Sedro-Woolley

As you follow Highway 20 toward the west you leave the looming peaks of North Cascades National Park in your rear view mirror, the landscape gives way to rolling hills, acres of farmland and a series of small communities, including Birdsview, Hamilton and Lyman. The first major town you will find is 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 many great dining options from international cuisine to cafés and comfort food, all dedicated to locally sourced ingredients. Explore the historic walking tour with murals and historic buildings downtown, as Sedro-Woolley is also known as the "Chain Saw Carving Capital of the Pacific Northwest." Visit during Independence Day week and join locals at Loggerrodeo when you can enjoy logging and chainsaw-carving contests, the rodeo, bluegrass jubilee, and fireworks.

Lodging Partner: The Kulshan Inn

For more information: Sedro-Woolley Chamber 888-225-8365

Burlington

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 on the many things to do nearby!

Continue driving deeper into the Skagit River Valley, where fields are dotted with quaint farmhouses and a plethora of 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, with a backdrop of dramatic views of 10,781-foot Mount Baker and the North Cascades.

Lodging Partner: Cocusa Motel 

For more information: Burlington Chamber & Visitor Center 360-757-0994

Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon is a short jaunt south on I-5. 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 April! Plan to spend time at Tulip Valley Farms and explore their amazing property, and have fun with the creative displays designed for the best selfies in the Skagit!

In winter, Snow geese, tundra and trumpeter swans are drawn to the Skagit River and its sloughs and farmlands every winter, where they gather and feed in the potato, pumpkin and other harvested fields. 

For more information: Mount Vernon Chamber and Visitor Information Center  360-428-8547

La Conner

Nestled between the Swinomish Channel, the Skagit River Delta and the Salish Sea, La Conner is both fishing village and artists’ colony. The community is known for its architecture, adorable waterfront shops, and the community and culture that comes with living at the edge of the Swinomish Channel. You will enjoy views of the water and Mount Baker all tucked within acres of fields that blossom with daffodils and tulips in the spring, and produce everything from potatoes to pumpkins to plump berries, crisp beets, tender greens and sweet corn.

 Lodging Partner: La Conner Channel Lodge

Anacortes

Follow SR 20 to Fidalgo Island, and the maritime community of Anacortes. Named after Annie Curtis - the town was once known as “The Salmon Canning Capital of the World" and you can enjoy the creatively designed garbage cans downtown, that look like the historic salmon cans! It goes without saying that the seafood here is outstanding and highly recommended! 

Washington Park juts out into Rosario Strait and you can see wildlife, go camping and boating plus drive a paved road/trail that meanders through the forest offering amazing views and access to the water. And the tallest point on Fidalgo Island is Mt Erie - with fabulous views overlooking the water (pictured).

Rent a kayak from Anacortes Kayak Tours and paddle through saltwater while taking in views of the abundant sea and birdlife - they even have tours to the San Juan Islands!

And speaking of the San Juan Islands -- take a "Side Loop" to experience the San Juan Islands Scenic Byway! These amazing islands, full of fun history, delicious seafood and the weather is always great, in the Banana Belt of the Northwest!

Lodging Partners: Majestic Inn, Salish Inn and Cap Sante Inn

Side Loop: Bellingham, Mt. Baker and Chuckanut Drive

With miles of beautiful Salish Sea shoreline, Bellingham is a haven for kayaking, paddle boarding, cruising, and fishing. With numerous bays, harbors, and lakes, visitors have endless marine habitats and playgrounds to explore. Experience more of the region, including two state scenic byways when you take this Scenic Side Loop. 

From Sedro-Woolley, head north on Highway 9 and be spellbound by the views! Connect with the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway with views of 10,781 foot tall Mount Baker. Year-round recreation and scenery bring thousands of visitors every year.

Finish the Side Loop when you travel west to Bellingham then south along the water on the Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway.

Side Loop: San Juan Island Scenic Byway

The fun is only beginning when you board a Washington State Ferry for the beautiful ride through the San Juan Archipelago, the giant boats wind between small islands and past amazing scenery.

Orcas Island is home to Mt. Constitution in Moran State Park - a stone observation tower puts you at the top of the 2nd tallest Island Mountain in the contiguous 48 states. It offers fantastic views over the island chain, across the water and you can see Bellingham and Canada! Miles of trails, including the Cascade Falls trail system to several waterfalls is a visitor favorite. 

San Juan Island, the byway namesake, is filled with history including the Pig War territorial conflict between English Camp and American Camp in 1859. Friday Harbor, the quaint town where the ferry delivers cars and walk-on passengers, offers amazing fresh seafood in a variety of restaurants, and many boat tours for whale watching, fishing and sight seeing take off from the marina. And for more history of the Lime production on the islands, a visit to Roche Harbor Resort is a great place to see some of the equipment that was used in this endeavor.