Length: 39.8 miles
Pace: 12-14mph
Terrain: Mostly flat with a couple of hills
Elevation: 684’
Ride Type: Group
Cancelation Guidelines: Rain or Showers
Don't be late or you'll miss the boat!
DESCRIPTION
Join us for a scenic and relaxed bike ride through the lower Columbia River basin! This unique route features two ferry crossings that add adventure to your day. We'll explore the charming areas around Puget Island (yes, that's on the Columbia River, not Puget Sound!) and pedal through a wildlife refuge that's home to the endangered Columbian white-tailed deer.
What to Know Before You Go
Bring Cash for the Ferry: Each ferry crossing costs $3 per person ($6 total), and they only accept cash—no cards. The ferry portions cover 3 miles of our total route.
Pace and Style: This is a social ride with plenty of stops for photos and taking in the beautiful views. We'll break for lunch at Skamokawa Vista Park, where water is available—just bring your own food (a sandwich works perfectly). While we welcome riders of all abilities, please be prepared to navigate independently using the map and cuesheet from the Ride with GPS route in the link below. We strongly recommend pairing up with someone who rides at a similar pace so no one explores unfamiliar territory alone.
Route Highlights: The ride includes one mile of gravel trail through the wildlife refuge that's easily manageable on a road bike. There's a brief stretch (less than a mile) on Highway 30 with heavy traffic but a wide shoulder for safety. The rest of the island roads are peaceful with minimal traffic. We'll pass through Cathlamet twice, where there's a store if you need supplies.
Departure and Ferry Schedule
Morning Ferry: We're targeting the 10:15 a.m. ferry, which means wheels rolling by 10:00 a.m. sharp to allow loading time. Arrive no later than 9:45 a.m. to ensure you don't miss the group.
Drive Time: Plan about an hour from Salmon Creek, longer from Vancouver. Factor in potential I-5 traffic delays—the ferry won't wait for latecomers!
Return Options: Most of the group will aim to catch the 3:00 p.m. return ferry. There is a short cut across the island if we're running late. Faster riders who want to skip lunch can try for the 2:00 p.m. ferry instead.
Ready to roll? Let us know if you have any questions!
RIDE POLICIES
All registered riders are welcome and may depart at any time to ride their own pace and distance; please let the ride leader know if you leave the group.
REGISTRATION
Registration is required and almost always free to both members and non-members. Please scroll to the bottom of this page to register for this event.
ROUTE MAP
RWGPS Link: Puget Island via Ferry with Lunch Break at Skamokawa Vista Park
Start Location: Take Hwy 30 towards Astoria and turn off when you get to Westport, (tiny little town), about an hour drive from Vancouver. Westport Ferry Road on your right, may also be called Hungry Hollow loop Road which leads right to the ferry parking, (primitive, gravel parking, leave no valuables in your car).
NOTES
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to be a part of the announcements and safety briefing.
- Riders are expected to have read the Safe Riding Policy and be familiar with the Ride Style Definitions.
- Please direct questions to the ride leader orRoad Captain.
- Helmets are required. Lights (front and rear), RoadIDs and cell phones are recommended.
- Please complete an ABC Quick Check prior to arriving at the start (air, brakes, chain and crank; quick releases and a short ride to make sure all is working properly). And an ABC Quick Check once again at the start.
- Riders should be able to maintain the stated pace. Please communicate with the leader if you decide to go off route or not return to the start.
- Remember - we want to be awesome representatives for cycling and spread a love for our great sport locally by obeying all traffic laws and riding in a safe and courteous manner. Ride safely and have fun!