2025 Memorial Day Bikepacking Trip

Itinerary

Saturday, May 24 - Monday, May 26, 2025

SATURDAY, MAY 24 - Fauntleroy to Manchester State Park

3:20 PM - Arrive at Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal

  • Arrive 40 minutes early for 3:55 PM sailing

4:00 PM - Depart Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal

  • 40-minute crossing to Southworth
  • Start call with Sar

4:40 PM - Arrive Southworth Ferry Terminal

  • Ride with Dad to

5:30 PM - Arrive Manchester State Park

  • Set up camp at hiker/biker site ($12/night, first-come first-served)
  • Call with Sar while setting up camp

6:30 PM - Dinner

SUNDAY, MAY 25 - Manchester to Port Orchard to Illahee State Park

7:00 AM - Wake up and break down camp

8:30 AM - Breakfast at Mom’s

9:45 AM - Arrive Port Orchard for Mosquito Fleet Fest

  • Event runs 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM at Port Orchard Waterfront

11:30 AM - LUNCH:

  • Whiskey Gulch (Waterfront restaurant with scenic views)
  • Alternative: Food vendors at Mosquito Fleet Fest

1:00 PM - Continue exploring Mosquito Fleet Fest

  • “Story Sailings” aboard the Carlisle II
  • Maritime museum exhibits
  • Waterfront activities

3:00 PM - Depart Port Orchard for Illahee State Park

  • 13-mile ride north through Bremerton area
  • Route: Follow SR-166 north through residential and wooded areas

4:30 PM - Arrive Illahee State Park

  • Set up camp at hiker/biker site ($12/night)

5:30 PM - Explore Illahee State Park

7:00 PM - DINNER:

  • Option B: Return to Bremerton (3 miles) for restaurants: - Anthony’s At Sinclair Inlet (Seafood with water views)
    • Harborside Fountain Park area restaurants

MONDAY, MAY 26 - Illahee to Southworth Ferry Terminal

7:30 AM - Wake up, breakfast, and break camp

9:00 AM - Depart Illahee State Park

  • 20-mile ride south to Southworth Ferry Terminal

10:30 AM - BRUNCH STOP Port Orchard

12:00 PM - Continue ride toward Southworth

1:30 PM - Arrive Southworth Ferry Terminal

2:00 PM - LATE LUNCH near Southworth Ferry Terminal

4:00 PM or later - RETURN FERRY OPTIONS:

  • 40-minute crossing back to West Seattle

5:40 PM - 7:10 PM - Arrive Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal

PACKING ESSENTIALS

Camping Gear:

  • Hammock with sleeping pad and sleeping bag
  • Lightweight camping stove and fuel
  • Cookware and utensils
  • Water bottles (refill at state parks)
  • Headlamp/flashlight

Cycling Gear:

  • Repair kit (tire levers, spare tube, multi-tool)
  • Bike lights for early morning/evening
  • Lock for bike security
  • Rain jacket (May weather can be unpredictable)

Clothing:

  • Layers for 45-65°F temperature range
  • Rain protection
  • Comfortable cycling clothes
  • Warm layers for evening

Food Strategy:

  • Saturday: Pack dinner from Seattle or shop in Manchester
  • Sunday: Lunch at Mosquito Fleet Fest, cook dinner at camp
  • Monday: Brunch in Port Orchard, pack lunch for ferry ride

IMPORTANT NOTES

Reservations:

  • State Park Camping: Hiker/biker sites are first-come, first-served ($12/night)

Distance Summary:

  • Total Distance: ~65 miles over 3 days
  • Saturday: 8 miles (Southworth to Manchester)
  • Sunday: 25 miles (Manchester to Port Orchard to Illahee)
  • Monday: 20 miles (Illahee to Southworth)
  • Average: 10 MPH comfortable pace with stops