Cycling round the Island
/Lummi Island offers a unique combination of accessibility and tranquil beauty not found in other parts of the Puget Sound. Meandering roads hug the coast as they draw you into the natural beauty that is Lummi Island. The west side offers beautiful vistas of Orcas Island while the east looks toward Mount Baker and the majestic Cascade Range.
Lummi Island Concierge is now offering bicycle rentals, with cruiser and diamond frame options. You can pick up the bikes or have them dropped off anywhere on the island.
"Limited traffic ensures a peaceful ride," says Lummi Island Concierge owner Jackie Granger. "The experience will leave you coveting the laid back lifestyle."
Lummi Island Concierge
(360) 201-9351
lummiconcierge.com
2 bike minimum for minimum 2 days. $140 ($35 per bike per day - not delivered.)
Bicycling the north loop
A comfortable 7 mile ride. Level with some low hills and sea views most of the way.
Start at the ferry dock and go north on N. Nugent Road. You will be passing through "downtown" with the Beach Store Cafe, Post Office, Grange Hall, and Beach School in quick succession. Continue on the east shore with Hale Passage to your right, Mount Baker and the Canadian Cascades beyond.
In 2.5 miles a sharp turn to the left means you are at the north tip of the island. The road changes to West Shore Drive where you may see seals on their rock island just off shore.
Downshift as the road rises to peak at The Willows Inn. Just past the Inn, look for the entrance to Sunset Beach (at 3.2 miles) and enjoy the views north up the Inland Passage and Orcas Island to the west. Vancouver's skyline is visible on a perfectly clear day.
Continue south on West Shore Drive for sweeping views of Rosario Strait. There is a slight descent to Village Point, marked by a sea wall (at 4.7 miles). Be careful here—this corner is limited to a single lane with loose gravel. Here Legoe Bay opens to an amazing vista with the dramatic drop from Lummi Peak down Devil's Slide to the water. Look out for Mount Baker to be peeking over the rise to the east.
Sweep the arc of Legoe Bay and then up the hill to the Lummi Island Church (at 5.8 miles). Ready for a break? Walk the cemetery, labyrinth, or visit Church Beach, accessible at the back of the parking lot.
On past the fire station and left at the intersection of S. Nugent Road, you may congratulate yourself that it's all downhill from here. While coasting down to the ferry terminal, look to see Mount Baker and the ferry crossing.
Bicycling the south leg
A challenging set of hills the most ardent cyclist will enjoy, at least 7 miles.
Start at the ferry dock and turn south at S. Nugent Road. Take this straight shot all the way to Sunrise Road (at 1.7 miles) and follow the sharp left turn through deep forest. Turn right at Seacrest Drive (at 2.4 miles).
Seacrest Drive offers filtered views of Hale Passage and Bellingham Bay. But you'll likely be focused on your willpower over a series of steep hills leading to the Scenic Estates neighborhood, where Seacrest Drive becomes Island Drive (at 3.8 miles).
Here, uber-cyclers can continue up the switchbacks of Island Drive—a mere half mile climb of about 330 feet. Watch yourself on the narrow roads here, vehicle drivers are not accustomed to bicyclists in these parts!
Backtrack to return. Continuing straight (north) on Seacrest Drive will reveal new views of Portage Island and Hale Passage. Follow Seacrest until you intersect with S. Nugent Road again. Turn right and continue north to return to the ferry terminal.