| Skagit Valley
 Sedro-Woolley, Burlington, Mount Vernon, La Conner
As it reaches Puget Sound, the Skagit River has deposited a vast triangle of flood plain soil and nutrients to create some of the richest agricultural land in the Northwest.
Dotted with trim farmhouses and big red barns, the Skagit Valley is home to the largest commercial 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’ Mount Baker and the North Cascades. The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival held throughout April brings thousands of visitors who come to see and photograph the blooms.
Skagit Valley towns are friendly, community-orientated places. Sedro-Woolley is a logging community that celebrates its heritage each year in the Loggerrodeo. See logging and chainsaw carving contests, parades, a rodeo, bluegrass jubilee and fireworks at this week long Fourth of July celebration. The city of Mount Vernon features an historic downtown and a river front ideal for exploring on foot. Just to the north, Burlington is the location of one of the largest discount shopping malls in the Northwest. Their Berry Dairy Days celebration in June recognizes the importance of agriculture within this rich valley.
Nestled beside the Swinomish Channel, picturesque La Conner is a unique combination of fishing village, artists’ colony, and tourist destination. Excellent accommodations and first-class restaurants with views of the water and Mt. Baker mix with the eclectic group of shops and galleries downtown. Be sure to visit the Museum of Northwest Art, the Skagit County Historical Museum, and the Gaches Mansion which is home to the Quilt & Textile Museum, one of just 12 in the U.S.
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