants or athletic pants

• 3-4 short-sleeve performance fabric shirts or bike jerseys, bright colors are great for visibility 

• 2-3 long sleeve performance fabric shirts

• 1 light fleece or performance jacket for layering

• 4-6 pairs of performance fabric socks

• 1 waterproof rain jacket 

• 1 pair of waterproof rain pants

*Please note that rain is frequent in the Olympic Peninsula and a good rain jacket and pants are key to a dry and comfortable biking experience.

Recommended Accessories

• 1 pair of bike gloves, short-fingered and padded preferred
• Helmet (helmets are included with bike rental, but many people prefer their personal helmet)
• 1 helmet liner or thin hat
• 1 water bottle or hydration pack (We provide one insulated bike water bottle and recommend you bring a second one as well)

Optional Accessories

• Personal handlebar or seat bag (Will be provided if you don’t have one)
• Sun brim or visor for your helmet.  
• Chamois cream or butter
• Full fingered bike gloves or glove liners *for cool forecasts
• Toe covers for your biking shoes *for cool forecasts
• Helmet or handlebar mirror
• Your personal bike shoes (if clip in, be sure to bring your own pedals)    
• Personal bike seat    
• Padded seat cover    
• Waterproof case for your camera or phone

Casual Attire

• 2-3 long bottoms (pants, skirt, etc)
• 1-2 short bottoms (shorts, skirt, etc)
• 2-4 short sleeve shirts
• 1-2 long sleeve shirts
• Undergarments 
• Walking or casual shoes
• 1-2 lightweight layering pieces such as a sweater, jacket, fleece
• Bathing suit or shorts

Personal Items

• Any necessary prescription medications 
• Allergy or other needed medications
• Personal hygiene items (Small bottle of hand sanitizer and hand soap)
• Sunscreen & SPF lip balm 
• Back up contact lenses or glasses
• Polarized sunglasses

Layering

Layering is a critical component to being prepared for outdoor activities and best prepares you for changing temperatures. First, wear a good wicking layer as your “against the skin layer”. This will help with moisture management and the dryer you are, the more comfortable you will be. Wool or synthetics are the best. They both work – the biggest pro on the wool side is odor control. Wool is naturally anti-bacterial and can be worn for multiple days in a row. It also provides excellent temperature regulation. Synthetics, on the other hand, dry a little faster and are often lighter weight. You can’t really go wrong as long as you aren’t wearing cotton (unless it’s an incredibly hot day!)

Other Items

• Cell phone and charger
• Credit/debit cards
• Medical insurance cards
• Travel insurance confirmation (if purchased)

• Native Peoples of the Olympic Peninsula, The Olympic Peninsula Intertribal Cultural Advisory Committee, edited by Jacilee Wray, 2002, University of Oklahoma Press
• The Beachcomber's Guide to Seashore Life in the Pacific Northwest, J. Duane Sept, 1999, Harbour Publish­ing
• Olympic National Park: A Natural History, Tim McNulty, 2003, University of Washington Press
• Footprints in the Olympics: An Autobiography, Chris Morgenroth, 1991, Ye Galleon Press
• Birds of the Pacific Northwest Mountains, Nancy Baron and John Acorn, 1997, Lone Pine Publishing
• Olympic National Park Nature Guide, Larry and Nancy Eiffert, 2001, Estuary Press
• Cascade - Olympic Natural History: A Trailside Reference, Second Edition, Daniel Matthews, 1999, Raven Editions

Pedego Electric Bike Fleet

Olympic Discovery Trail - Learn all about the trail you'll be biking on!

7 Surpring Facts about Olympic National Parks - Read up on what sets apart Olympic National Park from others!

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