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Skagit Valley Blog

Deception Pass Challenge Paddling & Rowing Race
November 29th, 2021

Deception Pass Challenge Paddling & Rowing Race

The Deception Pass Challenge is an epic winter paddling and rowing race through the tidal rapids of Deception Pass!  Race in tidal current around three wilderness islands, under the Deception Pass Bridge, twice, through turbulent tidal rapids, and over possible standing waves with epic views of the Olympic Peninsula, Lopez Island, and distant Victoria BC if weather permits.

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Genuine Skagit Cooking
November 22nd, 2021

Genuine Skagit Cooking

Genuine Skagit Cooking (working title) welcomes Skagit residents to open their recipe boxes and share their prized dishes in celebration of the farm-raised flavors of the Skagit Valley. It is a collaboration between Genuine Skagit Valley and Raspberry Bow Press, an independent book press located in Skagit. Genuine Skagit Cooking will bring to life the region’s agricultural way of life, inviting both locals and others across the country into the kitchen to cook the Skagit way.  

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Play the Passport to Marine Adventure
October 6th, 2021

Play the Passport to Marine Adventure

The Passport To Marine Adventure is an interactive way to engage with the Salish Sea and its surrounding ecosystem. Visit our coastal exploration sites, complete educational activities, and win prizes as you explore the Salish Sea like never before. The Passport to Marine Adventure is a program of the Northwest Straits Foundation.  

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Field Notes from North Cascades Institute – October 2021
October 5th, 2021

Field Notes from North Cascades Institute – October 2021

Happy Fall! Autumn is maybe our favorite time of the year, with the rich mixtures of colors in the forest, dramatic weather, gorgeous light, and a growing sense of turning inwards and coziness. While our busy summer of Family Getaways, Skagit Tours, Youth Leadership Adventures, and other programs has concluded, we are still hosting Base Camp Learning & Lodging weekends into mid-November, with special shoulder season pricing beginning Halloween weekend and plenty of online classes too.

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What’s the Magic in Your Skagit?
September 29th, 2021

What’s the Magic in Your Skagit?

The beauty of our county is undeniable in its diversity of landscapes, flora, and fauna and in the wonderful people who make this corner of the world shine. Here is an opportunity to share your voice and artistic talent to showcase what makes Skagit county special.

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Skagit County’s Farmland Legacy
September 9th, 2021

Skagit County’s Farmland Legacy

Skagit County’s Farmland Legacy program celebrates its 25th year of preserving Skagit farmland in 2021. The program has permanently protected more than 13,500 acres of high-quality and productive agricultural land. An additional 500 acres are in the pipeline for protection.

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Harvest in the Valley
August 31st, 2021

Harvest in the Valley

It’s time to grab those sweaters and plan a road trip to the Skagit Valley to celebrate Harvest Time!  The Skagit Valley has lots of different lodging options for you.  Book a room, make some dinner reservations, and check out these great Harvest outdoor options.

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Farm Hopping in the Skagit Valley is the Ultimate Summer Activity
July 26th, 2021

Farm Hopping in the Skagit Valley is the Ultimate Summer Activity

This region is teeming with farms and roadside farm stands, and there’s nothing more enjoyable than making a day out of visiting as many as we can and collecting all the fresh fruits, veggies, cheeses (and MORE) along the way!

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Whale Watching is in Full Swing
July 13th, 2021

Whale Watching is in Full Swing

Captain David, Naturalist Sam, and crewmembers Lauren and Michael were aboard our boat – the Island Explorer V.  The weather was gorgeous and sunny and we enjoyed a slight breeze as we left Cap Sante Marina headed toward the sea.

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4th of July Celebrations 2021
June 30th, 2021

4th of July Celebrations 2021

Visit Skagit Valley for the 4th of July weekend!  Not only do we have the most amazing beaches, forests and mountains, but we also know how to celebrate!  Enjoy the weekend and stay safe!

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Kiket Trail Hike on the Kukutali Preserve
May 13th, 2021

Kiket Trail Hike on the Kukutali Preserve

Owned and managed jointly by the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and Washington State Parks, Kukutali Preserve offers a lightly-touched island environment for hiking and exploration.

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North Cascades Institute Reopens for Spring and Summer Programs!
May 13th, 2021

North Cascades Institute Reopens for Spring and Summer Programs!

When the coronavirus pandemic hit a year ago, North Cascades Institute was forced to close the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center on Diablo Lake and cancel most of its educational programs for the year. This meant no Family Getaways, Base Camps, Skagit Tours, or Field Excursions in North Cascades National Park.

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Diablo Lake Boat Tours Start July 1st!
May 13th, 2021

Diablo Lake Boat Tours Start July 1st!

The adventure begins by boarding the Alice Ross IV this summer! Diablo Lake Boat Tours will be offered twice daily, Thursday through Monday, July 1 – September 6, 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. Tours are approximately 1.25 hours. Twice daily, weekends only, September 11 – September 26, 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. Tours are approximately 1.25 hours.

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Top 8 Things to Do in the North Cascades
May 12th, 2021

Top 8 Things to Do in the North Cascades

“Top 10 lists” make me a little crazy. What I really like to do is leave the trail behind at some point, find a secluded spot where I can set up a good “Leave No Trace” camp, and use this …

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Tulips, Artists, and Beer:  The Best of Skagit
March 10th, 2021

Tulips, Artists, and Beer: The Best of Skagit

Gain a behind-the-scenes look at the best Skagit Valley has to offer while exploring one of the most scenic bicycle routes in the Pacific Northwest with Experience International. Visit tulip fields at peak bloom, meet inspiring local artisans, and follow grains of barley from the fields all the way to your pint glass! Between adventures, enjoy gourmet local food and award-winning ales along the Skagit Farm to Pint Ale Trail. With so much to offer, this is a once-a-year tour you will not want to miss!

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