August Travel

to the Skagit Valley

August is the perfect time for adventure in the Skagit Valley. Whether you‘re spending the day at the Skagit County Fair, exploring scenic trails, or discovering charming small towns, there’s plenty to enjoy throughout the valley this month.

Festivals

From the waterfront charm of the La Conner Classic Boat & Car Show to the family-friendly Skagit County Fair and the hometown celebration of Cascade Days in Concrete, there are many exciting events this month. It’s the perfect time to experience the season through local traditions, live entertainment, and community celebrations.

Music

Summer evenings come alive across Skagit Valley with free outdoor concerts and local markets. Anacortes, Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, and Burlington each host their own concert series, offering everything from waterfront performances to riverside stages and historic venues. Bring a lawn chair, grab a bite from local vendors, and enjoy live music in some of the valley’s most scenic settings.

A smiling woman plays acoustic guitar and sings on an outdoor stage at an event in Skagit County, Washington.

A vendor hands a customer a bag of fresh dahlias at an outdoor farmers market in Skagit County, Washington.

Farmer’s Markets

Stroll through vendor’s markets, such as the Valley Made Market and the La Conner Vendor’s market, as well as farmer’s markets this summer. Skagit Valley has some of the best agriculture in the world, so you will want to visit a farmer’s market to get a taste of fresh, local flavors.

Outdoor Recreation

Take advantage of the long summer days by exploring Skagit Valley’s outdoor recreation. Ride scenic trails like the Cascade Trail or the Tommy Thompson Trail, book a whale watching tour from Anacortes, or experience the breathtaking views of Deception Pass on a boat tour.

This is also the perfect month to visit the North Cascades National Park. Bright blue glacier lakes such as Diablo and Ross Lakes are especially stunning at this time of year. With over 400+ miles of trails across the park, try hikes like Artist’s Point, Thunder Creek Trail, or Blue Lake trail.

An orca surfaces near a whale watching boat

A large group of cyclists in matching jerseys launches from the start line at a community bike ride event in Skagit County, Washington

Sports and Recreation

August brings exciting sporting events to Skagit Valley.

Starting the month off strong, Rush Cup—one of Skagit’s premier soccer tournaments—brings a weekend of high-level competition to Skagit River Park in the first weekend of August.

Woolley-Fest welcomes some of the world’s top freeride mountain bikers for a weekend of big jumps, stylish tricks, and high-energy competition.

At Skagit Speedway, themed race nights and weekly Saturday races keep the action going all month long. Cyclists can also take part in the Bike MS Deception Pass Clinic, a weekend dedicated to building skills and supporting a meaningful cause.

The Washington State Horseshoe Association is holding a singles tournament in Burlington, bringing together the best pitchers from across Washington to gather and compete. The annual ValleyFest 3×3 basketball tournament brings together basketball players of all ages for a weekend of community fun and competition.

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Not sure where to start when planning your Skagit County itinerary? With so many things to do, it can take time to decide! Explore itineraries, events, and things to do on your vacation. Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, visit Skagit Valley for a truly unforgettable trip.

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Anacortes

Community Spotlight

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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Anacortes

Community Spotlight

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.

Visit Anacortes Seasonal Travel

Bow-Edison

Community Spotlight

When you visit Skagit Valley, stop in Bow-Edison for cute shops, art galleries, and several hidden gem eateries. Take a scenic drive and discover a few unique treasures of the Valley.

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Burlington

Community Spotlight

Burlington is known as the Hub City in Skagit Valley. Whether coming from the North, East, South, or West, you will find great shopping, services, restaurants, hotels, and recreational activities here.

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Concrete

Community Spotlight

Nestled near the North Cascades National Park, you’ll find several recreational activities in Concrete. From swimming in mountain lakes to hiking and mountain biking, you’ll find plenty to do during your stay. Watch a movie at the historic Concrete movie theater, then grab a slice of pizza, a scoop of ice cream, or the best gluten-free desserts in the county.

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Conway

Community Spotlight

When driving north toward Skagit County on Interstate 5, Conway will be the first community to greet you. Conway is a quaint, historic town worth the stop between Seattle and Vancouver. Come to a show at the Conway Muse for a night of live music entertainment.

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La Conner

Community Spotlight

La Conner is a small town built on the banks of the Swinomish Channel, which leads to the Salish Sea. The channel gives La Conner much of its color and atmosphere. This distinct seaside ambiance comes from watching the fishing boats and wildlife navigate the channel while you enjoy one of the many local shops, museums, and eateries along the waterfront.

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Marblemount

Community Spotlight

The towns of Marblemount and Rockport are situated on the last large river plain in the Upper Skagit River Valley. Here, you will discover some of the most fascinating scenery and history in Washington State.

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Mount Vernon

Community Spotlight

Nestled between the San Juan Islands to the West and the Cascade Mountains to the East, Mount Vernon is a great place to start your adventure in Skagit County. Thousands of people visit Mount Vernon each year for its memorable events, shopping, sips, and dining in its historic downtown area.

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Sedro-Woolley

Community Spotlight

Sedro-Woolley’s rich history is closely tied to the timber and forestry industries, with beautiful art and wood carvings around town. Sedro-Woolley is known as the Gateway to the North Cascades, offering easy access to North Cascades National Park and numerous outdoor adventures.

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Browse the Summer Blog Posts

Explore the picturesque destinations and unique experiences that create the magic of Skagit any season. Whether you’re seeking travel tips or exploring hidden gems, you can use the featured stories and itinerary suggestions as your Washington travel guide. Browse the selection of winter travel posts or view the full Visit Skagit Valley Blog for an expanded list of travel ideas.