Susan: Ain't Doody did a marvelous review of the islands! The 4th of July week is VERY busy on any of the islands, so be aware that the traffic you run into will be heavy. I know that BikerHen came over and toured the islands last year -- you may want to check with her, also.

There are some amazing campsites on the islands -- on San Juan they are right along the beach where the whales are. THese book up WAY in advance, as do the B&B / hotels there for summer. Plan and book way ahead!!!

I have a book that may be helpful: "Biking Puget Sound: 50 Rides from Olympia to the San Juans" by Bill Thorness -- this is put out by The Mountaineers. Only one section is San Juans, but it is very good and has maps. Here's the link at Google Books:

Also SUNSET magazine has done short articles on the San Juans -- where to eat / stay / see before. I have no idea how long it's been, but maybe there is a search engine on their website?

As for the orcas: I've learned the way to see them is to be patient. We go and pack a picnic, take a bottle of wine, and sit on a bench or rocks along Lime Kiln near the Lighthouse. And WAIT. It takes hours sometimes. But the do come. We saw them finally at sunset one night -- hunting their way up along the beach. It is so worth the wait. Bring good binoculars! You can also rent kayaks in many places if you really want to get close! The "whale watching" tours I guess I have problems with -- yes, you get to see them usually, but they spend all day chasing those poor creatures with multiple boats, helicopters, etc.

Overall it is just a spectacular area!

Here are some useful websites:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/getaways/137818_lopezride04.html
http://www.thesanjuans.com/Biking%20...0Anacortes.htm
http://www.travel-watch.com/biking.htm
http://www.scs.unr.edu/~sulli_t/sanjuani.html