ANACORTES, Wash. — It’s loud, it’s proud, and it takes over Anacortes this time each year. The annual Oyster Run welcomes thousands of motorcyclists to the Skagit County city by Figaldo Bay. It’s the local version of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, only a lot smaller and for just one day.
On Sept. 27, the 43rd annual event invites all riders to join in for an unscripted day of riding, rockin-n-rollin’, eating, parading, and whatever else makes you happy. The bottom line: show up and have fun!
This is a family event and free to attend.
Story behind the name
What started as a few guys going for a motorcycle ride to round out summer has turned into a yearly gathering that now brings in thousands of motorcycle riders from around the country to attend; estimates have put the numbers at upwards of 20,000 at its busiest event.
It was the early 1980s when the first end-of-summer ride turned into a quest for oysters, and this group found their way to the California Tavern in Marysville, a well-known biker bar. The next year, those same friends decided to repeat that summer event and invited more bikers to attend.
By the 4th year, they had more than 200 bikers, and soon after that there were too many riders to stop by the little old California Tavern, and that’s when the Oyster Run moved to Anacortes.
Washington State Ferries
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reminds passengers that this event will bring heavy traffic to a couple of their ferry routes.
- Mukilteo/Clinton: With high demand for space, motorcycles may need to line up in the general vehicle line.
- Port Townsend/Coupeville: Reservations are the best way to avoid long waits.
If you’re traveling on either route that day, plan for extra time and expect delays. Also, expect a number of highways and roadways in Skagit County to be packed with motorcyclists on Sunday.
Nate Connors is a traffic reporter for KIRO Newsradio. Follow him on X. Read more of his stories here. Submit news tips here.
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