Washington
Two-Island Trek: Great Coastal Hikes in the San Juan Islands
Program No. 16296RJ
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.
Participant Reviews
Based on 36 Reviews
SHOWING
A really fun, educational and scenic trip to Washington's beautiful San Juan Islands! Our three group leaders, Barbara, Cindy and Kevin, were top notch and went out of their way to ensure a wonderful experience. The ferry rides were also fun and the hiking was never more than moderate in length.
— Review left November 5, 2025
Best trip ever! The setting, the outdoors, the lecturers, and most of all, our group leader, Randy, and his team. If you have never been to the San Juan Islands, go with Road Scholar and put this at the top of your list.
— Review left August 10, 2025
Wonderful easy walking. May sign-up for Spring trip for wildflower display
— Review left August 1, 2025
This hiking trip was a perfect way for me to experience the San Juan Islands for the first time. Starting the adventure with a ferry ride to Friday Harbor was a great beginning. Friday Harbor Suites was a quaint, friendly hotel, with very spacious accommodates; bedroom, living room, with kitchen, suites. All of our meals were well prepared, delicious and plentiful.
Barbara, Bill and Kevin shared their experiences of what it means to live and work on a small island. The beauty, the challenges and the magic. We had great weather for hiking; cool, overcast and no rain. Bill, our hiking guide, seemed to know every inch of the islands and every trail, marked and unmarked. The evening sessions on the history of San Juan Island opened our eyes to the native populations management of land and resources, and the arrival of British and American soldiers to determine which country would remain. One evening we had a glass bead artist, who demonstrated firing a bead. Another evening a guitarist with a wonderful repertoire of songs, some well-known, and a few hidden gems. And a marine life group shared their knowledge of Orcas and other local sea life.
It was such a well-rounded trip. The hiking was key, but without our guides, the history and the people, it would not have left such a lasting impression. Thanks again to Barbara, Bill and Kevin. And to our daily lunchtime cookies!
— Review left July 22, 2025
Such a beautiful area! The hotel {Earthbox Inn} was so nice and very close to town. The hikes were lovely, but too short to be listed as Outdoor: Spirited, because several days were only 2 to 3 miles of easy terrain, and the other days were 4 to 6 miles of fairly easy terrain. Quite a few lectures--would have preferred more hiking time and free time. I enjoyed spending time with the other participants.
— Review left May 26, 2025
This was both my first hiking adventure and first Road Scholar trip. The experience was amazing and I hope to travel with RS again soon. Highly recommend this program.
— Review left May 23, 2025
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
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
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
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
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
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 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