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Travel Skagit County

Tulip Festival Hot Air Balloon Tour

Although we are in the middle of a wet, Washington winter, summer will be here before you know it! Skagit county has so much to offer, and there are many great summer tours and activities that you should start planning now before the summer crowds book them out. From the Cascades to the sound and everything in between, there are activities in nearly every corner of Skagit County.

Whether you love the outdoors and feel at home in the mountains or enjoy guided tours overlooking beautiful views, this guide helps you decide what tours are right for you and your family this summer.

Whale Watching

In April, the whales enter the Puget sound for safe fishing grounds before they continue to Alaska for the summer. The month of April is when a group of grey whales ventures hundreds of miles off course to spend a few weeks in the Puget Sound eating ghost shrimp.

There are Orca whales, Mink Whales, humpback whales, and all kinds of porpoises, seals, and more from May to October. The resident Orca whales are also a regular sighting in most areas of the Salish Sea.

There are several different whale watching companies that operate out of Edmonds, Anacortes, and Port Townsend. The Puget Sound Express offers both full and half-day tours from multiple locations. Their tours are guaranteed, meaning that if you do not see whales, they will help you to book another tour on an upcoming day. Puget sounds Express tours last between 4 and 8 hours.

Their guides will help point our wildlife, and you will be able to spend a day cruising through the San Juan Islands. The boats work together to locate wildlife which helps to have regular whale sightings on most tours. The Orca Whales as well as all the other regular visitors of the area, are spectacular and worth scheduling a time for.  

Skagit County Whale Watching Tour

Bird Watching

Another popular activity in Skagit County is bird watching. There is plenty to spend an entire day searching for with snow Geese, Swans, raptors, tundra, and more. Skagit Guided Tours offers day trips to visit the Snow Geese come fall and many other bird species in their bird watching eco-tour.

Kayaking

With the Puget Sound at the edge of Skagit County, most visitors flock to the water for their stay in Skagit County. One of the best ways to enjoy the water is by kayaking through it! With seals, eagles, and so much wildlife to enjoy, kayaking through the sound is one of the best ways to spend the day.

With stunning views of the San Juan Islands and views of the Olympics, the Cascades and Mt. Baker, and the Canadian Mountain Range to the north, you are in for a real treat. No matter if you have kayak experience or are a newbie, there is a perfect kayaking trip for you.

Anacortes Kayaking Tours offers 1.5, 3, and 5 hours day tours as well as multi-day island hopping tours. Your trip will begin with a brief tutorial in a protected area to get your comfortable in your kayak before the group heads out for the day. If you are on a longer trip, there will be plenty of time to stop on beaches and stretch your legs while you explore the coastline. Anacortes Kayaking offers both tandem kayaks and single kayaks. Book your tour earlier to ensure there is space on the day you prefer.

Small Airplane Tours

One of the more luxury tours that are available out of Skagit County is a private plane tour. You can soar over the San Juan Islands, the tulip fields, and more, all while enjoying views of the ocean, the Cascades, and the Olympics.  San Juan Airlines offer flights departing from Bellingham, Anacortes, Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor, Orcas/Eastsound, Blakely Island, or Lopez Island.

Deception pass jet boat tours

Deception pass is a popular sightseeing location in Skagit county. One of the best Tours of Skagit county to book for Summer is a Deception Pass jet boat tour. This is a cheap and family-friendly option that allows you to enjoy the beautiful waters around deception pass. The jet boat is an open-air deck boat with seats outside.

The boat named the Whaler will take you through Deception Pass and the surrounding area while a knowledgeable crew gives a history of the area and what transportation was like before the bridge was built.

Skagit River tour

With so many beautiful bodies of water to explore, it can be hard to pick just one. If you are interested in seeing more of the wildlife along the Skagit River, Skagit River tours offers 2-hour tours of Skagit River. These are small tours with only 5-6 people per boat and allow you to explore 7 miles of river on either the south/ west end of the river, starting in La Conner or a more northern section of the River. You’ll be able to learn about the history of the Skagit River as well as the fish and other wildlife that move through it.

Rafting tour

The Skagit River is one of the most unique places to Raft in the Northwest. Alpine Adventures is one of the only outfitters that takes rafters through a northern area of the Skagit River. The rafting trip is rated for class 2 and 3 rapids and is suitable for those six years old and up. You will raft through the Ross Lake National Recreation Area of North Cascades National Park. You can expect stunning mountain views, waterfowl, and more.

Skagit Farm to Pint Passport

While not a traditional tour, the Skagit Farm to Pint Passport is a self-guided brewery tour of the county. Trek the Skagit Farm to Pint Ale Trail and collect stamps and win prizes along your way. If you get all your stamps, you can claim a souvenir pint glass at the Burlington visitor center.

Fishing tours

Skagit River fishing Tour

Whether you are an avid fisherman or someone looking for a bit of guidance, fishing the Skagit River is so much fun. There are Chinook salmon, also known as king salmon, Coho, which are also known as Silvers, chum, Pink, also known as Humpies, Sockeye, steelhead, and cutthroat trout. Fishing seasons and days vary by year, but in a normal year, the river is always open for King, Silvers, Steelhead, and more. A fishing tour is helpful because they supply the gear and the best spots to fish.  365 charters and Skagit Eagles both offer Skagit River Fishing Tours throughout the year.

Hot Air Balloon Tours

During the Spring, during the tulip festival, you can arrange for tours of the best fields via a Tulip Festival Tour. Skagit Guided Adventures offers a tulip tour that takes you through the tulip fields and introduces you to some of the farmers. You will also learn about agriculture and horticulture in the valley and the history of the Tulip Festival. You will stroll through fields and gardens and take in the views of the Skagit Valley farm flats.

One of the most exciting tours offered in the Skagit Valley is a Tulip Festival Hot air balloon tour. During the Tulip Festival, the Balloon Depot brings in hot air balloons to the Skagit Valley so that you can fly over the best Tulip fields. This is truly a unique experience that very few people get to enjoy. To fly over tulip fields with views of the ocean in the distance and Mt. Peaks to the east is spectacular. This experience happens in the mornings when the weather is good. Check-in with Balloon Depot as Tulip Festival Draws closer to book your spot.

There are so many tours of Skagit county to book for Spring, Summer, and Fall. The views, recreation, and wildlife create a magical oasis for outdoor adventures and sightseers. Look into the tours that interest you most today and make sure to book early, as some spots do fill up quickly. The Clever Neighbor is happy to bring you the latest on the best activities for your vacations!

Fourth of July in Skagit County

With the Fourth of July quickly approaching, it’s time to set your plans and decide on the best firework shows and activities for the long weekend. Whether you are traveling or are a local, this guide will show you the best Fourth of July fun in Skagit County in 2021. With only a few weeks left before this exciting holiday, this guide has all of the biggest firework shows, weekend activities, and firework regulations if you are going to set off your own fireworks at home. 

Fourth of July

Fourth of July fun: Logger rodeo July 1-4 

Ready to entertain the entire weekend, the Loggerodeo in Sedro Woolley is the longest-running 4th of July Celebrations in Washington State. 

The Loggerodeo is a rodeo for loggers to demonstrate tasks that they perform in their work each day. This includes a pole climbing and chainsaw carving contest. There is also a regular rodeo where you can watch barrel racing, steer wrestling, team roping, and bull riding.  

The Loggerodeo is a four-day event with chainsaw carving every day, the Pro-West Rodeo on Saturday and Sunday, a Beard Contest at 9 am on July 4th, and a wood carving Auction 3 pm on July 4th, and a Firework show beginning at 10 pm. Suppose you are looking for a weekend full of fun and excitement, head to Sedro-Woolley for a full-filled Fourth of July in Skagit County. There would also be a parade and fun run during a normal year, but due to COVID, those activities have been canceled for 2021. 

Big Lake Fireworks July 3rd 

Put a chair anywhere around Big Lake on July 3rd to see the firework show. An Estimated 40,000 people view this huge display every year. The Big Lake fire Department puts on the show every year and launches the fireworks from a barge in the middle of the lake. July 3rd in Skagit Valley is arguably as popular as the 4th of July due to this huge show. There is often a party happening at every house and on every boat on the lake during the day leading up to the firework show starting at 10pm. Big lake is also an excellent place to go swimming, boating, or kayaking during the summer, making it one of the most fun locations to spend part of your 4th of July weekend. 

Anacortes Fireworks July 4th 

Almost all of the major cities in Skagit County put on a firework show for the 4th of July. In Anacortes, you can enjoy both a firework show as well as a parade. The Patriotic Parade will begin at 11 am at 3rd street and Commercial Avenue. If you are a local and would like to be a part of the parade, you can either drive a float or walk with a marching group. Use this link to sign up for a slot. The fireworks will start at dusk over Fidalgo bay.  

Mt. Vernon Fireworks July 4th 

Mt. Vernon Washington also holds a firework show on the 4th of July. This show is located at Edgewater Park at 600 Behrens-Millet Road, just over the West Side Bridge in Mt. Vernon across the Skagit River from downtown. To enjoy this firework show, make sure to bring a lawn chair and a flashlight! 

La Conner Fireworks July 4th 

The tiny town of La Conner will also be celebrating big this July 4th. The Community parade will start in La Conner at 12 noon, followed by a concert in Gilkey Square. The concert will feature the C.C. 

Adams Band at 2:30 pm. Fireworks will be launched over the Swinomish Channel starting at dark and can be viewed best from the La Conner Walkway that goes along the water on the west side of the businesses on Main Street.  

Skagit Speedway fireworks July 10th 

 If you are still looking for fireworks in the week after the 4th of July, check out the Skagit Speedway’s Mid-Season Firework show. This mid-season championship is presented by Les Schwab tires and features 360 sprint cars, Sportsman Sprint Cars, Modifieds, and Outlaw Tuners. The fireworks show will happen after the speedway races are over. The Skagit Speedway is located in Alger, Wa, and tickets are $7 for ages seven and up. Ages 6 and under are free to enter the speedway.  

Firework Regulations in Skagit County

 Burlington Fireworks Ordinance 

Fireworks are banned within the city Municipal Boundaries except for properly licensed public displays. Please attend one of the other firework shows in Skagit County or go to an unincorporated area. 

Mt. Vernon Fireworks Regulations

Check out the link above to find out which fireworks are legal in the city of Mt. Vernon for July 4th. 

Sedro-Woolley Fireworks Regulations

In the city of Sedro-Woolley, legal fireworks can only be discharged on July 4th and only between the hours of 9 am and 11 pm. 

Anacortes Firework Regulations

Fireworks are banned within the city Municipal Boundaries except for properly licensed public displays. Please attend the Anacortes firework show!  

Unincorporated Skagit County Firework Regulations: 

In unincorporated Skagit county, only fireworks allowed by state law are allowed, and fireworks are illegal on state forestlands and in most parks. Sky Lanterns are prohibited in all of Skagit county. You are able to let off fireworks from 9 am -midnight on July 4th. 

If you are in an area that allows consumer fireworks, please be safe and be mindful of the people, animals, and houses around you. Fireworks can be dangerous, and young children should never be unsupervised around fireworks. Firework sales in Washington are mostly limited to what is legal in the state, but it is still possible to buy illegal consumer fireworks, so buy from reputable sellers and know the rules and regulations before you buy. Be mindful of the fire dangers in Skagit County before lighting off fireworks. 

With so many different shows and activities to choose from, you are sure to have excellent July 4th fun in Skagit County. Make sure to get places early and allow for time for parking and find a spot to sit. All of the above firework shows and events are highly popular, and crowds can be considerable. Have an excellent 4th of July, and enjoy your Skagit County Summer! 

Check back into Skagit Clever Neighbor for more summer fun in Skagit County!

Biking Skagit County

Skagit County is an outdoor lover’s dream, with tons of activities available; it can be hard to narrow it down and decide where to go. This detailed guide will give you a rundown of all the best areas to bike in Skagit County. With endless stretches of farmland, beautiful views of the ocean and the local mountain ranges, birding, and more, biking is an excellent summer pastime here in the Skagit Valley. Check out this map for more information on biking in Skagit County and to find the trails referenced below.

Tour De Fur 

As the locals call it, Tour De Fur is a bike trip that circumnavigates part of Fir Island. This area of Skagit County is known for its birding, constantly changing farm fields, and views. There is plenty of routes that you can take to experience Fir Island by bike, but many people go to the west side of the Conway bridge, across the Skagit River, and park in the parking lot on the right-hand side of the road.

From here, you will cross the main road and hope on the dike, riding southeast. Stay on the dike until you hit the Skagit Wildlife Area-Wiley Slough. This is an excellent spot to take a pit stop and enjoy the birding if you would like. There are often Bald Eagles flying overhead here. Follow Wylie Rd out to Fir Island Road. Take a left on Dry Slough Road and keep riding. Enjoy the Stunning views on a clear day and take in the farmland, slough and flat ground! You can either turn at Moore Rd and then at Skagit City Fir Rd or stay on Dry Slough Road all the way until it turns into Skagit City Fir Road. Both routes will lead you back to the parking lot. 

This trail is mostly backroads in the farmland, and traffic should be light. Be careful, though, for your short stint on Fir Island Road, as this is a 50mph zone with heavy traffic. 

Coast to Cascades 

The Coast to Cascades route begins in Anacortes, Washington. You follow mostly roads from Anacortes all the way to Sedro-Woolley Washington. In Sedro-Wooley, you can join the Cascade Trail. The Cascade trail runs 22.5 miles in length and connects Sedro-Wooley to Concrete. The trail runs parallel to State Route 20. This trail is a gravel trail, and there are several benches and port-a-potties along the trail. This is a great way to go all the way from the ocean to the foothills of the Mountains. Many people continue on HWY 20 and bike up the pass.

While the Cascade trail is a gravel trail with no car access, the route from Anacortes to the trailhead is only roads. Pay attention to your surroundings while on the roads, and always remember to follow the bike laws. This trail is relatively flat and can be done by a wide variety of biking abilities. 

Coast Millennium Route 

If you are looking to stay near the water for your entire bike ride, consider taking the Coast Millennium Route. The Coast Millennium route Begins in Stanwood, Washington, and heads north to Conway before heading West through Fir Island and La Conner. From La Conner, this route takes you straight north along the waterline through Bayview, Edison, and to Bellingham.

This route is currently around 50 miles long but sits entirely on roadways. There are currently plans to add bike lanes to the trail’s entirety and expand the path to the Canadian Border and south to California. This route is semi-flat but gets more hilly in the Bayview area and extremely hilly if you choose to take the trail out of Skagit County and North to Bellingham. This is an excellent route for those who want views of the Puget Sound and Padilla bay on their route, as well as the occasional view of Mt. Baker and the cascades and frequent views of the Olympics. 

Centennial route 

The Centennial Route is 30 miles of completed trail stretching from Skagit to Snohomish County. This path is a ten-foot-wide multi-purpose paved trail that goes through a conservation corridor that protects sensitive and important natural and cultural resources. This trail connects Snohomish, Lake Stevens, Arlington, and many points in between. The trail is designed for biking, skating, skateboarding and longboarding, and equestrian use. This trail is exceptionally popular because it is flat, inaccessible to cars, and good for people of all ages and physical ability. Views on this trail include waterways, Mountains, wooded areas, old railroads, and more.   

Guemes Island 

Guemes Island is the only island in Skagit County that is accessible by ferry. The ferry, leaving from Anacortes, is a quick 5-10 minute journey and can be completed by walking on or driving a car onto the ferry. Once off the ferry, you can take the main roads all the way around the island. Most people ride counterclockwise and take the main road along the beach on the island’s south side before cutting north.

The Guemes Mountain Conservation area lies to the east, and you will ride past the Guemes Mountain trail on your ride. If you want to get in a hike as well, chain your bike to the stand at the trailhead and complete the 2.2-mile trail before continuing on your ride. While Guemes Island is only 8 square miles, there is a significant amount of hills. The first mile and a half of your ride will be flat, and the rest will be a rollercoaster of giant climbs followed by steep downhill sections.  

Biking Guemes Island

There is no bike path on Guemes Island, so you will just be following the exterior roads for your ride. While traffic is normally light in the off-season, summertime can bring a lot of seasonal traffic, so beware of that and possible long ferry lines when you plan your trip.

Tommy Thompson- 3.3 mile paved Anacortes 

The Tommy Thompson trail is a 6.6 mile round trip trail that starts at the Port of Anacortes. The trail has excellent views of Mt. Baker, Fidalgo Bay and also features lots of blue Heron is the tide is low. This is a paved trail and is very flat, making it manageable for many bikers. You will have waterfront views for much of this trail, making it a great addition to this guide. 

More Biking the Skagit Valley

There are plenty of other areas to bike in Skagit County. The flats that run from Fir Island to Edison offer miles of excellent road biking. This area is exceptionally flat and gives riders lots to look at. With several Mountain ranges, farm animals, changing crops, birding, and waterfront views, you can always expect to see at least a few fellow riders.  

While this guide only included road and flat biking, there are several mountain biking areas in the county range from the easy levels to more challenging. Be sure to follow signage and pay attention to the vehicle and possible horse traffic wherever you go. 

Thank you for visiting Skagit Clever Neighbor. We are pleased to continue to bring you exciting activities for your trip to Skagit County.

Lakes in Skagit County

There are so many unique spots in Skagit County to beat the heat and swim, kayak, or even fish. With several rivers, lakes, and even access to the Puget Sound, there is a water activity for everyone. While temperatures remain modest in Skagit County in the summertime, coastal humidity can make the area feel hot! Whether you are planning your summer vacation to the pacific northwest or you are a local looking for a new adventure, this guide will help you decide on the best activities on the water for you this summer. 

Whether you have a whole family to entertain or are looking for some quiet time by yourself this summer, Skagit County is the place to come. With over 100 lakes, two major rivers, three Islands, and miles of coastline, you are guaranteed to find an activity that suits you.  

Anacortes kayaking 

Kayaking in Anacortes

Anacortes is the entrance to the San Juan Islands. If you are looking for a saltwater adventure, Anacortes Kayak Tours may be for you. The Anacortes Kayaking Tour company requires no previous kayaking experience. You will kayak around Burrows Island and several other small islands in the area. The San Juan Islands are known for Bald Eagles, seals, porpoises, deer, and sometimes orcas, grey whales, or humpbacks.  

These trips are family-friendly and guided by knowledgeable staff that will help you get comfortable in your kayak. Depending on the direction your group takes, you may get stunning views of the Olympic Mountain Range, the North Cascades, Mt. Baker, or Mt. Rainer. Kayaking is suitable for all levels of physical fitness, and is a great way to get out on the water. Kayaking tours start at just $79 for adults and are sure to be a highlight of your summer adventures.  

Multi-Day Kayaking Trips

Suppose you are a more adventurous kayaker or have more time to spend. In that case, the Anacortes Kayak Tours co offers multi-day Island hopping tours that feature camping. Multi-day tours also feature even more exceptional views with 6 hours of kayaking a day. The San Juan’s experience many days of sun and good weather during the summer months. Another fun option is the bioluminescent night tour. Bioluminescent organisms light up the water and offer an incredible kayak experience. This trip is weather and condition dependent but is another option for a unique adventure to beat the heat.

Rosario Beach/ Deception pass 

If you are looking for a saltwater experience with excellent views, Rosario Beach in Skagit County is great. Rosario beach is connected to Bowmans Bay, a small bay home to seals, birds, calm water, hiking, and more. 

There is a small boat launch at Rosario beach perfect for launching kayaks. You can also paddleboard to cruise around the bay area. Head out toward the large rocks at the mouth of the bay! You may see seals, porpoises, or starfish on the rock itself. The bay usually has very calm water making it the perfect place to paddle or kayak for all levels. You can also often find remote control boat races happening during the summer months at Bowman’s Bay.  

There are a number of hikes at Rosario Beach that offer views of the Salish Sea and Deception pass. In the channel facing Deception Pass, you can occasionally see Orcas passing by. While the saltwater is cold, Rosario Beach is a great place to dip your toes. Walk the beach to look at crabs, beach rocks, and other sea life. 

Washington park 

Washington Park is a great water location for those who don’t necessarily want to get wet. With a cool breeze blowing in off the water, Washington Park is usually several degrees cooler than the rest of the county. Washington Park is arguably one of the best locations in the entire county to watch the sunset during the summer months. There is a number of picnic tables facing the water with park BBQs available. 

Washington Park has both a large grassy area, perfect for picnics, as well as a beach and several viewpoints. If you are looking for a place to beat the heat and spend an afternoon, this is an excellent option for families, couples, and solo adventures. Parking is free, and there is also a public boat launch if you are in need of one. 

Skagit River 

The Skagit River runs across the entirety of Skagit County. The river itself begins in southwest British Columbia in Canada and ends by flowing into the Puget Sound. The river is roughly 150 miles long. The Skagit River is excellent for fishing, swimming, boating, and fishing.

The Skagit River is the only river in the United States that is home to all five species of salmon. If you are a fishing enthusiast, then look no further. There are plenty of great areas to fish on the river. The Skagit River is home to great fishing for Silvers, King salmon, Stealhead’s, and more. Many people fish from boats, but there are plenty of areas to fish from the shore as well in the Skagit Valley.

Diablo Lake on the Skagit River

 If you want to venture just outside of Skagit County, you can follow the river up highway 20 to Diablo Lake, which is a reservoir created by the Diablo dam. The water here is often a picture-perfect blue, and there are plenty of viewpoints along highway 20 to take in the views. The Skagit river also supports one of the largest populations of Bald Eagles in the United States. No matter where you are on the river, you are bound to find lots of fish, birds, and views.  

Swimming in the Skagit River can be hazardous, so please pick carefully where you might want to take a dip. As you travel up highway 20 toward lake Diablo, there are a few safe swimming areas. Be aware that snowmelt and rain can drastically affect the water levels and how fast the water is moving. 

Lakes

There are 137 lakes in Skagit County. From high alpine lakes to calm residential watering holes, there is plenty of excellent areas to cool off in the area and beat the heat.  

Lakes in Skagit County
Lakes in Skagit County

Whistle Lake

For cliff jumping, swimming and hiking, head to Anacortes to Whistle Lake. This lake is popular during the summer months because of its array of cliffs overhanging the lake, bringing in young adventures for the cliffs. Jumping. If you are looking for a nice place to float, this lake usually has plenty of lake-side spots to set up a day camp and is quiet and protected in a wooded area. It is an excellent place to lounge on a floaty for the day.  

Lake Shannon

Lake Shannon is a great place to kayak, boat, jet ski, paddleboard, and swim. This lake is near Concrete, Washington, and offers stunning views of Mt. Baker. With a public boat launch and plenty of beachside nooks to hide out in, Lake Shannon is one of the best lakes for water toys. It is large and offers enough room for boats and kayakers to enjoy the lake. If you are ready for a day at the lake, pack a lunch and paddle your way to the best shoreline spots. 

Hidden Lake

If you are looking for a trek to get to your cool-off spot, Hidden Lake is the lake for you. This 8 mile- out and back hike offers stunning views of the north cascades and a great way to enjoy new areas of Skagit county. Hidden lake is located at the top of the hike and is a great place to have lunch and enjoy the views. 

Baker Lake

Just outside of Concrete, Wa, you will find Baker Lake. Baker Lake is a massive lake situated just inside the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Park. Home to hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming areas. With stunning views of Mt. Baker and plenty of coves and beaches to explore, it is a favorite place for many people from Skagit County. Bake lake has a few different swimming areas and public parks that often fill up during the summer months, so grab a parking spot early in the day. If you are looking for a hike, there is a trail on the south side of the lake with incredible views of the mountains and even a few spots to jump in and swim. Bake Lake is known for its trout fishing, and fisherman cruise the edges of the lake during the summertime for trout and bass. 

Sauk River 

 Sauk River is a 45-mile long river that drains a high area of the North Cascades. This river flows into the Skagit River, but it is known for its snowmelt and icy cold water year-round. The Sauk River is a popular rafting location. With plenty of class 3 and 4 rapids, it is the perfect intermediate wilderness adventure. 

Rafting Sauk River

If you are looking for an adventure in the water, check out Triad River Tours to book your rafting adventure for this summer. Rafting trips start at 85 dollars and offer a 1.5-2.5 hour raft trip with stunning mountain views. Rafting is an excellent way to get on the water and beat the heat.

Sauk river is also known for its fly fishing. The river is remote and offers exceptional views and stunning waters. The locals identify the perfect fly fishing when the water turns a clear green. If you are ready for fly fishing in the great wilderness of the foothills of the cascades, Sauk River is the stop for you. 

Beat the Heat on the coast

There are miles of coast in Skagit County and even a few islands Guemes Island, Cypress Island, and Sinclair, make a trifecta of bliss as you head into the Islands. If you are looking to take in the views and experience Island life, head to Guemes Island. You will cross a short waterway by ferry from Anacortes and land on the tiny Island. Guemes is only 8 square miles and offers stunning views of the cascades and the sound. If you have a boat or kayak, consider doing an Island tour of these three Islands to enjoy the ocean breeze and beat the heat. These islands are close enough together that you can kayak or boat around them and spend the day taking in the views, watching the seals and birds, and fellow boaters. 

Samish Island and Padilla Bay are also part of the Skagit Valley; both of these locations offer a number of beachfront areas to launch kayaks, fish, and cruise the beaches for crabs. While Samish Island is largely private property, Padilla Bay has a fantastic walking trail that sits just on the edge of the water. It is a great place to enjoy the cool air from the water, go bird watching, and watch the tide come in and out. 

Skagit County has countless places to cool off by the water and beat the heat. Skagit County has you covered whether you are looking for a salty breeze by the ocean, a lake day, or a wilderness river adventure. There is no end to the exceptional views or adventures that you can have on the water in the area. If you want to fish, kayak, swim, or simply hang by the water’s edge, you don’t have to choose. With so many options all in one county, you could start your morning rafting in the foothills of the Cascades and end the day enjoying the sunset over the ocean. 

There is always more to do and see in the Skagit Valley, so make sure to check back in to plan your next stop.