A Guide to Biking Whidbey Island Trails

Whidbey Island is a dream for cyclists of all kinds. From scenic road rides to forested mountain trails, there’s a route for everyone. This is a guide to biking Whidbey Island trails that will help you explore the island by bike—including where to ride, where to gear up, and how to connect with the local cycling community.

Staying safe while biking

Before hitting the trails, do you know the local bike laws? Here is a link you can use to review Washington State Bike Laws.

Maps for the Best Road Biking Routes on Whidbey Island

Whidbey and Camano Islands Bike Map is a color-coded guide which gives you key details on road conditions, traffic, and hill grades so you can ride with confidence.

Ride with GPS is an app you can download and center yourself over Whidbey Island, click “Explore Routes Nearby,” and discover popular local rides.

Best Road Biking Routes on Whidbey Island

First, let’s look at some of the island’s most popular road cycling routes. These options are perfect for riders looking for scenic views, light traffic, and a manageable pace. The landscape quickly shifts from forests to farmland and saltwater to freshwater. There is always something new around the corner. With plenty of local spots for food, places to stay, and free Island Transit buses (Monday-Saturday), making biking here a pleasant ride.

For example, South Whidbey offers a beautiful 25-mile loop that takes you from Langley out to Maxwelton Beach and back through peaceful farmland.

Meanwhile, in the north, Oak Harbor serves as a great base for longer rides. If you’re up for a challenge, head toward Polnell Point or take on the 40-mile Jones Road route.

For more trails, Ride GPS is a great resource to look at.

Top Mountain Bike Trails

Next, let’s look at Whidbey Island’s mountain trails. Whidbey is a hidden gem for mountain bikers, with some awesome off-road trails to explore. A great place to start is Trailforks. There are detailed maps of the island’s biking routes. Info on terrain, elevation, and estimated ride times. You’ll also find photos, videos, and updates from other riders. Create a free account to access the full details. This is just one of the guides which can help you with your biking experience.

The Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance highlights two popular spots on the island:

For the best trail recommendations and up-to-date conditions, check in with the Whidbey Island Bicycle Club—they’re the locals in the know.

Note: You’ll need a Discover Pass for parking at state parks, which you can easily grab online.

Where to Buy & Maintain Your Bike

Of course, having the right gear and support makes all the difference. Luckily, Whidbey Island is home to a couple of excellent local bike shops.
To begin with, Skagit Cycle Center in Oak Harbor has everything from bikes and gear to expert repairs.
In Coupeville there is a new store, Celerity Cycles, and they specialize in restoring used and vintage bikes. They also offer full-service repairs and customizing bikes.

Celerity Cycles (Coupeville):
Located at 107 S Main St, Suite E101, Coupeville, WA, Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM .

Skagit Cycle Center (Oak Harbor):
Skagit Cycle Center continues to serve the cycling community in Oak Harbor.

If you’d like assistance updating your biking guide to reflect these changes or need help crafting a new section highlighting Celerity Cycles, feel free to ask!

Join the Cycling Community

Beyond solo rides, joining a local cycling group is a great way to discover new routes and meet fellow riders.
The Whidbey Island Bicycle Club regularly hosts group rides and promotes cycling advocacy across the island. Plus, you can follow them on Facebook for updates and ride schedules.

Annual Cycling Events to Check Out

Throughout the year, Whidbey also plays host to fun and inclusive cycling events.
Tour de Whidbey, for example, attracts cyclists of all skill levels with routes from 10 to 162 miles.
In contrast, Mussels in the Kettles is a relaxed, non-competitive mountain bike ride held during Coupeville’s annual MusselFest.

Whidbey Island Bicycle Club (WIBC): A great way to connect with fellow riders. They host road and mountain bike rides throughout the year, and they’re active in local biking advocacy too. You’ll find ride updates and event info on their Facebook page or website.
Tour de Whidbey: This popular annual event draws cyclists from near and far. With ride options from 10 to 162 miles, it’s a fun way to experience the island on two wheels—no matter your pace or experience level.
Mussels in the Kettles: Held alongside Coupeville’s MusselFest, this non-competitive mountain bike ride offers a mix of scenic and technical trails through the Fort Ebey/Kettles network. Choose from three routes depending on how adventurous you’re feeling.

This is a guide to biking Whidbey Island trails that can help you get connected with the biking community while also enjoying the beauty the island brings!