Pacific Coast - starting in Bellingham or Seattle?

[tdelhagen]

I've already recieved some great tips - thanks so much.  Just thought I'd take a poll. 

Any suggestions regarding Bellingham vs Seattle are most welcomed too!

Also, any idea if you can get a ferry from San Juans to Port Angeles?  I'm debating between the Peninsula and inland routes through Washington.

Thanks!   

[lionstigersandben]

San Juans are spectacular, and the ferry is kind of fun. I'm against any big-city riding. It stresses me out, so I would avoid Seattle. Just personal preference. Enjoy the coast. It's an incredible ride.

[CMajernik]

Here's the site that shows where all the WA ferries go:

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/

[indyfabz]

I'd start in Seattle.  If you need accomodations before starting, there is a new hostel there that looks even better than the old one, which was nice.  You can catch a ferry to Whitby Island I think it is, so you don't have to ride in the city much at all.  Kitsap Memorial State Park is on the water and is quite nice.  Fort Woden in Port Townsed, where some of "An Officer & A Gentleman" was filmed) is also a nice camping spot.

[sanuk]

It's Whidby Island.  Whitby is on the North East coast of England. Although the difference is just one letter and the weather might be considered quite similar - cold and rainy - you might have trouble understanding the accent up Whitby way.

[mlegault]

I biked the Pacific Coast last year and went from Seattle via bus to Anacortes where we hopped on ferries to the San Juans.  It was nice in the SJ's but I preferred Victoria, BC area.  We went there and then biked down to Port Angeles.  I would've skipped the Islands and done more riding on Victoria Island had I known how beautiful it was!  Have fun.  It's all good.

[TimTyler]

Seattle's not so bad, especially if you're there on a Saturday or Sunday 

It's always fun to hop a ferry from downtown Seattle and instantly escape the hustle/bustle the moment you board the boat.

[woodhoud]

That's "Vancouver Island" ,the City of Victoria is near the SE tip. The Black Ball Ferry runs regularly to Port Angeles. Victoria is a great city with an International flair. A bit expensive though. The rest of the Island is a mixture of Forest and Inlets, quite beautiful. Vancouver Island is a bike tour in it's own right.

woody

[geegee]

It's Whidby Island.  Whitby is on the North East coast of England. Although the difference is just one letter and the weather might be considered quite similar - cold and rainy - you might have trouble understanding the accent up Whitby way.

Actually, it is Whidbey Island