There are many interesting and unique places to explore in Skagit County: from beaches to islands, farmland to mountains. If you enjoy the outdoors you'll enjoy exploring Skagit County. Use this site to find places that you would like to visit.

Winter Visitors: The Swans and Snow Geese of Skagit Valley

Every fall and winter, from November to March, thousands of trumpeter swans and snow geese winter over in the Skagit Valley.

Sharpe Park

Sharpe Park, located a few miles north of Deception Pass, offers a gentle hike to spectacular views of the Salish Sea.

Northern State Recreation Area

Spanish Colonial Revival style architecture, beautifully landscaped grounds, hiking trails, and a past rich in history. It’s all here on the old grounds of the Northern State Hospital located at the eastern end of Sedro-Woolley.

Sedro-Woolley

Museum

Sedro-Woolley has a rich history and it's on display at the Sedro-Woolley Museum. Walk through the doors and you're immersed in the late 1800s and much of the 20th century.

Mt. Erie

Look west from most anywhere in Skagit Valley and you’ll see Mount Erie. Located on Fidalgo Island just north of Deception Pass, it offers spectacular views.

Fir Island

Bounded by the North and South Forks of the Skagit River, Fir Island is a magical combination of farms and nature preserves.

Farm Haven Rescue

Nestled between the Skagit River and the Cultus Mountains, Farm Haven Rescue is an idyllic home to many rescued cows, sheep, goats, donkeys, roosters, hens, and of course cats and dogs.

Exploring Downtown

Mount Vernon

Join David Johnson on a tour of downtown Mount Vernon. You'll see some of the more interesting shops, meet many fascinating people, and find out why Mount Vernon is much more than tulips.

The Upper Skagit Valley

For a day filled with picturesque winding roads, river and mountain views, small towns, and state parks, follow the Skagit River up the Skagit Valley.

The W. T. Preston

Snagboat

The W. T. Preston snagboat cleared the Skagit River and other waterways of snags and debris from the 1930s to the 1980s. It's part of the Maritime Heritage Center in Anacortes. For more information: https://www.anacorteswa.gov/422/Maritime-Heritage-Center-and-the-WT-Pres

Guemes Island

Five minutes by ferry from Anacortes...a world away. Explore by car or bicycle. Hike to the top of Guesmes Mountain for a 360 degree view. For more information: http://www.guemesisland.info.

Padilla Bay National

Estuarine Reserve

An interpretive center with hands-on exhibits, aquariums, an interpretive trail through woods and meadows, and a 180 degree view of Padilla Bay. It's all here at the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve located just minutes north of Highway 20.

Heritage Flight Museum

Get up close and personal with airplanes from World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. For more information: http://heritageflight.org/

WSU Master Gardener

Discovery Garden

Beautiful gardens and everything you wanted to know about local plants. Fun for adults and children. Just a short drive from downtown Mount Vernon. Open year 'round from dawn 'til dusk. Admission is free. For more information: http://extension.wsu.edu/skagit/mg/discovery-garden/

Little Mountain

Hiking, mountain biking, and spectacular views...all five minutes from I-5. For more information: http://www.mountvernonwa.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Little-Mountain-Park-15

Bowman Bay

The quieter side of Deception Pass. Picnic, rent kayaks and paddle boards, and hike along the north and south sides of the bay. For more information: http://www.deceptionpassfoundation.org/around-the-park/bowman-bay/