As you continue westward on Highway 20, the looming peaks of the North Cascades National Park give way to rolling hills, acres of farmland and a series of small communities including Birdsview, Hamilton and Lyman. Next, you’ll reach the town of Sedro-Woolley, known for its logging history which is visible via the downtown's collection of life-size wood carvings. The town is also known for its downtown shopping and dining scene — several new boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops and breweries have opened within the past year! Consider camping in style (“glamping”) or more traditional accommodations at Willowbrook Manor, just outside of town. Guests enjoy luxe accommodations, gardens, fields of chamomile and the popular “tea and tour” program — hop on a cruiser and explore the area’s country roads!
Visit Sedro-Woolley during Independence Day week and join locals at Loggerrodeo. Check out logging and chainsaw carving contests, the rodeo, bluegrass jubilee and fireworks.
The next community you’ll encounter is Burlington, located at the crossroads of Interstate 5 and Highway 20. It’s a great base from which to explore many recreational activities within easy driving distance. Visit during Berry Dairy Days in June, celebrating local berry harvests and dairies. There is also an exceptional Visitor Information Center in town, so pop in to get guidance from the locals and pick up some pointers on the many things to do nearby!
Take a quick jaunt south to the town of Mount Vernon. The historic community sits at the juncture of several rivers and sloughs, an irresistible attraction for an assortment of bird species — have those binoculars handy! The riverfront and adjacent downtown are ideal for exploring on foot and is featured on the National Register of Historic Places. Mount Vernon is also home to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, which draws guests from around the world each spring!
Continue driving deeper into the Skagit River Valley, where the fields are dotted with quaint farmhouses and prolific heritage barns. The Skagit Valley is home to the largest commercial flower bulb industry outside of Holland. Beginning in March and continuing through May, the entire valley is one huge carpet of blooms, backdropped by dramatic views of 10,775-foot Mount Baker and the North Cascade mountains. La Conner is a friendly hamlet full of artists, fantastic architecture and adorable waterfront shops, all tucked within acres of fields between Mount Vernon and Anacortes, your final destination in this segment of the Cascade Loop. Be sure to visit the Museum of Northwest Art, the Skagit County Historical Museum, and the Gaches Mansion which is home to the Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum, one of just 12 in the U.S.
Anacortes is very much a maritime community — its historic downtown resides along the waterfront and is the heart of Fidalgo Island. Explore a wealth of funky shops and boutiques. The seafood here is outstanding, so be sure to dine out and order the fish! Build some extra time into your itinerary to take a whale-watching tour with Island Adventures, where excursions lead to sightings 95 percent of the time! Rent a kayak from Anacortes Kayak Tours and paddle through saltwater while taking in views of abundant sea and bird life!
Anacortes, on Fidalgo Island, is a bustling port town with a pedestrian-friendly downtown which hosts the Anacortes Arts Festival in August. Washington State ferries connect Anacortes with four of the San Juan Islands – Lopez, Shaw, Orcas, San Juan – and provide service to Sidney, B.C. near Victoria. If you have limited time, take a short and quick ferry ride to Guemes Island. In Anacortes, enjoy lovely parks, beaches, community forestland, great gallery browsing and excellent antique shopping. Oh, and don’t forget to take a drive to incredibly scenic Mt. Erie and the Deception Pass bridge - on your way to the next region of the Loop -- Whidbey Scenic Isle Way!
Skagit Valley Visitor Services
Current Conditions
