Oyster Run 2025: Everything You Need to Know About PNW's Largest Motorcycle Run

Sep 14, 2025

Most people don’t realize that Anacortes was originally built as a railroad terminus, but when the rail line fell through, the town leaned into something else entirely: seafood, ferries, and motorcycles. That shift gave the area a different kind of energy, and the Oyster Run in Anacortes, Washington followed a similar path. What started as a small gathering of riders has grown into the largest motorcycle run in the Pacific Northwest, bringing thousands of bikes into town for one of the most talked-about weekends of the year. In this blog, we’ll walk through what the event looks like today, what to expect in 2025, and how to get the most out of your visit.

The Oyster Run Returns to Anacortes on September 28, 2025

This year’s Oyster Run will take place on Sunday, September 28, 2025, and as always, it’s completely free to attend. There’s no official starting point, no set schedule, and no mapped-out route. Riders come in from every direction, stopping at their favorite spots along the way and eventually funneling into downtown Anacortes. That flexibility is part of what makes the event so popular: how you get there is entirely up to you. Some roll in early to beat the crowds, while others turn it into a full weekend and stay in the area ahead of time. Depending on the weather, it’s not unusual to see anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 bikes show up throughout the day.

If you're flying in or just prefer to travel light, renting a bike once you’re here is the easiest way to stay part of the action. Browse motorcycle rentals in Washington and get your ride lined up before the weekend rush!

So, Who Started the Oyster Run?

The Oyster Run started back in 1981 with a small group of friends riding from Marysville to Edison, Washington, looking for oysters and a good excuse to hit the road. It wasn’t planned as an event, and there was no goal beyond grabbing food and enjoying the ride. But word spread, and more riders began to show up each year until it quietly turned into something much bigger. What made it stand out early on was how unstructured it was, since there were no sponsors, no specific route, and no pressure to follow a schedule. People just rode, met up, and kept coming back, and that same laid-back format is still what draws thousands of riders to the area every fall.

Why is it called Oyster Run?

The name comes from that original ride in 1981, when the group set out with one destination in mind: the Longhorn Saloon in Edison, where the oysters were worth the trip. It was never about building a brand or creating an official rally, it was just about the ride and where it led. Even though the event eventually shifted to Anacortes and grew far beyond what anyone expected, the name stuck. It’s a nod to where it all began and a reminder that the heart of the event has always been about keeping things simple, showing up, and enjoying the ride with good people along the way.

Oyster Run 2025 Highlights: What You’ll See and Do in Anacortes

Oyster Run 2025 turns downtown Anacortes into a full-day experience, with vendors, live music, and special performances spread out across several blocks. There’s no formal schedule to follow, but here’s what you can expect once you arrive:

Live Music and Performances

• The Seattle Cossacks Motorcycle Drill Team will perform at 11 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. on 5th Street
• The JP Falcon Band will take the stage on 7th Street from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Food, Shopping, and Merch

• Street vendors will be set up downtown from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with food, drinks, and local gear
• Official Oyster Run apparel, patches, and pins will be available at the northeast corner of 7th and Commercial
• Riders can also shop online for current and past-year Oyster Run gear

Support Local Stops

• Many riders stop at biker-friendly bars, restaurants, and shops along the way before heading into Anacortes
• Supporting these local spots helps keep the event going strong each year

Community and Clean-Up

• Volunteers play a big part in keeping the event organized, from traffic support to cleanup and first aid
• Garbage cans are placed throughout the area, and riders are encouraged to use them to help out the team behind the scenes

Best Scenic Rides Leading into Anacortes

Washington is a great state for riding a motorcycle, and since the Oyster Run doesn’t have a set route, it gives you the freedom to turn the ride into something personal. Here are a few options to consider if you’re planning your ride in:

• Chuckanut Drive (WA-11): This is one of the most scenic stretches in northwest Washington. It runs between Bellingham and Bow, hugging the coastline with wide views of Samish Bay and the islands beyond. It’s a slower, more relaxed route with plenty of pull-offs, and it drops you just south of the final stretch into Anacortes.
• Highway 20 Across Deception Pass: If you’re coming from the south or east, Highway 20 is the most direct way into town, and the section that crosses Deception Pass is worth planning around. The narrow bridge sits high above the water and offers one of the best coastal views in the region. There are state parks on both sides if you want to stop and take it in.
• La Conner Back Roads via Best Road or Fir Island Road: For a quieter ride through farmland and river country, the back roads near La Conner offer a relaxed way into the area without the traffic or pace of the main highways. Best Road and Fir Island Road both bring you through wide-open fields, water views, and stretches that feel a little more local than the standard route into town.
• Skagit Valley Loop from Arlington: If you’re coming from the south, you can turn your ride into a full loop by heading north through Arlington, cutting west through Conway, and then dipping back down through La Conner before reaching Anacortes. It’s a slower ride with open valley views and local stops along the way.

Looking for a little more adventure? Take a look at our blog below for more scenic motorcycle rides throughout WA.

Want a Local to Lead You into Anacortes?

Since there's no set route for the Oyster Run, how you get there is entirely up to you. Riders Share offers motorcycle experiences in the Seattle area led by locals who know the Pacific Northwest roads and can help you turn the ride into Anacortes into something worth remembering on its own. If you'd rather follow someone who's done Chuckanut Drive and Deception Pass a hundred times than figure it out solo, a guided ride is an easy way to make the trip in just as good as

Rider Tips for Oyster Run Weekend

If you’ve never been to the Oyster Run, it’s easy to underestimate how quickly things fill in. Riders who have done this before usually come in with a plan, especially if they’re dealing with ferry schedules or aiming for a spot near the center of town. Here’s what to keep in mind to make your day smoother from the start:

Tip 1: Get there early if you want to park close to everything. By the time most people are arriving, the streets around downtown Anacortes are already packed with bikes, and if you're hoping to park near Commercial Avenue, it's worth planning to arrive before 9 a.m. Riders who show up later often end up circling for a while or walking in from several blocks out.

Tip 2: Pay attention to where you leave your bike. While there’s parking throughout the area, that doesn’t mean every open spot is fair to use, and some business lots, alleyways, and side streets are either marked off or monitored closely throughout the day. If you’re not sure where to go, the volunteers downtown are usually quick to point you in the right direction so you don’t have to guess.

Tip 3: Give yourself extra time if you’re using the ferry. For anyone traveling from Whidbey Island, Port Townsend, or other areas that require a ferry crossing, traffic can start backing up early and delay your entire arrival. Planning ahead and aiming for an earlier departure is the best way to avoid missing out on the first half of the day.

Tip 4: Bring layers, even if the forecast looks good. Late September weather can change quickly, and it’s not unusual to start the day in cold fog, ride through sunshine, and finish in cooler air by the time you head home. Most riders bring a light jacket, an extra layer, and gloves so they’re not caught off guard if things shift.

Lodging Options for Oyster Run 2025

Many riders choose to stay in nearby hotels, Airbnbs, or local inns for the weekend, but the official Oyster Run team has also put together a list of lodging options that regularly support the event.

• Anacortes Inn – Anacortes
• Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott – Burlington
• Majestic Inn and Spa – Anacortes
• Red Lion Inn & Suites – Everett
• Stanwood Hotel & Saloon – Stanwood
• Swinomish Casino & Lodge – Anacortes
• Sunrise Inn Villas and Suites – Anacortes
• The Marina Inn – Anacortes

For more information, click HERE to view the full list of lodging options on the Oyster Run’s official website.

Coming In From Out of Town? Browse Motorcycle Rentals in Washington State

For anyone visiting from out of town, renting a motorcycle once you're in Washington can make the trip easier and give you more flexibility for the ride into Anacortes. Riders Share offers bikes across the state from well-known brands like Harley-Davidson, Indian, BMW, Honda, and Yamaha, so you can choose something that fits your riding style and plans for the weekend. Whether you're looking to explore a longer route or just want something comfortable for the day, having your bike ready ahead of time helps you avoid the last-minute scramble. Browse motorcycle rentals in Washington to see what’s available before the event fills up.

Watch for Official 2025 Oyster Run Updates

While the Oyster Run stays true to its informal roots, the official website does share updates on vendors, entertainment, and other details as the weekend approaches. It’s the easiest way to stay updated without overplanning, and a quick check before you head out can help you make the most of your time in Anacortes!