Depart Anacortes for Guemes Island via the Guemes Island Ferry . The trip to the island takes only about 5 minutes. See the ferry web page for the current cost and schedule. Runs about every half hour during the day.

On days with good weather views of Mount Baker and other Cascade Mountains can be seen in the background, Views of Anacortes and out to other San Juan Islands. Note the swift currents in the channel when crossing.

After arriving at the island make a stop at Anderson's General Store. The store is only place for chow and other little necessities for your trip as well as local information. Check out the store website to see a nice map of the island. There is a solar and wind generator setup behind the store worth looking into. See the pics.

Head east and then across the island to the north east coastline. On the way see views from the bluffs, wooded roadsides and farmlands, Cascades, beaches, water, Anacortes and more.

Flora and fauna abound along the entire trip. Wooded glens, open fields, coastlines and views and more views. Each season brings new things along the roads. From spring flowers to fall color. Honey suckle, cow parsnip, wild rose lined roads.

The bike ride route is moderate. There are several steep hills some can ride up or walk the bike. The big hills are up Edens Road to the center of the island and Schoolhouse Park. The park offers porta potty, picnic and play areas. The other BIG hill is getting down to and up from Youngs park on the northern end of the island. Youngs Park has wonderful beach access, picnic and toilet. The park is next door to the Guemes Island Resort where rooms can be rented for a nice close to city getaway.

Few if any shoulders on the roads with very little traffic. Guemes drivers are sort of a very friendly wave type. Over all the trip can be very relaxing away from the madding crowds.

Dog alerts

Only dogs I have seen on Guemes Island are on the northern most section of the island on the little hill heading up towards the intersection that turns down hill towards Young's Park. There are dogs loose at the entrance to the park. You need to ride through the Guemes Island Resort with dogs everywhere. Other dogs can be heard along the west shore heading back to the ferry. They sound like real killers but I think they are fenced. You need to be prepared at a seconds notice with a defensive plan.