The Ultimate Skagit Valley Fall Road Trip
The Ultimate Skagit Valley Fall Road Trip
Pumpkin patches, Larch Madness, and everything in between…
Red and brown leaves are falling, and a layer of moody Pacific Northwest mist is floating over the valley. Farm stands go from selling berries and dahlias to squash and apple cider; agricultural fields turn shades of auburn and yellow – welcome to fall in the magic Skagit!
If you’re looking for a getaway that truly embraces the season of autumn, this road trip is for you. Skagit Valley is home to some of the Pacific Northwest’s most breathtaking scenic byways and parks, making for incredible hiking and “leaf peeping.” Larch Madness arrives in the North Cascades National Park, and local farms offer pumpkin patches and corn mazes.
With a build-your-own fall road trip approach, you can take bits and pieces from this itinerary and fit it to your travel style and timeframe. Recommended lodging areas for each section of the itinerary are included, so you can start your trip in the community that makes the most sense for your adventure.
Visit Pumpkin Patches
It’s no surprise that Skagit Valley, a thriving agricultural region, has some amazing pumpkin patches. Some farms offer corn mazes and tractor rides in addition to just pumpkins, while others are great pit-stops for finding the perfect decorative pumpkin for your porch.
Gordon Skagit Farms is a signature fall road trip stop, appreciated for its unique pumpkin varieties in all sorts of oddball shapes and sizes. Its squash displays and historic barns attract visitors from all over the PNW.
The Festival of Family Farms on Oct 3 and 4 offers the perfect opportunity to take a road-trip-style farm tour, featuring unique farm experiences across 11 participating farms with free admission.
Stay in La Conner, Burlington, or Mount Vernon if farms are the center of your trip. These towns are centrally located in the valley, allowing for exploration of farms across several communities. Some hotel options include:
Skagit Valley Pumpkin Patches
Marvel at the Fall Foliage
Few things make a fall road trip through Skagit Valley more beautiful than the changing leaves. The landscape takes on shades of gold, orange, red, and deep green, creating plenty of scenic stops on your fall road trip.
Chuckanut Drive
Head to Highway 11, also known as Chuckanut Drive, a national scenic byway that snakes through farmland and along the Samish Bay bluffs, providing views of the San Juan Islands and Olympic Mountain Range. Take I-5 exit 251 from Burlington and follow the route all the way up to Bellingham. In the fall, it’s a stunning drive as the leaves turn colors.
Along the way, take a left on Bow Hill Road to stop in the quaint town of Bow. It’s a hidden gem that feels stuck in another era and is full of personality. With western-themed saloons, farm-to-table restaurants, and quirky vintage stores, it’s perfect for window shopping and trying local foods.
North Cascades Highway
State Route 20, also known as the North Cascades Highway, is a staple scenic drive for leaf-peeping in the mountains. Spanning from Anacortes near Deception Pass, through Burlington, and continuing east through Sedro-Woolley into the towns of Concrete, Rockport, and Marblemount, it takes you from the coast to the North Cascades.
Larch Madness
One of the Pacific Northwest’s most famous fall nature experiences, Larch Madness is here in the North Cascades in late September and early October. Larch trees are deciduous conifers, cone-bearing trees that lose their needles every fall. Before their needles shed, for a brief window in late September through the end of October, their needles erupt into gold.
Thousands of people travel to see these larches. Hikes near Skagit County provide a unique viewing experience away from the massive crowds. Lesser-known trails include Ruby Mountain and Crater Mountain, both in the Ross Lake Recreation Area.
More popular hikes include Heather Maple Loop and Cutthroat Pass. Although a little further, Grasshopper Pass on the Pacific Crest Trail is amazing as well.
Start your trip in the mountain towns of Newhalem or Marblemount, only about an hour’s drive away from the hikes, taking Highway 20.
Lodging options:
Exploring The Outdoors
The Northern State Recreation Area in Sedro-Woolley is a great stop for fall hiking. Located on the property of the former Northern State Hospital, the extensive trail system will take you through barns, forests, and wide-open pastures.
Whale watching is known to be a summer activity, but it can be done year-round! Take a trip to Anacortes if your style leans more coastal. The Majestic Inn & Spa, a boutique hotel in the heart of downtown, is a charming stay. Browse these tours to find orcas, puffins, and sea lions in the Salish Sea.
Bird-watching season ramps up in October when huge flocks of snow geese reach the fields of Fir Island, migrating in from Wrangel Island, Russia. Other highly anticipated species include trumpeter and tundra swans, which can be found in farm fields and by lakes. They typically arrive in November.
Fall Events in Skagit Valley
Skagit Farm to Pint FEST, Skagit Tidewater Boil, and Beer Near the Pier all welcome the turn of the season through their celebration of local food and craft brewing. Music series continue through the early fall, along with some great antique fairs.
April isn’t the only time to see flowers in the Skagit Valley – the Skagit Valley Flower Festival in early September brings together nationally recognized flower growers, educators, and dahlia breeders for 3 days of learning, collaboration, and enjoying the breathtaking late-summer flower fields.
If you’re here later in the month, don’t miss the PNW’s largest motorcycle rally, Oyster Run in Anacortes for its 43rd year. Even if you’re not a biker, go for food and great music!
Be sure to check out our events calendar to find exciting events during your fall road trip through Skagit Valley.
This year, Calico Cupboard, a beloved Skagit Valley staple, is celebrating its 45th anniversary as a successful, woman-owned business. Since opening its first location in La Conner in 1981, Calico Cupboard has expanded to Anacortes in 1992 and Mount Vernon in 1996. During your visit to Skagit Valley, stop by and celebrate 45 years of delicious food and local tradition.
Rainy-Day Backup Plan
Weather in Skagit County in the fall is typically mild, with a mix of both sunny and crisp, overcast days. However, there’s always the possibility of rain – it is the PNW, after all! Come prepared with indoor plans if the weather turns during your fall road trip.
La Conner is a great option for some museum hopping:
- Pacific Northwest Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum
- Museum of Northwest Art
- Skagit County Historical Museum
The downtown area, much like Bow-Edison or Anacortes, is charming and quaint, and makes for some great strolling. Rain or shine, its views along the Swinomish Channel are always beautiful.
Downtown Mount Vernon also has some great rainy-day options. With the historic Lincoln Theatre opening back up mid-October after its centennial upgrades, it’s the perfect time to stop by and see a film or a performance.
Walk the main street and find gift shops, bookstores, restaurants, and boutiques. Tri-Dee Arts is the perfect family-friendly activity, and the nearby White Branches is an immersive tea and entertainment experience.
Plan Your Skagit Valley Fall Road Trip
From colorful foliage and misty mornings to scenic drives and cozy stops along the way, Skagit Valley is especially beautiful in the fall. With a little planning, you can slow down, take in the changing landscape, and make the most of your time exploring. Pack a warm layer, leave room in your itinerary for spontaneous stops, and get ready to enjoy a quintessential Pacific Northwest fall road trip.
More to Explore
Looking for more ways to explore Skagit? From scenic drives and charming shops to local festivals and hidden gems, there’s no shortage of adventure waiting for you. Browse our blog for inspiration and start planning your unforgettable getaway to the Skagit Valley.
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Anacortes is a stunning waterfront community with a beautiful marina, delicious restaurants, quirky shops, and luxurious places to stay. Whether it’s a stopover on the way to the islands or your weekend destination, Anacortes has something for everyone.
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