Overnight Trips From Bellingham Area
 

Hi Everyone

I am heading down to Bellingham R.E.I. on friday AM to pick-up a tent that I ordered and would like to do an overnight trip somewhere that would involve about 50 miles of riding each way. I just want to check out my gear as I wasn't able to do much camping last year. Any ideas as to a good little trip?? Was thinking about driving to Whidbey Island and cycling to Port Angeles or maybe up into the Cascades. Would it be a good idea to Ferry over to Friday Harbour and cycle there for a day? Any suggestions would be appreciated, I could drive a little farther if it's worth it.


Thx

50 miles is far from bellingham, but not far enough! of course the san juan islands are the obvious destination.

but you could just ride south and to whidbey; ride to fort ebey and, if possible, make it across on the ferry to port townsend.

Otherwise, kind of limited choices into the cascades up thereabouts, but you could always get lost on some of the FS roads behind concrete, etc. 50 miles doesn't quite get you into the heart of the cascades and is well short of the best bicycle touring destination for short tours in western washington, the mountain loop highway.

I'd totally suggest heading towards Fort Ebey, and fort worden in Port Townsend if you can make it. all the 50 miles of riding you'll need.

hmmm, I might be tempted to do this route, if I just wanted to test my gear (camp in Larrabee State Park). Way short of your desired distance though.

http://tinyurl.com/3tha7hr

I will admit that I have never ridden these roads, but chuckanut is classic, and the others look alright.
This route for a few more miles?
http://tinyurl.com/3l2v3uk

Maybe someone with more knowledge of the area will chime in. I am interested in the answers as well.

As long as I have safe place to park I can drive a little bit and go from there.

I live 5 blocks from Fort Worden in Port Townsend and you are welcome to crash in the backyard- sometimes all the camping is full at Fort Worden.

I lived in B'ham for 13 years, but it was awhile ago. Here are some suggestions:

1. Ride to Anacortes, take the ferry to Lopez Island, and camp at Spencer Spit.
2. Ride to Deception pass and stay at Deception Pass State Park, or go a little further and stay at Fort Casey.
3. One of my favorite trips ever was up to Lake Alouette in Golden Ears Provincial Park. I rode north from Bellingham on the Guide-Meridian, crossed the border, rode into Langley/Fort Langley (I can't remember if they're two different towns.) I took the little ferry across the Fraser and rode up to the park. There's a campground where I stayed the first night, but camped for free the rest of the week on a sandbar just across the river from the campground. Beautiful!
4. Go south on Highway 9 to Sedro-Wooley. There's supposed to be a park in town where you can stay. Or head east on the North Cascades Highway. There's a campground in Rockport.

Drive to either New Halem and camp at the State park there or go 9 miles up the road to Colonial Creek Campground. This is one of my favorite 2 day tours. Ride up and over to Mazama/Early Winters. It's approx 50 miles up and over from Colonial Creek. Camp in Early Winters.. it's cheap. Then enjoy the valley and get up the next morning and ride back over.

Another 2 day ride would be.... Well the San Juan's have already been mentioned so... So has Whidbey(my stomping grounds).. all the above ideas are good ones.

I"ve been to all of those places and they're gorgeous! Not on a bike though. Isn't there some camping down Chuckunut Drive?

Bekologist brings up some nice rides, maybe a bit long for your time so I think I'd go with your first idea and plan a later trip back.

I've been to all those place via bike. Yes, Larrabee State Park is on Chuckanut, about 7 miles south of Fairhaven?

+1, especially as to Colonial Creek. There should still be a lot of snow along the sides of the road as you climb up to the passes.

There are some good spots in British Columbia. Hope is around 77 miles from Bellingham. Harrison Hot Springs is 65 miles. Cultus Lake is 43 miles. The last of those places falls into the 50-mile range mentioned. However, Harrison Hot Springs and Cultus Lake are both popular tourist spots. Would that be an advantage or a disadvantage?