Touring - San Juan Islands - Favorite?

I've biked the San Juan Islands in Washington over the years, but didn't do Lopez Island until last year. What a pleasant surprise. There was very little traffic and those cars that were on the road didn't go much faster than bicyclists. The scenery was fantastic - fields and flowers and farmhouses - and, of course, the sea. Lopez Village has a store and a bakery for coffee in the morning. And the camping at Spencer Spit was great - there's also a county campground just south of the ferry dock.

I've always enjoyed the San Juan Islands, but San Juan Island, itself, can be pretty busy - Friday Harbor is a zoo on weekends. Orcas is nice, but there are a lots of hills - plus the state park is a long way from the ferry and town and straight up. Never been to Shaw Island. Would like to hear from others. Which is your favorite?

PS - For Canadians, that's favourite.

Didn't vote because I've never cycled the islands. I've lived in the Puget Sound area my whole life and just started cycling in earnest last year. Shame. The Rocks are defnitely on my To Do List this summer. Last Sunday, it was Bainbridge Island and all it's hills. Tomorrow, It's Whidbey and more hills... Loping along on Lopez sounds just too good.

Never been so can't vote, even though I live right on the Sound (Lynnwood WA). Although one of my dreams is to visit Lime Kiln Point Beach Park on San Juan - it is supposidly the best land based spot in the world to watch orcas! http://www.parks.wa.gov/parkpage.asp?selectedpark=Lime%20Kiln%20Point

Just got back in from the long weekend on San Juan. It was great. Beautiful weather, Orca pods, geo-caching, wonderful riding with some good hills but nothing too bad. The west side is the best. I camped at the county park. I was pretty loaded getting to it from the ferry because I hauled all my food, but for the rest of the rides the bike was naked. The Lime Kiln lookout is great if the whales go by. Wonderful views of Vancouver Isle and the Olympics. The view of Baker from the ferry is also a delight.

Traffic was not too bad, with only a few inconsiderate drivers, but nothing where I felt at risk. Too many rich people have discovered the place from when I first visited over 20 years ago, but it is still nice.

Thanks for the heads up on Lopez, sounds great for a weekend. I've gotta do these kind of trips while I look forward to the chance for my next long one.

Lopez - - I have been on San Juan about a half dozen times, Orcas a couple of times, but Lopez totally blew me away. Spencer Spit is great for cookouts and bonfires late into the night. The driftwood is endless. Agate Beach has sparkling rock of every hue and great sunsets. And Davis Point had powerful tides that rush thru the strait plus zillions of sea lions on the rocks. My first time to San Juan Island was in 1989 - I'm guessing Lopez is like San Juan was in 1960. Plus Lopez has gentle hills. Give it a try.

lopez was the best, but i have to say, the canadian islands beat any of the san juans. especially saltspring island; it is much more of the "hippy" northwest that i was looking for, seemed much warmer and more genuine instead of the yuppied-out big houses on most of the san juans...

I do the San Juans annually and did a bunch of the Canadain ones last year. All are nice but I avoid Orca because the roads are not very bike friendly. Shaw Island is very nice - so is Lummi, there are some private ferries to some of the other. My idea of a great ride is a 2 day ride on Lopez in late Sept or early Oct - mid week after all the kids are back is school - realy pleasant experience.