Explore Skagit in Fall - Visit Skagit Valley - North Cascades National Park to Farmlands to Salish Sea

Explore Skagit in Fall

First, grab your coffee and check out our Skagit Road Trip video by clicking the PLAY button! Then check out the Skagit Loop itinerary from either Seattle or Vancouver BC including a customized Google map. 

Skagit Roadtrip Loop via Seattle – Take exit 221 off I-5 and stop at Conway for art and antiques.  Travel west to La Conner via Fir Island and view thousands of Snow Geese.  In La Conner enjoy a stroll on the new boardwalk and take in the wildlife on the Salish Sea waters along with museums, galleries and an outdoor sculpture walk.  If you enjoy craft beer, stop by the La Conner Visitor Information Center for the Skagit Farm to Pint passport and get your first stamp in La Conner!

Zig zag your way through the farmlands while visiting pumpkin patches, corn mazes, haunted barns and farm stands.  Hop on Hwy 20 west to Anacortes and drive to the top of Mount Erie for spectacular views of the San Juan Islands.  It’s a short drive from there to Deception Pass bridge where beaches, hikes and more views await.  Be sure to check out the murals in downtown Anacortes before heading back east.

From Anacortes, head east on Hwy 20 to Edison for the ultimate funky tiny town experience with more bird watching on the way.  From Edison head up Chuckanut Drive for beautiful views of the San Juans and hike on the Pacific Northwest Trail.  Head back over to I-5 South to Burlington and visit malls (including outlets!) if you have some shopping to do.

From Burlington, head east on Hwy 20 to Sedro-Woolley for hiking trails, elk viewing and historic downtown.  Continue on Hwy 20 east toward Concrete.  If you are looking for fall hikes up to alpine lakes, glaciers and along the beautiful Baker Lake and Baker River, take a left to Baker Lake right before Concrete.  For more beautiful views, hikes and alpine lakes continue on Hwy 20 east to the North Cascade National Park.

Head back to I-5 with the last stop on your Skagit Loop – Mount Vernon.  There is the new Skagit River walk in downtown Mount Vernon along with the historic Lincoln Theater.

Skagit Roadtrip Loop via Vancouver BC – Take Exit 230 and head east on Hwy 20 to Sedro-Woolley for hiking trails, elk viewing and historic downtown.  Continue on Hwy 20 east toward Concrete.  If you are looking for fall hikes up to alpine lakes, glaciers and along the beautiful Baker Lake and Baker River, hang a left to Baker Lake right before Concrete.  For more beautiful views, hikes and alpine lakes continue on Hwy 20 east to the North Cascade National Park.  Head back on Hwy 20 west to Burlington and visit malls (including outlets!) if you have some shopping to do.  Jump back on I-5 or take S. Burlington Blvd to Mount Vernon. There is the new Skagit River walk in downtown Mount Vernon along with the historic Lincoln Theater.

Hop back on I-5 south for a few minutes and then take exit 221 off I-5 and stop at Conway for art and antiques.  Travel to La Conner via Fir Island and view thousands of Snow Geese.  In La Conner enjoy a stroll on the new boardwalk and take in the wildlife on the Salish Sea waters along with museums, galleries and an outdoor sculpture walk.

Zig zag your way through the farmlands while visiting pumpkin patches, corn mazes, haunted barns and farm stands.  Hop on Hwy 20 west to Anacortes and drive to the top of Mount Erie for spectacular views of the San Juan Islands.  It’s a short drive from there to Deception Pass bridge where beaches, hikes and more views await.  Be sure to check out the murals in downtown Anacortes before heading back east.

From Anacortes, head east on Hwy 20 to Edison for the ultimate funky tiny town experience with more bird watching on the way.  From Edison head up Chuckanut Drive for beautiful views of the San Juans and hike on the Pacific Northwest Trail.  Follow Chuckanut Drive north until you see signs back to I-5 in Bellingham for your return back to Vancouver BC.

 

Check out Skagit Valley lodging options:  Stay