Explore Skagit Valley 2023

ANACORTES

BOW-EDISON

BURLINGTON

CONCRETE CONWAY

DECEPTION PASS LA CONNER

MOUNT VERNON

NORTH CASCADES

SEDRO-WOOLLEY

Explore SKAGIT VALLEY

A visitors guide to a special corner of Northwest Washington

Welcome to Skagit County

The Skagit Valley is a study in physical contrasts, with views of the Olympic Mountains rising majestically across the water to the west and the Cascade Range towering to the east. The magnificent Skagit River that runs through the valley’s core has supported people and industry for more than 10,000 years.

Mount Baker, an active snow-covered volcano, is just the closest of the towering mountains, standing as a majestic backdrop, both as a place to play and a reminder that the powerful forces of nature shaped this valley.

The rich, diverse habitats, landscapes and seascapes are magical. Beauty is everywhere, whether in the breathtaking settings of farm fields and old barns, along wooded trails with tall cedars or on the riverwalk in Mount Vernon, the valley’s largest city.

The water, hills, forests and fields are just some of

the features that make outdoor recreation a central focus here. Every season has something to offer, from skiing and hiking to rock-climbing and fishing.

For those who want to enjoy nature more quietly, there are parks, gentle trails and beaches overlooking the blue water of the Puget Sound. When it’s time to head inside, there are two casinos, numerous shopping districts and dozens of restaurants, microbreweries and taverns.

The coastal cities of Anacortes, La Conner and Edison are widely known for their marine amenities, arts communities and museums. They complement the history-rich towns of Mount Vernon and Sedro-Woolley and the bustling pace of commercefocused Burlington.

We hope you enjoy and appreciate your time in this little corner of the world; we think you will.

O N THE CALENDAR IN 2023

FEBRUARY 4

2023 ANACORTES UNCORKED: A wine and food pairing event with wines from all over the Pacific Northwest and hors d’oeuvres from local favorites. Noon-7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Port of Anacortes Warehouse, 100 Commercial Ave. eventbrite.com/e/2023anacortes-uncorked-tickets-483537733377

MARCH 24-26

SICBA HOME AND GARDEN SHOW: All things related to outdoor decor, lawn and garden care, home improvement, and interior design from the comfort of your own home. Held at the Skagit County Fairgrounds in Mount Vernon. sicba.org/home-gardenshow

APRIL 1-30

SKAGIT VALLEY TULIP FESTIVAL: A month-long celebration of acres of blooming tulip fields. Music, food, art shows and numerous other activities. tulipfestival.org

APRIL 7-8

SPRING GARAGE SALE: Shop at the annual Spring Garage Sale at the Skagit County Fairgrounds in south Mount Vernon. skagitcounty.net/Departments/Fairgrounds/GS.htm

APRIL

SKAGIT CHILI & CHOWDER COOK-OFF: The Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce hosts an annual fundraiser at Farmstrong Brewing, 110 Stewart Road, Mount Vernon, usually in early April. Cooks compete and customers decide the winning chili and chowder. farmstrongbrewing.com

MAY 18-20

ANACORTES BOAT AND YACHT SHOW: Stop by and walk the docks, where you can browse boats and yachts of all sizes from your favorite brands, dealers, brokers and exhibitors. anacortesboatandyachtshow.com

JUNE 2-4

BLAST FROM THE PAST: Get retro at the annual celebration in downtown Sedro-Woolley, with shopping, arts, crafts, food, a classic car show and an open house at the SedroWoolley Museum. sedro-woolley.com/blastfrom-the-past/

JUNE 3-4

ANACORTES WATERFRONT FESTIVAL: At Cap Sante Marina. Features open-air car show; food vendors; arts and crafts booths; children’s activities including giant slides and water balls; live music, and other entertainment. anacortes.org/waterfrontfestival

JUNE 10

MONA ART AUCTION: The works of hundreds of artists are featured at this event in mid-June, the largest fundraiser for the Museum of Northwest Art in La Conner. monamuseum.org

JUNE 16-18

BERRY DAIRY DAYS: A celebration of Burlington’s farming heritage. Held on the third weekend of June, with food and live music at Hillcrest Park, a parade and the Berry Cool Car Show. Strawberry shortcake is the culinary star of the festival. berrydairydays.com

JUNE 30-JULY 4

LOGGERODEO: SedroWoolley’s celebration of logging history and horseback riding over the Fourth of July holiday historically includes a rodeo.Downtown, there’s a street dance and music at Hammer Heritage Square, plus chainsaw carving and logging demonstrations. Fireworks are featured on July 4 at Riverfront Park. loggerodeo.org

JULY-AUGUST

RIVERWALK CONCERT

SERIES: This family-friendly event on the Riverwalk in downtown Mount Vernon features an eclectic mix of genres from local bands. Concerts are usually held 6-8 p.m. every Thursday starting the second week of July and through August. mountvernonchamber.com

JULY-SEPTEMBER

BURLINGTON SUMMER

NIGHTS: This concert series features local bands throughout the summer, performing at the Burlington Chamber of Commerce Amphitheater, 520 E. Fairhaven Ave. facebook.com/BurlingtonSummerNights

JULY 3

BIG LAKE FIREWORKS

SHOW: Big Lake starts celebrating Independence Day the night before the big day. Show begins at dark.

https://bit.ly/3F4DOgJ

OYSTER RUN, ANACORTES

O N THE CALENDAR IN 2023

JULY 4

The Fourth of July is a much-celebrated holiday across the Skagit Valley, typically with parades, events, concerts and fireworks in Anacortes, Burlington, La Conner, Mount Vernon and Sedro-Woolley. Check city websites for updates.

JULY 8-9

SKAGIT VALLEY HIGHLAND GAMES & CELTIC FESTIVAL: The festival at Mount Vernon’s Edgewater Park on the banks of the Skagit River features bagpipe music, dancing, tartans, caber tossing, fiddling, sheepdogs and cultural demonstrations. celticarts.org

JULY 14-16

CONCRETE VINTAGE FLY-

IN: The annual event has grown to become a favorite fly-in for vintage, classic and antique airplane enthusiasts. Held at Mears Field Airport, 45389 Airport Way in Concrete.

concrete-wa.com/events/ fly-in/

JULY 15

SHIPWRECK FESTIVAL: Downtown Commercial Avenue in Anacortes becomes a street market for a full day for a flea market-style extravaganza. Early birds get their pick at 8 a.m., but the deals get better all day. shipwreckfest.com

JULY 15-16

SKAGIT ARTISTS TOGETHER NW ART BEAT STUDIO TOURS: Watch as artists demonstrate in their studios throughout Skagit County and enjoy art shows at local galleries. nwartbeat.com

JULY

ANACORTES KIDS R BEST FEST: The annual event, which usually takes place the second Saturday in July, hosts a number of activities and games for kids and families.

cityofanacortes.org/978/ kids-r-best-fest

AUGUST 4-6

ANACORTES ARTS FESTIVAL: This event features multiple stages including live music, artist demonstrations and plenty of unique art for sale, as several blocks of Commercial Avenue are closed off to host 240 juried artisan booths. A fine art opening event is held at the Port of Anacortes warehouse. Vendors offer a range of food, and adult beverages can be enjoyed in beer and wine gardens. There’s even a kids’ creative activity section.

anacortesartsfestival.com

CASCADE DAYS, CONCRETE

AUGUST 9-12

SKAGIT COUNTY FAIR: This county fair in Mount Vernon features traditional carnival rides, food, dancing and animals. The annual exhibition showcases regional 4-H and FFA members demonstrating their showmanship and knowledge of farm animals.

skagitcounty.net/fair

AUGUST 12

BREWFEST ON THE SKAGIT: Enjoy tastes from premium microbreweries, plus food and top-shelf local bands at this blues and brews block party at the Riverwalk in downtown Mount Vernon.

lincolntheatre.org

O N THE CALENDAR IN 2023

AUGUST 5

LA CONNER CLASSIC

BOAT & CAR SHOW: A viewing of antique cars and boats, a pancake breakfast, vendor booths and kids activities, usually held the first weekend in August.

lovelaconner.com

AUGUST

CASCADE DAYS: This old-time celebration in Concrete features a parade, logging demonstration, food and music, usually the third weekend in August. The event includes a chili cook-off, pie-eating contest, chainsaw-carving exhibitions and pet shows.

cascadedays.com

SEPTEMBER 22-23

FALL GARAGE SALE: Shop at the annual Fall Garage Sale at the Skagit County Fairgrounds in south Mount Vernon.

skagitcounty.net/departments/fairgrounds

SEPTEMBER 25

OYSTER RUN: On the fourth Sunday each September, Anacortes hosts an estimated 10,000 bikers during the annual Oyster Run, making it the largest motorcycle run in the Pacific Northwest. The one-day event, rain or shine, includes vendors, music, oysters and parking for thousands of motorcycles.

oysterrun.org

SEPTEMBER

B’TOWN FALLFEST: Live music, food vendors, fireworks, pumpkin pitching and more during the last weekend in September. burlingtonwa.gov/837/ BTown-Fall-Fest

OCTOBER 6-7

BIER ON THE PIER: With more than 40 breweries, cideries and food trucks your palate will experience tastes ranging from spicy and peppery to the citrusy and piney hops of the Pacific Northwest. With the beautiful views of the Guemes Channel and live music from local bands.

anacortes.org/event/bieron-the-pier/2022-10-07

OCTOBER

CONCRETE GHOST WALK: Explore some of Concrete’s most haunted locations while learning some of its history every Saturday night in October. Ages 16 and older. concrete-wa.com

OCTOBER

FESTIVAL OF FAMILY FARMS: Held typically on the first weekend in October. Find out what farmers grow in the Skagit Valley and meet the people who grow it. Sample beef, shellfish, produce, milk, cider and more.

festivaloffamilyfarms.com

OCTOBER

BREW ON THE SLOUGH: A day full of beer tastings and live music at Maple Hall in La Conner, in mid-October. lovelaconner.com/la-conner-beer-festival/

NOVEMBER 10-13

ART’S ALIVE!: Merchants showcase art exhibits and demonstrations ranging from pottery to dog portraiture. Maple Hall features invitational and open show exhibits.

townoflaconner.org/162/ Arts-Commission

NOVEMBER 19

SKAGIT WINE & BEER

FESTIVAL: Features over 30 Washington wineries and breweries and several local restaurants, on the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year.

skagitwineandbeerfestival. com or mountvernonchamber.com

DECEMBER

Tree lightings and parades usually take place in early December in Anacortes, Burlington, La Conner, Mount Vernon and SedroWoolley. Check city websites for updates.

F ARMS & FIELDS

Farming is the heart and soul of the Skagit Valley. While it is well known for its colorful tulip fields each spring, the rich soil here produces more than 90 crops, ranging from potatoes to spinach seed to berries.

As you drive through the Skagit Valley, tune your car radio to 1630 AM to hear “InFARMation” to learn more.

F ARMS & FIELDS

FARMERS MARKETS

Farmers markets featuring fresh Skagit Valley produce run spring through fall. Most have food and entertainment.

ANACORTES FARMERS MARKET

◗ 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, early May to October

◗ Winter market: Second Saturday, January through April

◗ Depot Arts Center, 611 R Ave.

◗ anacortesfarmersmarket.org

BOW FARMERS MARKET

◗ 1 to 6 p.m. Thursdays, mid-June to mid-September

◗ Samish Bay Cheese, 15115 Bow Hill Road

◗ bowlittlemarket.com

CONCRETE SATURDAY MARKET

◗ 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, late May to early September

◗ Concrete Community Center, 45821 Railroad St.

◗ Email concretesaturdaymarket1@gmail. com

ISLAND HOSPITAL FARM STAND

◗ 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, mid-June to mid-September

◗ Island Hospital rose garden courtyard, 1211 24th St., Anacortes

MOUNT VERNON

FARMERS MARKET

◗ 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, May to October

◗ Riverwalk Plaza, Downtown Mount Vernon

◗ mountvernonfarmersmarket.org

MOUNT VERNON

WEDNESDAY MARKET

◗ Wednesday afternoons, June to September

◗ Skagit Valley Hospital, 1415 Kincaid St.

◗ mountvernonfarmersmarket.org

SEDRO-WOOLLEY FARMERS MARKET

◗ 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, late May to mid-October

◗ Hammer Heritage Square, Ferry and Metcalf streets

◗ sedrowoolleyfarmersmarket.com

T ULIP FESTIVAL

T ULIP FESTIVAL

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival has been an annual event for over three decades, famous throughout the world. The event isn’t a single event at all. It’s more of a self-driving tour of fields with a variety of connected locations and events to visit along the way.

Mother Nature decides exactly when the flower fields will bloom, but the festival starts April 1 and lasts through the month.

Festival events usually include the Kiwanis Salmon Barbecue daily at Hillcrest Park in Mount Vernon; the Tulip Festival Street Fair in downtown

Mount Vernon; the Tulip Run; the Tulip Pedal bicycle rides; and the World’s Largest Garage Sale at the Skagit County Fairgrounds in Mount Vernon. There are also art shows and wine tastings along with the chainsaw-carving demonstration in Sedro-Woolley, a quilt walk in Anacortes and more.

Washington Bulb’s RoozenGaarde display and Tulip Town offer special views of the tulips, before and after the farm fields have been harvested.

For updates and information, visit the festival’s web site at tulipfestival. org or call 360-428-5959.

T ULIP FESTIVAL

For up-to-date information on Tulip Festival events and Bloom Map, visit tulipfestival.org

By Guy D. Corp, DBA grafixCORP.

SEE THE FLOWERS

WASHINGTON BULB’S ROOZENGAARDE

◗ 15867 Beaver Marsh Road, west of Mount Vernon

◗ tulips.com or 360-424-8531

RoozenGaarde is open all year, but a few acres of tulips are dedicated to display during the festival. Features include a gift shop, picnic areas, food, espresso and restrooms.

TULIP TOWN

◗ 15002 Bradshaw Road, west of Mount Vernon

◗ tuliptown.com or 360-424-8152

Walk through tulip fields. Enjoy art, activities, gift shop and more.

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W INERIES & BREWERIES

BREWERIES

192 TAPROOM & BEER GARDENS

◗ 1405 S. 2nd St., Mount Vernon

◗ 360-424-BEER

◗ 192brewing.com/192-taproombeer-garden-mt-vernon/

ANACORTES BREWERYROCKFISH GRILL

◗ 320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes

◗ 360-588-1720

◗ anacortesrockfish.com

BASTION BREWING CO.

◗ 12529 Christianson Road, Anacortes

◗ 360-399-1614

◗ bastionbrewery.com

BIRDSVIEW BREWING CO.

◗ 38302 Highway 20, Concrete

◗ 360-826-3406

◗ birdsviewbrewingcompany.com

CHUCKANUT BREWERYSOUTH NUT TAPROOM

◗ 11937 Higgins Airport Way, Burlington

◗ 360-752-3377

◗ chuckanutbreweryandkitchen. com/south-nut

FARMSTRONG BREWING CO.

◗ 110 Stewart Road, Mount Vernon

◗ 360-873-8852

◗ farmstrongbrewing.com

GARDEN PATH FERMENTATION

◗ 11653 Higgins Airport Way, Burlington

◗ gardenpathwa.com

LA CONNER BREWING CO.

◗ 117 S. First St., La Conner

◗ 360-466-1415

◗ laconnerbrewery.com

NORTH SOUND BREWING CO.

◗ 17406 Highway 536, Unit A, Mount Vernon

◗ 360-982-2057

◗ northsoundbrewing.com

TERRAMAR BREWING

◗ 5712 Gilkey Ave., Edison

◗ 360-399-6222

◗ terramarcraft.com

WINERIES

BERTELSEN WINERY

◗ 20598 Starbird Road, Mount Vernon

◗ bertelsenwinery.com, 360-445-2300

Hours: Tastings 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Profile: This winery offers a range of reds and whites, as well as an event center.

EAGLE HAVEN WINERY

◗ 8243 Sims Road, Sedro-Woolley

◗ eaglehavenwinery.com, 360-856-6248

Hours: Tastings 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Profile: Eagle Haven offers a range of reds and whites along with fruit wine. An adjoining apple orchard produces fruit for cider.

GLACIER PEAK WINERY

◗ 58575 Highway 20, Rockport

◗ Glacierpeakresortandwinery.com, 360708-3005

◗ Mount Vernon Tasting Room: 13821 Best Road, 360-419-9107

Hours: Call for seasonal hours.

Profile: Glacier Peak Winery produces estate wines, including pinot noir, agria and siegerrebe, as well as wines made from fruit sourced from Eastern Washington. Tasting rooms are in Rockport and Mount Vernon.

PASEK CELLARS

◗ 18729 Fir Island Road, Mount Vernon

◗ pasekcellars.com, 360-445-4048

Hours: Tastings 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Profile: Well known for its cranberry wine, Pasek Cellars produces a range of fruit wines, from blackberry to passionfruit.

SKAGIT CELLARS

◗ 106 First St. Suite G, La Conner

◗ skagitcellars.com, 360-708-2801

Hours: Tastings noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays

Profile: Wines are produced from Eastern Washington grapes.

SKAGIT CREST

VINEYARD & WINERY

◗ 105 N. First St., Suite 1, La Conner

◗ skagitcrest.com, 360-333-9819

Hours: Tastings noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Profile: Most wines produced using estate-grown grapes from a 6-acre vineyard in Sedro-Woolley.

TULIP VALLEY

VINEYARD & ORCHARD

◗ 16163 Highway 536, Mount Vernon

◗ tulipvalley.net, 360-428-6894

Hours: Call for seasonal hours.

Profile: This winery produces handcrafted red and white table wines made from Eastern Washington grapes and is home to Burro Loco Ciders made from locally grown apples.

D ISPLAY GARDENS

D ISPLAY GARDENS

AZUSA FARM & GARDENS

◗ 14904 Highway 20, west of Mount Vernon and Burlington

◗ azusagardens.com, 360-424-1580

This flower farm has a large collection of shrubs and flowering plants and features a full-service garden center.

CHRISTIANSON’S NURSERY

◗ 15806 Best Road, west of Mount Vernon

◗ christiansonsnursery.com, 360-4663821

Seasonal tours of the 7-acre garden site and a one-room schoolhouse built in 1888.

WSU DISPLAY GARDENS

◗ 16650 Highway 536, west of Mount Vernon

◗ mtvernon.wsu.edu/volunteer-gardens, 360-428-4270, ext. 227

Discovery Garden: More than two dozen gardens showcase hundreds of species of plants at the Washington State University Discovery Garden. Open from dawn to dusk every day.

Washington Native Plant Society Garden: The garden offers a resource for gardeners seeking to learn how to incorporate native plants into landscaping.

Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation Garden: See fruit varieties and growing methods in this 6-acre fruit garden.

SKAGIT ACRES

◗ 18923 Peter Johnson Road, Mount Vernon

◗ skagitacres.com, 360-424-6760

Enjoy 25 picturesque acres along Interstate 5 with a retail greenhouses, a gift shop and cafe.

R ECREATION

Bird watching, boating, kayaking, fishing, camping, hiking, climbing and cycling are just a handful of choices for those seeking recreation in the Skagit Valley.

Nature lovers will find so much to see, any time of year. Photographers will find this place is a dream come true.

There are trails to walk or ride and many parks to visit. Those who love water can fish in local lakes or the Puget Sound or float down the Skagit River in a raft. Beach combing is a favorite pastime.

Winter has its own special attributes. Come see the snow geese and swans that spend their winters here.   Enjoy the views.

R ECREATION

FISHING

There is an abundance of water for both saltwater and freshwater fishing here in rivers, lakes and bays. The Skagit River is home to all five species of salmon: chinook, coho, sockeye, chum and pink. Anglers can find trout — steelhead, rainbow, cutthroat, brown and brook — in local lakes and rivers. Warm-water species include bass, bluegill, crappie and perch.

Find state regulations at wdfw.wa.gov. Fishing licenses are required for ages 15 and older.

TOP FISHING SPOTS

Skagit River: Chinook: July-August. Winter steelhead: December-April. Summer steelhead: June-November. Coho: September-November. Chum: October-November. Pink: August-September (Note: They only come in odd-numbered years.) Sockeye: July. Sea-run cutthroat: August-October.

Samish River: Chinook: August-October. Chum: OctoberNovember. Coho: September-November. Winter steelhead: December-March. Sea-run cutthroat: August-October.

Pass Lake: Open year-round to fly fishing for catch-and-release. Excellent in early spring and late fall for fish averaging 15 inches.

Big Lake: Open year-round for largemouth bass, black crappie and yellow perch. Fishing tends to be best in spring and summer.

Campbell Lake: Open year-round and stocked annually. It holds rainbow and coastal cutthroat trout, but is known more for its warm-water species. Spring and summer are the best time for largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie, brown bullhead and channel catfish.

Clear Lake: Open year-round for rainbow and cutthroat trout, largemouth bass and yellow perch.

R ECREATION

PARKS

Skagit County is home to numerous parks from the North Cascades National Park in the east to Deception Pass State Park to the west. Here are some of the larger ones:

NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK

Location: Headquarters in Sedro-Woolley. Spans along Highway 20, sprawling 30 miles east of Concrete.

Features: Hiking, backpacking, camping, climbing, bicycling, boating, fishing and wildlife viewing.

DECEPTION PASS STATE PARK

Location: North end of Whidbey Island, south end of Fidalgo Island.

Features: Camping in tents, recreational vehicles or rental cabins. Hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, beach combing and bird watching.

Note: The park has 36 miles of trails and 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline on Rosario Strait, Deception Pass and Skagit Bay, as well as 33,900 feet of freshwater shoreline along Pass, Cranberry and Campbell lakes.

RASAR STATE PARK

Location: Off Highway 20, 19 miles east of Interstate 5.

Features: Camping, four miles of hiking trails and several playgrounds.

Note: This old farm site boasts 4,000 feet of freshwater shoreline along the Skagit River and lots of wildlife.

GOLF

AVALON GOLF LINKS

◗ 19345 Kelleher Road, Burlington

BAY VIEW STATE PARK

Location: Shores of Padilla Bay.

Features: On a clear day, the Olympic Mountains can be seen to the west and Mount Rainier to the south. Note: The park has 1,285 feet of saltwater shoreline along Joe Hamel Beach. The Breazeale Interpretive Center at Padilla Bay is a half-mile north of the park.

◗ 360-757-1900 or 800-624-0202, avalonlinks.com

◗ Holes: 27. Length: 10,080 yards

Public

GATEWAY GOLF COURSE

◗ 1288 Fruitdale Road, Sedro-Woolley

◗ 360-814-4201, golflink.com/golf-courses/wa/sedro-woolley/ gateway-golf-course

◗ Holes: 9. Length: 3,050 yards

Public

ROCKPORT STATE PARK

Location: Eight miles east of Concrete. Features: The 670-acre day-use park showcases an ancient old-growth forest with massive Douglas fir, cedar and maple trees.

OVERLOOK GOLF COURSE

◗ 17523 Highway 9, Mount Vernon

◗ 360-422-6444, overlookgc.com

◗ Holes: 9. Length: 2,261 yards

Public

SWINOMISH GOLF LINKS

◗ 12518 Christianson Road, Anacortes

◗ 360-293-3444, swinomishcasinoandlodge.com/ golf/the-course

◗ Holes: 18. Length: 6,177 yards

Public

SKAGIT GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

◗ 16701 Country Club Drive, Burlington

◗ 360-757-4081, skagitgolfclub.com

◗ Holes: 18. Length: 6,063 yards

Private

R ECREATION

FIND A TRAIL

ANACORTES COMMUNITY FOREST LANDS

Location: Anacortes

Distance: 50 miles

Getting there: The 2,800 acres are in the center of Anacortes.

Notable: A large network of easy to moderate trails that pass by lakes,Mount Erie and Sugarloaf Mountain. Find maps at Anacortes Parks & Recreation, City Hall.

PORT OF SKAGIT TRAILS

Location: Burlington

Distance: 10.2 miles

Getting there: Park at the corner of Ovenell Road and Higgins Airport Way, or the corner of Josh Wilson Road and Higgins Airport Way.

Notable: Gravel trail system winds through forest and wetlands.

MOUNTAIN BIKE ROUTES CASCADE TRAIL

Location: Sedro-Woolley

Distance: 22.5 miles

Getting there: Park along Highway 20.

Notable: A rails-to-trails effort, the Cascade Trail runs from Sedro-Woolley to Concrete.

NORTHERN STATE RECREATION AREA

Location: Sedro-Woolley

Distance: 4 miles

Getting there: North of Highway 20 on Helmick Road east of Sedro-Woolley.

Notable: Trail is on the grounds of former farming operations at Northern State Hospital.

LITTLE MOUNTAIN

Location: Mount Vernon

Distance: 10 miles

Getting there: At Little Mountain Park.

Notable: Trails cross the flanks of Little Mountain, from the park entrance to its summit.

R ECREATION

BIRDING

Thousands of snow geese and trumpeter swans visit the lowlands each winter. To the east, the county is known as a terrific place to view bald eagles along the Skagit River. January’s Skagit Eagle Festival is a monthlong celebration of the birds held in Concrete, Rockport and Marblemount.The Edison Bird Festival in late February is another nod to area birds and includes guided birding trips and a chicken parade. The Skagit Audubon Society’s list of recommended bird-watching sites includes:

SKAGIT BAY, SKAGIT WILDLIFE AREA

A variety of species can be seen in the Wylie Slough Area, the Jensen Access and the North Fork Access.

SAMISH FLATS, BETWEEN PADILLA BAY AND ALICE BAY

Raptors, waterfowl and passerines.

SKAGIT FLATS ON FIR ISLAND

Snow geese, trumpeter and tundra swans and raptors are frequently seen in winter.

PADILLA BAY NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE, PADILLA BAY

Tour exhibits at Breazeale Interpretive Center. Tuesday through Saturday.

WASHINGTON PARK, ANACORTES

A great spot for seabird watching.

CYCLING

When riders want open space to roll, Skagit County is the place to go. Bike maps are available at local chambers of commerce.

BIKE MS: DECEPTION PASS CLASSIC

◗ Early September

◗ main.nationalmssociety.org

Two-day journey through Skagit, Whatcom and Island counties. As many as 2,000 riders will cruise along scenic figure-eight courses ranging from 22 to 97 miles each day.

TULIP PEDAL

◗ April, La Conner

◗ tulipfestival.org

Ride past flowers and fields on 20-, 40- and 60-mile routes.

SPRING CLASSIC

◗ May, Mount Vernon

◗ skagitbicycleclub.org

Rides of 100, 65, 45 and 25 miles on the Saturday before Mother’s Day (May 13, 2023), starting and finishing at Tulip Town. Up to 800 riders have participated in previous races.

ExperienceSkagitHistory

Threeoutstandinggalleriesoffascinating Skagithistory.Preservingandpresenting thehistoryofSkagitCounty ‘forallpeople,foralltime’.

ComeexploreSkagitHistoryatthetop ofthehill!

SKAGITCOUNTYHISTORICALMUSEUM

CallorcheckthewebsiteforMuseumschedule skagitcounty.net/museum 501S.4thSt.,LaConner•360-466-3365 ThisprojectreceivedfundingfromSkagitCounty•visitskagitvalley.com

HIKING

FAMILY FRIENDLY CUMBERLAND CREEK

INTERPRETIVE TRAIL

Location: Sedro-Woolley

Distance: 2.5 miles

Getting there: From the South Skagit Highway Park and Ride off Highway 9 in Sedro-Woolley, take South Skagit Highway 12 miles east. Turn left into driveway at 34183 South Skagit Highway.

SUPER SCENIC

GOOSE ROCK PERIMETER/ SUMMIT TRAILS

Location: Near south end of Fidalgo Island

Distance: 3 miles

Getting there: On the south side of Deception Pass Bridge, turn into the lot and head down the staircase to the NW Goose Rock Summit trailhead. The trail leads to the top.

SHORT AND SWEET POMONA GRANGE PARK

Location: North of Burlington

Distance: 0.4 mile

Getting there: I-5 to exit 232. Turn right on Cook Road. Go north at the stoplight on Old Highway 99. In about 3.5 miles, the park is on the right.

Note: Easy for all ages with interpretive signs along the way.

LEG BURNER OYSTER DOME

Location: Bow

Distance: 5 miles

Getting there: From I-5, take Highway 11 (Chuckanut Drive) north for 10.2 miles. Trailhead is on the right at milepost 10. Note: Trail twists and climbs through the Chuckanut Mountains and ends atop a rocky outcropping with views of the San Juan Islands.

ADA ACCESSIBLE SKAGIT RIVER TRAIL

Location: East of Sedro-Woolley

Distance: 1 mile ADA accessible, 2.5-mile loop

Getting there: From Highway 20 in SedroWoolley, head east for about 15 miles. Turn south on Lusk Road and continue one mile. Turn east on Cape Horn Road and go one mile to Rasar State Park entrance.

Note: Trail is situated along the north shore of the Skagit River. The first portion is wheelchair accessible.

AUTO RACING

Rubber meets dirt with sprint cars and more at this popular dirt track from April to September.

SKAGIT SPEEDWAY

◗ 4796 Old Highway 99 North, Burlington

◗ 360-724-3567

◗ skagitspeedway.com

Skagit Speedway, located on Old Highway 99 between Burlington and Alger, hosts several sprint-car series and other classifications. Highlights include the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup and an annual visit by the World of Outlaws sprint-car series. Special events include stunt shows and fireworks. Camping is available.

KAYAKING

Paddling across the waters of Skagit County and the nearby San Juan Islands is a must for those who love the water. If you need to rent a kayak or standup paddleboard, there are options in Anacortes:

◗ Anacortes Kayak Tours (anacorteskayaktours.com) offers half-day, full-day and multi-day sea kayak tours departing from Anacortes and venturing throughout the San Juan Islands.

◗ Blue Otter Outfitters (blueotter.com) rents kayaks and other equipment.

G ETTING THERE

SKAGIT REGIONAL AIRPORT

portofskagit.com/skagit-regionalairport, 360-757-0011

Located off Highway 20 between Burlington and Anacortes near Bayview Business Park, Skagit Regional Airport is operated by the Port of Skagit County.

ANACORTES AIRPORT

portofanacortes.com/airport, 360-299-1828

Anacortes Airport, on the northwest corner of Fidalgo Island, hosts corporate and private aircraft. San Juan Airlines operates several daily flights to the San Juan Islands. Charters and scenic flights are available.

CONCRETE AIRPORT

townofconcrete.com/airport.php, 360-853-8401

Also known as Mears Field, the airport is a public airfield.

AMTRAK

amtrak.com

Amtrak’s Cascades line operates between Vancouver, British Columbia, to Eugene, Oregon, with a stop in downtown Mount Vernon at Skagit Station, 105 E. Kincaid St.

GUEMES ISLAND FERRY

skagitcounty.net/Departments/PublicWorksFerry/ferry.htm, 360-293-6433

Skagit County provides ferry service for passengers and vehicles from Anacortes across the Guemes Channel to Guemes Island. The dock is located at Sixth Street and I Avenue. It’s a fiveminute trip.

SKAGIT TRANSIT

skagittransit.org, 360-757-4433

Skagit Transit provides bus service throughout the county and offers connector service to Bellingham, Everett and Whidbey Island. The main transfer location for most routes is at 105 E. Kincaid St. in downtown Mount Vernon. Service offered for those with disabilities.

WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES

wsdot.wa.gov/ferries, 206-464-6400, 1-888-808-7977

Washington State Ferries provides frequent daily passenger and car service from Anacortes to Orcas Island, Lopez Island, Shaw Island and Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. The terminal is located on Highway 20, about three miles west of downtown Anacortes. Ferry service to Sidney, British Columbia, is usually available, except in winter.

Mount BakerSnoqualmie National Forest

Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Mount BakerSnoqualmie National Forest

BakerSnoqualmie

W HILE YOU ARE HERE

ANACORTES

◗ Picnic at Seafarers’ Memorial Park and watch boats coming in and out of Cap Sante Marina, or head to Causland Memorial Park a few blocks west of downtown.

◗ Drive to the top of Mount Erie, a lookout about 20 minutes from downtown in the center of the island.

◗ Check out the Anacortes Community Forest Lands: 2,800 acres with a trail system for hikers and bicyclists. There are also trails along the waterfront, including the Tommy Thompson and Guemes Channel trails.

◗ See the town from above via the Cap Sante Viewpoint, just blocks from the walkable downtown business district.

CAP SANTE PARK

TOMMY THOMPSON TRAIL

W HILE YOU ARE HERE

LOGGERODEO

SEDRO-WOOLLEY

◗ Stroll by the wood carvings and murals downtown, many of which can be found along Metcalf Street.

◗ The Sedro-Woolley Museum features artifacts from the early days of the rival logging and mining towns of Sedro and Woolley.

◗ Visit the Northern State Recreation Area just northeast of town off Highway 20. The 651-acre regional park offers hiking and biking trails, as well as a discgolf course.

315325-1

◗ Picnic at Riverfront Park, which has two shelters with barbecue pits, a camping area and a boat launch.

W HILE YOU ARE HERE

BOW/EDISON

◗ Check out the eclectic art and food scene, from homemade bread to oysters from the nearby bay and live music, most notably on Sundays.

CHICKEN PARADE

CONCRETE

◗ Visit Silo Park to check out the iconic silos that tower over Highway 20 before visiting the quaint business district for lunch or gluten-free baked goods.

◗ Enjoy a film at the Concrete Theatre, which was built in 1923, and try the treats at the Act One Ice Cream Parlor, next door to the theater.

GUEMES FERRY

GUEMES ISLAND

◗ Take a five-minute ferry ride from downtown Anacortes to reach this island across the channel. Trek up Guemes Mountain for a view of the neighboring San Juan Islands. The 1.2-mile hiking trail heads 550 feet to the summit.

◗ Visit Young’s Park, a 13-acre park next to Guemes Island Resort. The park offers picnic areas and water access.

CONWAY

◗ Watch for birds on Fir Island. Snow geese and trumpeter swans spend winters here. Eagles and herons can be seen throughout the year. Spring is prime time for shorebirds and songbirds.

FIR ISLAND

BURLINGTON

◗ Explore Skagit Valley’s primary shopping district, including the historic district on Fairhaven Avenue.

◗ Skagit River Park features 20 soccer fields, 24 horseshoe pits, a trail and dike access for walking along the river.

MARBLEMOUNT

◗ Check out Glacier Peak Resort and Winery, which offers tent camping, RV hookups and cabins. Shuttles run to destinations for fishing, hiking or kayaking.

LYMAN

◗ Explore the Cascade Trail, a popular route for walkers, joggers and bicyclists that passes through town with access to a park featuring barbecue pits and a horseshoe pit.

◗ Stop by the historic Minkler Mansion at 8405 S. Main St., built in 1891 by pioneer mill owner and statesman Birdsey Minkler.

PRESSENTIN PARK, MARBLEMOUNT

BAY VIEW

◗ Take in the view from Bay View State Park. The 25-acre state park offers camping amenities and a trail along the bay.

◗ Visit the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, which features the Breazeale Interpretive Center aquarium, where visitors can see marine life in the bay up close. The center is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Award-WinningDeli&Bakery

PADILLA BAY NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE

W HILE YOU ARE HERE

NEWHALEM/ DIABLO

◗ Abundant waterfalls spill from the North Cascades mountains. The popular Gorge Creek Falls is about 3 miles east of Newhalem along Highway 20.

◗ Take the interpretive Trail of the Cedars nature walk. The flat loop trail is 0.3 miles, starting with walk across the Skagit River on a moving bridge.

◗ Enjoy Seattle City Light’s Diablo Lake boat tour in the summer, taking in the scenery and learning about wildlife, as well as the man-made wonders that provide hydroelectric power.

NEWHALEM

SWINOMISH GOLF LINKS

TRIBAL COMMUNITIES

◗ The Skagit Casino Resort is adjacent to Interstate 5 north of Burlington and operated by the Upper Skagit Tribe.

◗ The Swinomish Casino & Lodge is on Highway 20 heading into Anacortes. The nearby Swinomish Golf Links, an 18-hole course, is also operated by the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community.

◗ The Fidalgo Bay RV Resort at the entrance to Anacortes is operated by the Samish Indian Nation and offers RV sites and water view cabins.

W HILE YOU ARE HERE

MOUNT VERNON

◗ Walk along the river. Beginning at Lions Park, the Skagit Riverwalk continues south along the east bank of the river in front of downtown.

◗ The downtown area with its quaint shops and restaurants is also the location of its historic Lincoln Theatre, built in 1926. Live performances and movies are held there.

◗ Visit Little Mountain Park for stunning views of the Skagit Valley, the San Juan Islands and the Olympic Mountains.

TULIP FESTIVAL STREET FAIR

ROCKPORT

◗ The Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center at Howard Miller Steelhead Park is open weekends in December and January, your best chance at seeing eagles feast on salmon.

◗ Anglers and boaters can launch from Howard Miller Steelhead Park, which also features a playground, RV hookups and tent camping sites.

◗ Visit Rockport State Park, which offers old-growth forest and access to climb to the top of Sauk Mountain.

SAUK MOUNTAIN NEAR ROCKPORT

W HILE YOU ARE HERE

LA CONNER

◗ See the colorful Rainbow Bridge.

◗ Visit local museums, including the Skagit County Historical Museum, the Museum of Northwest Art and the Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum.

◗ Enjoy La Conner’s Sculpture Exhibit, which changes each year.

BOAT PARADE

RAINBOW BRIDGE

W HILE YOU ARE HERE

CLEAR LAKE & BIG LAKE

◗ Visit the lake in the summer for fishing, boating and swimming.

◗ Play the nine-hole Overlook Golf Course with views of the lake.

HAMILTON

◗ Visit Main Street, which features a park, a public picnic area and covered gazebo with kitchen facilities and restrooms.

BIG LAKE

T OURS

BOAT TOURS

Boat and powerhouse tours and North Cascades expeditions are offered by Seattle City Light, which operates the Skagit Hydroelectric Project in the North Cascades.

Boat tours on Diablo Lake at the base of Ross Dam are offered first-come, first-served Thursdays through Mondays from late June through early September, as well as Saturdays and Sundays the last half of September. Guides lead a short walk to the boat dock for a four-hour tour. It ends with a locally sourced lunch at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center.

NATURE BOAT TOURS

Boat tours offer a chance to see a variety of marine life, including whales, seals, porpoise, otters and numerous birds. Tour options out of Anacortes include Island Adventures, Mystic Sea Charters and Outer Island Excursions. Another option, Deception Pass Tours, leaves from the area state park. The main season usually runs from April to October, but some tours start earlier. Private charters for other types of boat tours and fishing are also available from private companies. Rates vary.

ISLAND ADVENTURES

◗ island-adventures.com

◗ 1-800-465-4604 or 360-293-2428

OUTER ISLAND EXCURSIONS

◗ outerislandx.com

◗ 360-376-3711

DECEPTION PASS TOURS

◗ deceptionpasstours.com

◗ 1-888-909-8687

T OURS

RAFTING

The upper section of the Skagit River, rated as Class II-III, is good for ages 6 and older. The four-hour rafting journey down this 10-mile stretch offers moderate whitewater. For a calmer float, try a fall trip to watch the colors turn, or book a salmon- and eagle-viewing trip during winter. The latter takes you down a 10-mile stretch of the Skagit River that passes through a bald eagle sanctuary. Several tour groups can be found online searching “skagit rafting.”

E NTERTAINMENT

Music, dance, theater and stunning photography can be found in even the smallest of communities.  Theater groups, symphony, opera, chorales, choruses and a variety of local bands contribute to a rich cultural environment.

TOP VENUES

MCINTYRE HALL

McIntyre Hall is Skagit County’s premier performing arts hall, located on the Skagit Valley College campus in Mount Vernon with a seating capacity of 651 and a conference center. 360-416-7727, ext. 2; 866-624-6897, ext. 2; mcintyrehall.org

LINCOLN THEATRE

The Lincoln Theatre in downtown Mount Vernon is a legendary performing arts venue and movie house. This venue was built in 1926 and has been renovated over the years into a premier stage for performances and events, including independent films, dance and high-def broadcast of opera. 360-336-8955, lincolntheatre.org

MCINTYRE HALL

E NTERTAINMENT

ANACORTES COMMUNITY THEATRE

The Anacortes Community Theatre, founded in 1964, performs musicals, comedies and dramas as well as shows written and produced by local playwrights.

360-293-6829, acttheatre.com

MUSEUM OF NORTHWEST ART

The Museum of Northwest Art is one of the most influential art museums in the Pacific Northwest, focusing on exhibiting, preserving and interpreting Northwest art and artists. Its permanent collection has more than 2,500 pieces. Admission to this museum in La Conner is free.

360-466-4446, monamuseum.org

PHILLIP TARRO THEATRE

Skagit Valley College’s 210-seat Phillip Tarro Theatre on the Mount Vernon campus is an intimate venue for smaller productions, panels or workshops.

360-416-7723, skagit.edu

ROCKFISH GRILL

The Rockfish hosts numerous livemusic concerts in an intimate setting at 320 Commercial Ave. in downtown Anacortes.

anacortesrockfish.com

THE OLD EDISON INN

The classic old-school tavern draws a crowd with live music on the weekends, competitive shuffleboard and some of the best food in the county. It’s the longtime center of entertainment in the Bow community.

theoldedison.com

EAGLE HAVEN WINERY

A rural setting just east of SedroWoolley on the way to Highway 20, Eagle Haven features summer concerts and events, with a stage and seating area near its orchards.

eaglehavenwinery.com/concerts-events.html

CINEMAS

AMC LOEWS, CASCADE MALL

200 Cascade Mall Drive, Burlington amctheatres.com, 888-262-4386

14 screens

ANACORTES CINEMAS

415 O Ave., Anacortes www.fandango.com/anacortescinemas-aauzi/theater-page, 360-293-7000

Three screens

LINCOLN THEATRE

712 S. First St., Mount Vernon lincolntheatre.org, 360-336-8955

One screen

CONCRETE THEATRE & ACT ONE ICE CREAM PARLOR

45920 Main St., Concrete concrete-theatre.com, 360-941-0403

One screen

CASINOS

THE SKAGIT CASINO RESORT

5984 N. Darrk Lane, Bow 877-275-2448, 360-724-7777

theskagit.com

The resort includes a 103-room hotel and conference center, 900 slot machines in the casino, three restaurants and live entertainment in several rooms located off Interstate 5, north of Burlington.

SWINOMISH CASINO AND LODGE

12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes 360-293-2691, 888-288-8883, swinomishcasinoandlodge.com

Offerings include slots, table games, poker, special events, banquets and an RV park. The casino and its 98-room hotel offer a range of dining options from fine to casual, as well as convention spaces overlooking Padilla Bay.

PERFORMANCE GROUPS

SKAGIT SYMPHONY

360-848-9336, skagitsymphony.com

FIDALGO YOUTH SYMPHONY

360-421-2527, fysmusic.org

SKAGIT OPERA

360-422-5070, skagitopera.org

LYRIC LIGHT OPERA

360-387-3948, lyriclightopera.org

THEATER ARTS GUILD theaterartsguild.org

SKAGIT VALLEY CHORALE info@skagitvalleychorale.org skagitvalleychorale.org

CANTABILE CHAMBER CHOIR 360-466-1783, Facebook page

SKAGIT RIVER SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL shakesnw.org

ALGER LOOKOUT THESPIAN ASSOCIATION altatheatre.com

META PERFORMING ARTS

877-490-6382

metaperformingarts.org

NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE

PADILLA BAY

R ESOURCES

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

Anacortes

819 Commercial Ave., Suite F anacortes.org, 360-293-7911

Burlington 520 E. Fairhaven Ave. burlington-chamber.com, 360-757-0994

Concrete 45770 Main St. concrete-wa.com, 360-853-8784

La Conner 413 Morris St. lovelaconner.com, 360-446-4778

Mount Vernon 301 W. Kincaid St. mountvernonchamber.com, 360-4288547

Sedro-Woolley 810 Metcalf St. sedro-woolley.com, 360-855-1841

LIBRARIES

Anacortes Public Library 1220 10th St. anacorteswa.gov/220/Library

Burlington Public Library 820 E. Washington Ave. burlingtonwa.gov/library

Central Skagit Sedro-Woolley Library 802 Ball St. centralskagitlibrary.org, 360-755-3985

Sedro-Woolley Library 100 W. State St. ci.sedro-woolley.wa.us/departments/ public_library/index.php

La Conner Regional Library 614 Morris St. lclib.lib.wa.us

Mount Vernon City Library 315 Snoqualmie St. mountvernonwa.gov/175/Library

Upper Skagit Library District 45770 B Main St., Concrete upperskagitlibrary.org

NEWSPAPERS

Skagit Valley Herald (Tuesday-Sunday) 1215 Anderson Road, Mount Vernon goskagit.com, 360-424-3251

Anacortes American (weekly) 901 Sixth St., Anacortes goanacortes.com, 360-293-3122

Concrete Herald (monthly) concrete-herald.com, 360-853-8213

La Conner Weekly News 119 N. Third St. laconnerweeklynews.com, 360-466-3315

RADIO STATIONS

KAPS 660 AM, KAPS 102.1 Country music kapsradio.com

KBRC 1430 AM, KBRC 102.9 Classic hits kbrcradio.com

KSVR 91.7 FM

Broadcast news, public affairs programs and music in English and Spanish from Skagit Valley College. ksvr.org

KSVU 90.1 FM (east Skagit County) ksvu.org

MavrikMarine