Biking on San Juan Island

San Juan Island offers scenic biking for all levels, from quiet country roads to forested mountain bike trails.

San Juan Island is a favorite for cyclists, offering scenic rides through farmland, forests, and along stunning coastline. Mountain biking is permitted in five trail areas: Mitchell Hill, Roche Harbor Highlands, Roche Harbor Lowlands, Mount Grant Preserve, and the Airport Trails. Use the interactive map to explore where biking is allowed.

Cycling on Roads

Road biking is also popular, with three main routes leaving Friday Harbor:

Roche Harbor Road (9.2 mi) – best shoulders

Cattle Point Road (9 mi) – wide shoulders for first 4.2 miles

Beaverton Valley Road (8.2 mi) – narrower shoulders

Many other scenic roads have limited shoulders and sharp curves. Ride with caution, especially in high-traffic or low-visibility conditions.

Stay Safe

Follow traffic laws and ride defensively

Wear a helmet and bright or reflective clothing

Use bike turnouts where available and avoid stopping on roadways

Check out the Cyclist’s Guide to San Juan Island (PDF) for maps and more tips

Learn more about the areas that permit mountain biking:

Roche Harbor Highlands

Roche Harbor Lowlands

Mitchell Hill

Mount Grant Preserve

Cyclist's Guide to San Juan Island map, showing cycling routes, parks, and points of interest. Features illustrations of cyclists and a car on the left side.
Person mountain biking on a wooded trail wearing safety gear, including a helmet and gloves, under a canopy of trees.