Washington
Two-Island Trek: Great Coastal Hikes in the San Juan Islands
Program No. 1629660MEADV-1116-60
Enjoy coastal and forest hikes and explore unique ecosystems while learning about conservation efforts and wildlife preservation efforts on two of the San Juan Islands.
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Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
May 4 - May 10, 2025
Starting at
2,199Jul 5 - Jul 11, 2025
Starting at
2,549Aug 2 - Aug 8, 2025
Starting at
2,549DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
May 4 - May 10, 2025
Starting at
2,689May 17 - May 23, 2025
Starting at
2,689Jul 5 - Jul 11, 2025
Starting at
3,299Aug 2 - Aug 8, 2025
Starting at
3,299Not seeing the date you're looking for?
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
7 days
6 nights
16 meals
6B 5L 5D
2
Deception Pass Gorge, Fidalgo Island, to San Juan Island
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
3
San Juan Islands National Park Wildlife & Hike American Camp
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
4
Orcas Island Hiking, Moran State Park
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
5
Hike San Juan Island, Mt. Young, British Camp, Roche Harbor
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
6
San Juan Island Coastal Hike, Wildlife, Free Time
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
7
Program Concludes
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
At a Glance
Revel in the seascapes of untold beauty with expert naturalists, marine educators and environmentalists who lead you into their backyard world of the San Juan Islands and Salish Sea. Consider the environmental issues of the prairie bluff, beach, mountain and old-growth forest ecosystems. Journey by ferry to Orcas Island to witness the profusion of life and the fragility of beauty along Washington’s fabled diamonds of the emerald seas.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Walking 2-6 miles daily on varied terrain and boarding vans.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Enjoy coastal and wooded hikes on San Juan Island with views of the beach and mountains.
- Hike the old-growth forest on Orcas Island and around mountain lakes of Moran State Park and Mount Constitution.
- Search for Orcas and other marine mammals of the Salish Sea from the vantage point of the Limekiln Lighthouse.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Cindy Hansen
Cindy Hansen, born in Gary, Indiana, received a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Washington and previously worked as a whale watch naturalist, education curator for The Whale Museum, and an expert at a gray whale camp at Laguna San Ignacio in Baja. She is currently the education and advocacy coordinator for Orca Network, and volunteers for the research organizations Orca Behavior Institute and Wild Orca. She also volunteers for Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and with the local animal shelter.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Cindy Hansen
View biography
Cindy Hansen, born in Gary, Indiana, received a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Washington and previously worked as a whale watch naturalist, education curator for The Whale Museum, and an expert at a gray whale camp at Laguna San Ignacio in Baja. She is currently the education and advocacy coordinator for Orca Network, and volunteers for the research organizations Orca Behavior Institute and Wild Orca. She also volunteers for Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and with the local animal shelter.
Shona Aitken
View biography
Shona Aitken has a degree in ecology and a background in environmental education in her home country of Scotland, and from two years spent in Sweden. She is currently the education coordinator for Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center on San Juan Island. She teaches people about local wildlife and increases awareness of the impact of human activities on wild creatures.
Bill Engle
View biography
Bill Engle is a retired postmaster of Shaw Island. He grew with a mountain-climbing father and a gardening, birding, environmental activist mother, and has always had a passion for the outdoors. He has lived in the San Juan Islands for more than 30 years and is the founding president of the San Juan Islands Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society. Before becoming postmaster, his role as a part-time flex clerk placed him in every post office in San Juan County.
Kathleen Foley Lewis
View biography
Kathleen Foley is the Stewardship Manager of the San Juan Preservation Trust and has been a staff member since 2005. In this role, she oversees the management of 30+ different nature preserves, conducts annual monitoring visits, and coordinates restoration activities and youth education. She is a Washington native with a long history of exploring the San Juan Islands and enjoys a wide variety of outdoor pursuits. Kathleen lives with her son, Evan, and partner, Bill, near the lovely False Bay on San Juan Island.
Suggested Reading List
(9 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Two-Island Trek: Great Coastal Hikes in the San Juan Islands
Program Number: 16296
Plants Of The Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska
This easy-to-use field guide features 794 species of plants commonly found along the Pacific coast from Oregon to Alaska, including trees, shrubs, wildflowers, aquatic plants, grasses, ferns, mosses and lichens. PLANTS OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST COAST covers the coastal region from shoreline to alpine, including the western Cascades. Includes wonder photos, range maps, and more! Rich and engaging notes on each species describe aboriginal and other local uses of plants for food, medicine and implements, along with unique characteristics of the plants and the origins of their names. For both amateurs and professionals, this is the best, most accessible, most up-to-date guide of its kind.
Friday Harbor
A book that reviews the rich history and residents of Friday Harbor throughout the past 100 years.
North Puget Sound: Afoot and Afloat
An insiders guide to the North Puget Sound region of Washington State.
Trees and Shrubs for Pacific Northwest Gardens
Northwest gardeners have relied on the solid information found in various editions of this book for more than 50 years. This greatly enlarged 1990 edition reflects the vast increase in suitable plants for the region now available from area nurseries
Birding in the San Juan Islands
Handy guide for visitor's and residents alike to learn more about Island birds, seasonality, local "hot spots", and how the insular ecosystems affects bird behavior.
Wild Plants of the San Juan Islands (second edition)
This wonderful field guide illustrates and describes more than 190 species of wildflowers, shrubs, trees and weeds that occur commonly throughout the San Juan Islands as well as the Gulf Islands of near Vancouver Island, Canada. The text also includes information on how the climate, topography and geology of the Islands affect plant life.
San Juan Islands Wildlife: A Handbook for Exploring Nature
Natural beauty and a rich diversity of wildlife draw thousands of visitors annually to Washington's San Juan Islands. Until now, there has never been a book that provides an overview of natural life in this beautiful archipelago. San Juan Islands Wildlife is an informative and affectionate look at the habits and habitats of the flora and fauna found within the unique environment of the region.
Hiking the San Juan Islands
The famed San Juan Islands of Northwest Washington State offer some of the most charming, scenic and naturally diverse landscapes and seascapes anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. A host of parks, trails, beaches, and protected wildlands are available to enjoy for hiking. This guide includes listings and maps for the surround archipelago, including Whidbey, Camano, Fidalgo, Cypress, and land-based counties near the San Juan Islands.
A Field Guide to Coastal Flowers of the Pacific Northwest
With gorgeous full-colour photos arranged in an easy-to-use colour coded chart for quick identification, the pocket-sized format is perfect for taking along on walks and hikes through both the Pacific Northwest countryside as well as the urban wilds of West Coast cities. Supplying English and Latin names, the distribution range of each species and average plant height and flower size, Phillipa Hudson shares her knowledge of coast flora gained through over 30 years as an active amateur botanist.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
7 days
Program Begins
Seattle
Program Concludes
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
16
| 6B |
5L |
5D |
Activity Level
Revel in the seascapes of untold beauty with expert naturalists, marine educators and environmentalists who lead you into their backyard world of the San Juan Islands and Salish Sea. Consider the environmental issues of the prairie bluff, beach, mountain and old-growth forest ecosystems. Journey by ferry to Orcas Island to witness the profusion of life and the fragility of beauty along Washington’s fabled diamonds of the emerald seas.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Enjoy coastal and wooded hikes on San Juan Island with views of the beach and mountains.
- Hike the old-growth forest on Orcas Island and around mountain lakes of Moran State Park and Mount Constitution.
- Search for Orcas and other marine mammals of the Salish Sea from the vantage point of the Limekiln Lighthouse.
Featured Expert
Cindy Hansen
Cindy Hansen, born in Gary, Indiana, received a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Washington and previously worked as a whale watch naturalist, education curator for The Whale Museum, and an expert at a gray whale camp at Laguna San Ignacio in Baja. She is currently the education and advocacy coordinator for Orca Network, and volunteers for the research organizations Orca Behavior Institute and Wild Orca. She also volunteers for Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and with the local animal shelter.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Shona Aitken
Shona Aitken has a degree in ecology and a background in environmental education in her home country of Scotland, and from two years spent in Sweden. She is currently the education coordinator for Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center on San Juan Island. She teaches people about local wildlife and increases awareness of the impact of human activities on wild creatures.
Bill Engle
Bill Engle is a retired postmaster of Shaw Island. He grew with a mountain-climbing father and a gardening, birding, environmental activist mother, and has always had a passion for the outdoors. He has lived in the San Juan Islands for more than 30 years and is the founding president of the San Juan Islands Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society. Before becoming postmaster, his role as a part-time flex clerk placed him in every post office in San Juan County.
Kathleen Foley Lewis
Kathleen Foley is the Stewardship Manager of the San Juan Preservation Trust and has been a staff member since 2005. In this role, she oversees the management of 30+ different nature preserves, conducts annual monitoring visits, and coordinates restoration activities and youth education. She is a Washington native with a long history of exploring the San Juan Islands and enjoys a wide variety of outdoor pursuits. Kathleen lives with her son, Evan, and partner, Bill, near the lovely False Bay on San Juan Island.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Walking 2-6 miles daily on varied terrain and boarding vans.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(9 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
Year
- 2025
Date and Direction
- May 04 - May 10 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
- May 17 - May 23 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
- Jun 21 - Jun 27 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
- Jul 05 - Jul 11 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
- Aug 02 - Aug 08 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
- Sep 06 - Sep 12 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
- Sep 20 - Sep 26 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
- Sep 28 - Oct 04 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
- Oct 04 - Oct 10 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
- 2025
- May 04 - May 10 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
- May 17 - May 23 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
- Jun 21 - Jun 27 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
- Jul 05 - Jul 11 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
- Aug 02 - Aug 08 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
- Sep 06 - Sep 12 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
- Sep 20 - Sep 26 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
- Sep 28 - Oct 04 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
- Oct 04 - Oct 10 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
7 days
6 nights
What's Included
16 meals | 6B | 5L | 5D |
5 expert-led lectures
9 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
6 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Seattle
Meals:
D
Stay:
Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program Registration & Orientation: After you have your room assignment, head to the conference room at 5:00 p.m. to register with the Road Scholar program staff, which is also where our Orientation session will take place. You’ll receive a welcome packet with up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, and other important information. If you will arrive later than 8:00 p.m., please ask for your packet when you check in. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Our Group Leaders will also serve as our hiking instructors throughout the program. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
In the Conference Room, we’ll enjoy a catered Northwest-style dinner plus coffee, tea, water.
Evening:
Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
2
Deception Pass Gorge, Fidalgo Island, to San Juan Island
Location:
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Earthbox Inn & Spa
Activity Note
Hiking approx. 2.5 miles near Deception Pass; about 2 hours depending on group pace. Rolling terrain, dirt paths, gravel in some areas, uneven footing, some exposed rocks and roots on the trail. Ferry ride is approx. 1.5 hours.
Breakfast:
You'll receive a breakfast voucher. Breakfast is served in the lobby restaurant.
Morning:
We'll travel by motorcoach to Fidalgo Island for a mid-morning hike along the northern shoreline of the Deception Pass Gorge led by our Group Leader and trail experts. The Deception Pass area is a dramatic seascape where the tidal flow and whirlpools beneath the twin bridges connecting Fidalgo Island to Whidbey Island move quickly. We'll hike beaches, forested bluffs, and rocky headlands that offer picturesque vistas of the area and opportunities to spot wildlife.
Lunch:
We’ll have our sack lunches featuring a sandwich, chips, beverage, and a chef’s choice fresh bakery treat for everyone.
Afternoon:
Next, we'll board our motorcoach and travel northward to Anacortes where we'll transfer to the WA State ferry bound for San Juan Island. You may wish to enjoy the view from the inside passenger cabins or from the outside decks as we take our 1.5 hour journey through the archipelago to Friday Harbor. Upon arrival at the dock we’ll walk about 5 blocks to the hotel to check in.
Dinner:
In the hotel conference room, we’ll enjoy a tasty meal featuring salad, a main entrée, sides, vegetables, and dessert, plus coffee, tea, water. You may bring other beverages of your own with you.
Evening:
We’ll then be joined in the hotel conference room by a local resident expert who will offer an insider’s look at contemporary life in the Islands and explores issues affecting island life.
Day
3
San Juan Islands National Park Wildlife & Hike American Camp
Location:
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Earthbox Inn & Spa
Activity Note
Hiking approx. 4 miles total on four separate segments; opportunities to shorten or opt out of route segments based on personal preference to abbreviate the total route length. Well maintained trail in most places, some gravel beach, watch for erosion on trails close to cliff edge; rocky shoreline and upland trails have several short modest elevation gains, including one section with elevation gain of approx. 300 feet.
Breakfast:
A breakfast featuring hot and cold choices and beverages will be served in the hotel conference room.
Morning:
After breakfast, we’ll gather in the hotel conference room for a presentation from a local expert on our local resident orca pods. We’ll also hear recordings of a uniquely social population using their “language” to communicate with one another. A quick review of the day’s hikes will follow. Later in the morning we’ll head out to the trail! Traveling via vans, our route will be divided into four segments, so opportunities to shorten your hiking for the day are available. You may choose to hike any or all of the four segments as you wish.
Lunch:
Out on the trail, we’ll have our sack lunches featuring a sandwich, chips, beverage, and a chef’s choice fresh bakery treat for everyone.
Afternoon:
Hiking will continue throughout the afternoon along the coastal prairie and bluffs in the San Juan Island National Historic Park at American Camp featuring views of the Haro Strait, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Olympic Mountains, and Vancouver Island. We’ll return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Dinner:
Served in the hotel conference room. Coffee, tea, and water are provided. You may bring other beverages of your own with you to dinner.
Evening:
Gathering in the hotel conference room, we’ll attend a presentation given by a local guest artist showcasing the creative and artistic spirits that are abundant in these islands.
Day
4
Orcas Island Hiking, Moran State Park
Location:
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Earthbox Inn & Spa
Activity Note
Hiking approx. 6.5 miles total over the course of the day on two hiking segments: Mountain Lake Loop is approx. 4 miles, up to 2.5 hours, on woodland trail with root and rock outcroppings, around 920 feet in elevation; Little Summit Trail is approx. 2 miles, about 1 hour, around 390 foot gradual decrease in elevation. Getting on/off vans; total driving distance of about 20 miles, with stops; transfers of approx. 1/2 hour. Getting on/off ferry; ride to Orcas Island is less than 1 hour one way.
Breakfast:
Early breakfast served in hotel conference room.
Morning:
At the dock, we'll board the ferry for a ride to the neighboring Orcas Island where we’ll go on a hike in the old growth forest as we circumnavigate Moran State Park's Mountain Lake, a local favorite for serenity and immersion with nature. At the end of the hike, we’ll take a van to the summit of Mt. Constitution to savor incredible marine views of the San Juan and Canadian Gulf Islands.
Lunch:
At the summit of Mt. Constitution, we’ll enjoy our sack lunches.
Afternoon:
Our hikes will continue on Orcas Island with the Little Summit Trail, which affords beautiful views of eastern Orcas Island and Rosario Strait from periodic vantage points. We’ll finish up our hike in the late afternoon and take the return ferry to the hotel on San Juan Island.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like in Friday Harbor. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Hike San Juan Island, Mt. Young, British Camp, Roche Harbor
Location:
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Earthbox Inn & Spa
Activity Note
Hiking approx. 5.5 to 6.5 miles total for the day, dependent on personal preference. Mount Young hike is approx. 4 miles; about 2 hours; elevation gain of about 650 feet; well-maintained trails. Bell Point Loop is approx. 1 mile; less than 1 hour; well-maintained flat trail. Afternoon Choice 1: 1/2 mile walk. Choice 2: approx. 1.5 mile hike; logging roads and well-maintained trails, some tree roots and minor rocky footing in sections. Driving approx. 14 miles for the day; about 1/2 hour total.
Breakfast:
Served in the hotel conference room.
Morning:
After breakfast, we’ll gather in the hotel conference room for a presentation by a local expert from San Juan Island Preservation Trust Stewardship, which will highlight a rare island ecology and the wildlife supported by these habitats. A quick review of the day’s hikes will follow. Later in the morning we’ll transfer in vans to head out to the trail! Opportunities to shorten the overall hiking distance available to those who wish. For the first leg of our trek within San Juan Island National Park, we’ll climb up Mount Young and make our way over and down into English Camp on the shores of Garrison Bay. Lovely views of the surrounding islands from atop the mountain makes for a fulfilling morning hike.
Lunch:
At English Camp National Park, we’ll enjoy our sack lunches.
Afternoon:
Easier going, the Bell Point Loop on the shores of serene Garrison Bay offers a more relaxed and serene shoreline trail with no elevation gain. Upon completion of Bell Point Loop, we’ll transfer via vans to historic Roche Harbor Village on the Island’s northwest corner. While in Roche Harbor, we’ll have a choice two walking activities that you may choose to do on own. Choice 1: Set out on a short stroll through an outdoor sculpture park where we’ll view various works of art and sculptures. Choice 2: Self-exploration of Roche Harbor Resort and it’s gardens and marina. John McMillan was the founder of the Roche Harbor Lime Company and built the Hotel del Haro, which we know today as Roche Harbor Resort. In the late afternoon, we’ll return by vans to the hotel.
Dinner:
Served in the hotel conference room. Coffee, tea, and water are provided. You may bring other beverages of your own with you to dinner.
Evening:
We’ll be joined by a beloved local musician in the hotel conference room and treated to an exclusive musical performance.
Day
6
San Juan Island Coastal Hike, Wildlife, Free Time
Location:
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Earthbox Inn & Spa
Activity Note
Hiking approx. 2.5 miles; about 2 hours with rest breaks; gently rolling terrain at sea level, well maintained single or double track dirt paths throughout.
Breakfast:
Served in the hotel conference room.
Morning:
A wildlife rehabilitation expert will join us in the hotel conference room to begin our morning with an informative presentation about the wildlife that call the San Juan Islands home. We’ll learn about the rehabilitation efforts and techniques of the organization while also learning about the specific characteristics of local species. Following our presentation, we’ll set out via vans for a hike along the grassy shorelines and beaches of San Juan Island starting from Jakle’s Lagoon parking area. We’ll experience the peacefulness of the national park's American Camp and Griffin Bay area beneath the cedar and fir canopy with its pristine lagoons and estuaries until we conclude near Cattle Point Lighthouse at the island’s southern tip.
Lunch:
At Cattle Point’s picnic tables with wonderful marine views, we’ll enjoy our sack lunches.
Afternoon:
We’ll then take some time to independently explore Cattle Point Interpretive Area, which includes views of the neighboring Lopez Island, shorebirds and cetaceans, the restored lighthouse, and remnants of the Navy radio station that was in operation from the 1920s through the 1930s. Returning to hotel in the mid-afternoon, take some time to enjoy Friday Harbor independently, or just relax.
Dinner:
In the hotel conference room, we’ll have a tasty farewell dinner, including coffee, tea, and water. You may bring other beverages of your own with you.
Evening:
In the hotel conference room, we'll have a short review of the program and tomorrow’s departure details. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.
Day
7
Program Concludes
Location:
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 7:15 a.m. Ferry transfer to Anacortes, WA, is approx. 20 miles; about 1.5 hours. Driving approx. 100 miles from Anacortes to Seattle; about 2.5 hours. Drop-offs at SeaTac International Airport and the starting hotel will be at approximately 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m., respectively. Scheduling outbound flights after 2:30 p.m. is advised.
Breakfast:
Early breakfast will be served in the hotel conference room.
Morning:
Once checked-out of the hotel, we’ll depart Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, via the Washington State Ferry. Upon docking, we’ll transfer to a chartered motorcoach and ride to Seattle with drop-offs at SeaTac International Airport and the starting hotel. This concludes our program. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
16 Meals
6 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
- May 04, 2025 - May 10, 2025 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
- May 17, 2025 - May 23, 2025 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
- Jun 21, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
- Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
- Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
- Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
- Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
- Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
- Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025 (Seattle to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island)
Participant Reviews
Based on 30 Reviews
Sort By:
Five stars for Two-Island Trek: San Juan Islands. Barbara and Kevin lead us through lush green hiking trails. In late September/early October, the weather was perfect temperature for hiking with a jacket and hat. One day, the fog brought a little mist. Another day, it rained early in the morning before our hike but the trail was dry by the time we went hiking. Each hike was unique. My favorite hike was around Moran State Park’s Mountain Lake on Orcas Island (4 miles). Then, we drove to the summit of Mt. Constitution for a lunch with a view. The ferry rides were smooth. We had several local experts talk about life on the islands, wildlife rehabilitation, and orcas and marine mammals. A local artist demonstrated her craft, and a guitarist/singer shared old songs with us. The hotel room was large and the food was very tasty! I am interested in taking this adventure again next year!
— Review left October 8, 2024
This was a great RS hiking trip. Fine accommodations, trip leaders and presenters all very personable and knowledgeable. Lots of variety in hiking locations and evening presenters and activities. Really glad we went!!
— Review left October 1, 2024
This was our new favorite Road Scholar program. Great daily hikes on beautiful island parks. Exactly what we hoped for.
— Review left August 10, 2024
Enjoyed the trip. Accommodations were nice, roomy. Food was good. Picnic lunches were fine. The hikes were great. Some challenge but nothing too technical or strenuous. Varied scenery with meadows, woods, beaches. Our guides were knowledgeable and informative. The guest lectures were informative and enjoyed all of them. I'd never been to the area and was thrilled with the scenery. We had great weather, so that always helps.
— Review left August 10, 2024
The scenery was beautiful. Sally and Bill were well prepared and very knowledgeable about the areas we visited. Their love of the San Juan Islands was readily apparent. Overall, the program met my expectations in almost every way.
— Review left July 26, 2024
If you like to hike or are interested in hiking along picturesque scenery, this is the program for you!
— Review left June 17, 2024
A great introduction to the Pacific Northwest.
— Review left May 28, 2024
These islands would be difficult to access on my own, and this program made the trip--with a pickup direct from SEATAC, and several ferry rides-- a cinch. The hikes are beautiful, and perfect for active hikers. Very little travel time in vehicles. Good mix of organized activity and free-time.
— Review left May 25, 2024
This was a very chill and relaxing experience in a beautiful area of our country. It was well paced, and I enjoyed all the hikes. The food could have been better. But overall I had a great time, and would recommend this program to anyone who enjoys hiking and wants to learn more about the PNW.
— Review left May 25, 2024
This program topped my list of favorite Road Scholar programs. The San Juan Islands are truly beautiful. The staff, lodging, and other participants all contributed to such a wonderful experience.
— Review left May 11, 2024
The Two Island trek in the San Juan islands was fabulous! The scenery was divine - both in the woods and along the coast - and the hiking was accurately described. We had fantastic leadership throughout, and I learned so much about the local history, flora, fauna, orcas! and more. Usually by the end of a trip I am ready to get home, but that wasn't the case with this trip - I wanted to stay on and continue enjoying the beauty and magic of San Juan island.
— Review left October 2, 2023
One of the best organized programs!! Lots of handouts and maps were provided to us upon arrival! Sally and Bill were terrific leaders and the variety of terrain changes on our hikes allowed us to enjoy incredibly beautiful coastal vistas and serene “forest bathing”. A great way to experience these “off the beaten path” islands!
— Review left September 30, 2023
FANTASTIC, such a great opportunity to experience nature's beauty, learn so many things about the area, and fell comfortable and at peace, knoiwng everything is taken care of by true professionals
— Review left August 14, 2023
We had an exceptional group of hikers (only 16) and leaders on this trip. Weather was perfect! I would not choose traveling in the Spring or Fall. For me, the weather might be too cool. Also because the later day ferries can be unreliable, I would suggest staying an extra night AFTER the program if you are flying, especially from another time zone.
The hiking is very doable, not much elevation and there are choices. Lots of different topography...forests with gigantic trees, open prairie, beach walks. Plentiful lunches transported by staff. A well organized trip with interesting educational content. If you love the outdoors, take this one!
— Review left August 3, 2023
This was a wonderful trip that I highly recommend. The San Juan Islands are beautiful and everyone involved with the program was warm and welcoming, including the other 15 people on the trip. Skagit Valley College runs the program and they do a great job.
You need to be in hiking shape to do this trip but most of the hikes do not have steep inclines so you don't have to worry about that. Also, if you don't want to do a hike or can't, you can always opt out. Some people would hike in the morning and then opt out in the afternoon. They would stay with the van and either nap/read in the van or the van driver would take the people to nearby sites while the others were hiking.
I will definitely be back to this beautiful part of the country.
— Review left July 29, 2023
This was a great trip from start to finish and even the weather cooperated nicely so we saw lots of colorful wildflowers in full bloom. Our leaders were excellent, and logistics were well-organized to maximize every experience. Handouts, daily schedule and lectures were excellent. Great variety of hiking and history each day -- and we were fortunate enough to see some wildlife including a raccoon foraging on the beach, harbor seals offshore, an island fox protecting its young, bald eagles, a wolf, and some big colorful slugs/snails to name a few.
— Review left June 3, 2023
What a wonderful place to spend time outdoors and the travel accommodations were so helpful - from airport to islands and back to the airport - so appreciated.
— Review left October 23, 2022
If you are lucky enough to have Sally as group leader and Bill as a hike leader, you are fortunate indeed.
— Review left September 4, 2022
Two Island Trek on San Juan Islands was a beautiful location for hiking. The history of the area was fascinating and there is much to learn about the plants and fauna. Hiking is the best way to explore this beautiful country.
— Review left July 5, 2022
The educational presentations were outstanding. Every one was appropriate, well planned, and entertaining. Hikes were beautiful and not too hard. A fun week in a special place!
— Review left May 30, 2022
What a great trip! Beautiful scenery, marvelous hikes (with options for those who want to walk more, less or not at all), and great food. Our micro (12 people) group was treated to lectures on island living, land conservation, wildlife (in the air, land, and water), island history and ended with an amazing musical farewell which included original songs about Road Scholar trips and the local Pig War from 1859.
— Review left October 16, 2021
Good program, beautiful scenery, and fascinating flora and fauna. Healthy, invigorating hikes.
— Review left October 11, 2021
This was a wonderful Road Scholar experience. Our expert, Mike, was a wealth of knowledge about the history and current status of the San Juan Islands. He has written numerous books on the fascinating area. Also included were experts in the flora and fauna, the local orca population, the ecology, and the overall health of the region. We learned the names of specific orcas and their habits. We walked to both camps of the boundary dispute and learned about the Pig War which almost escalated into a major conflict! Our accommodations, The Earth Box, was quaint, clean, comfortable, and centrally located. The meals were delicious and lovingly prepared for us on site by a single caterer. I loved meeting and reconnecting with new and old friends and hearing everyone's stories. This is a lovely trip and I highly recommend it to any adventurous traveler who loves hiking, seeing, and learning about the stunningly beautiful Pacific Northwest.
— Review left October 1, 2021
I had no idea how little I knew about the San Juan islands.
I want to tell all my friends that this trip will give them a new outlook into the San Juan Islands and the people who live there.
— Review left September 25, 2021
Beautiful hiking and good leaders.
— Review left September 5, 2021
I would encourage anyone who enjoys hiking to consider Road Scholar’s “ 2-Island Trek on the San Juan Islands”. You will not be disappointed with the hiking trails and the beauty of the San Juan Islands.
— Review left September 3, 2021
The San Juan Islands are beautiful. I enjoyed learning about the area. We had great hikes, informative guides and programs, and delicious food. I would highly recommend this program.
— Review left October 2, 2019
Wonderful hiking and scenery. Find out what it is like to live on an island and experience the Pacific Northwest at it's best. Lots of variety and Friday Harbor is a great location to use as a base.
— Review left June 30, 2019
***** I just returned home from the San Juan Islands!! Great trip, beautiful hikes, fabulous food, and great lodging! Bill is a born leader, very knowledgeable and pleasant, his team reflects his qualities. Frank prepared delicious food so every dinner was a culinary adventure!! I strongly recommend this trip!!
— Review left June 16, 2019
The previous reviewers are SO right, this is a marvelous excursion. The hikes are varied and beautiful and the local knowledge of our guides was really exceptional and made it more fun, even when we were driving to a trailhead. I'd say this trip is at the top of its exercise category as far as challenge goes. Our small group of 18, stretched out quite a bit as folks went at their own pace -- and that was OK. One new feature was that the guides encouraged everyone to upload their photos to a sharing website, so we all got to see each other's favorites.
— Review left June 9, 2019