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The PNW is home to an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. Northwest Washington is home to Skagit County, which is the perfect spot to find fun activities for the whole family this summer. Located in between Seattle, Washington, and the Canadian border, Skagit county touches the Puget Sound and reaches all the way into the North Cascades. With endless room to explore, traveling Skagit county will provide you with excellent indoor and outdoor activities to keep any adventure entertained for a long weekend or maybe a few weeks if you have the time.

Skagit County is expansive! So we have broken down this guide to adventure into three separate parts to help keep your travels organized. Activities to do near the water (the West third of the county), the Valley (the middle third of the county), and the foothills (the Eastside of the county).

Skagit County-What to do near the water

La Conner Washington Kayaking

Skagit County spans through Anacortes and into the Puget Sound, encompassing Guemes Island and Samish Island. This area is ideal for kayaking, boating and fishing, and biking! If you are looking for activities to do on the water, consider getting out in a kayak. There are plenty of rental areas in both La Conner and Anacortes. If you head into La Conner, launch from town and head southwest through the channel. Look for the hole in the wall, and you can paddle through and head into the Skagit Bay. Be prepared to see seals, porpoises, Eagles, and maybe whales, if you are lucky.

Biking Guemes Island

If you want to try your hand at Island life, head to Anacortes and take the ferry to Guemes Island. This tiny ferry will take you on a quick trip across the Guemes Channel over to the island. Guemes is a popular spot to bike. You can circumnavigate the island with views of Samish Bay, Bellingham Channel, the North Cascades, and Mt. Baker on a clear day. The whole island takes just a few hours to bike around, and there are even a few hiking trails that you can stop at on your path.

Deception Pass Bridge and Mt. Erie

A must-see stop is Deception Pass Bridge south of Anacortes. Rosario beach on the northside of the bridge is an excellent spot for a hike or kayaking trip. If you are feeling brave, walk across the bridge for a great view of the Puget sound from the center point. If you are looking for more incredible views of the Sound, consider hiking on MT. Erie. The trails will take you to a high vantage point to see amazing views of Anacortes, Lopez Island, and the ferry crossings.

Washington Park

The perfect place for a sunset picnic near the water is at Washington Park. With picnic tables that line the shore, you will be able to enjoy the sun and the saltwater all in one place. During the summer, this location is busy, so make sure to get here early to grab a table. Watch the Ferries pass to and from the islands, walk the trails or cruise the beach for shells. Washington Park is an excellent stop for all ages and a way to see great water views without having to hike. There is a road that takes you all the way through the park to a viewpoint at the top, so make sure not to miss it on your drive out!

La Conner Shopping

The quaint town of La Conner is not just the perfect place to launch a kayak from. There is a number of great shops to wander through and merchants to talk to. If you head down to the main street, find a parking spot and plan on spending at least a few hours checking out all these shops. Like a farmers market, you’ll want to check out all the offerings and walk down both sides of the sidewalk. If you get hungry during your shopping, pop into one of the many restaurants for a bite to eat or head into the Calico Cupboard at the end of the street for a Coffee or a dizzying array of baked goods to choose from.

Best stops in Skagit Valley, Skagit County

What is commonly referred to as the Skagit Valley is an excellent place for great food, biking, views, and fun. This section spans from Conway to Alger. Starting in Conway, consider heading the Skagit Wildlife Area-Wiley Slough. This area is a bird watcher’s favorite spot! Eagles, Heron, and more are all common sites in this area. You can take a bike ride on the Skagit River Dike to get here, or you can park your right at the wildlife area and walk the short trail out to the water. This area is high in ecological diversity. Take your wildlife ID books with you!

Edison

Food, drinks and more biking. Edison and the Bow, Wa area is a quieter area of the Skagit Valley, home to far lands and sloughs. Edison has a few excellent restaurants that come with great views. Check out Slough foods, where you can eat with a view of the slough and the wetlands beyond. Right next door, be sure to stop into the Bread Farm for fresh bread, cookies, and other baked goods. This entire area is excellent for biking, and if you head west from Edison, you can bike onto Samish Island.

Be sure to drive through the farm fields between Bow and Burlington. In the summertime, stop by From the Farm to get fresh berries: strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, and more accompanied by homemade shortcakes and local goodies. There is plenty of berry stands throughout the Valley. While From the Farm is dedicated to berries from the Skagit Valley, there is a fruit stand in the parking lot of Karl’s Paints & Supplies in Mt. Vernon that hosts peaches, cherries, and apples from Eastern Washington.

The Skagit Valley Casino

Suppose you are looking for a bit of indoor fun; head to Alger, just off I5 to the Skagit Valley Casino. Complete with a hotel, several restaurants, and plenty of opportunities to gamble, the Skagit Valley Casino is an excellent place for some adult fun. This large Casino is the biggest north of Marysville, Washington, which is about an hour south.

Mt. Vernon Farmers Market

In downtown Mt. Vernon on Saturday mornings, you will find the Mt. Vernon farmers market. Right along the Skagit river, vendors from all over the county set up on the embankment to sell food, trinkets, and local gear. If you are looking to support local vendors and buy a few souvenirs to commemorate your visit to Skagit county, this is the perfect stop. After you finish wandering through the farmer’s market, there are a variety of breweries and restaurants to walk to. There are also a few excellent shops to wander through on the main street.

Where to head in the foothills of the Cascades in Skagit County

Sauk Mountain Trail

If you are ready to hike the North Cascades, the Sauk Mountain Trail might be the perfect fit for you. This 4.2-mile-long trail takes you up switchbacks to the top of Sauk Mountain. During the summertime, you can see wildflowers, marmots, chipmunks, and butterflies. This trail gains 1200 feet and reaches a high point elevation of 5500, giving you great views of the rest of the North Cascades mountain range. At the top, there is often snow, so be careful if you want to venture farther than the viewpoint at the top. Bring a lunch and a cold beverage because you will want to spend a while sitting at the top, enjoying the views. This trail sits along highway 20, headed east into the foothills of the Cascades.

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 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.

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.

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, camping, and swimming areas, Baker lake is the perfect summer stop. 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. If you are looking to stay, there are plenty of campgrounds on the lake.

Make sure to take a trip over the dam while you are here! It is definitely worth the drive. Bake lake has a few different swimming areas and public parks that often fill up during the summer months so make sure to 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.

Newhalem

If you are driving up HWY over the North Cascades, make sure to stop in Newhalem. This tiny town is the last town on the west side of the mountains and is a great pit stop on your way to Eastern Washington. The family favorite of this iconic stop is the retired train right on the side of the HWY. This historic train is often a playground for young children and their families. Make sure to take a turn ringing the bell attached to the front. If you need a place to stretch your legs, there are a few walking trails and even a campground in this tiny town.

Blue Lake

At the very eastern edge of Skagit County, in the Northern Cascades off highway 20, you can find the Blue Lake trailhead. This trial is a hot spot for day hikers because of its beautiful views. This four-mile roundtrip hike is perfect for almost any ability hiker, and the payoff is huge. The lake is crystal clear during the summertime, and if it’s hot enough outside, you can even take a dip. During the summer, the snow will melt off, and the trail is clear and easy to navigate. If you make the trek during the summer, make sure to come back in the fall to see the Larches!

While many tourists are in Washington to visit Seattle, the Skagit County is a must-see stop just an hour north of the city. With places to play for both ocean and mountain lovers, there is something for everyone. If you are ready to hike, fish, boat, bike, and play in the Sound, you have to make a trip to Skagit County this summer. There is a plethora of tiny towns, ecological diversity, and stunning views. From the Islands all the way into the cascades, the Skagit Valley may be one of the most diverse counties in the PNW. If you are looking for the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Seattle, or you are visiting from another part of the country, make sure to start planning all your stops in Skagit county today!

Takeaway

If you plan to visit Skagit County this summer, these summer activities mentioned above should be on your list! Never underestimate Skagit County as this outdoor playground has lots to offer, and it will only make you fall in love with the PNW even more. To learn more about Skagit County, visit https://cleverneighbor.com/

Skagit county spans from the Puget Sound into the North Cascades. This expansive county is home to plenty of outdoor activities as well as great eats and entertainment. Here we will help you decide on where to eat the best Skagit County food. This guide will provide a few excellent restaurants and activities in all the major areas of the county so your trip can be mapped out before you even get here.

Skagit County food: Where to Eat in Anacortes, Wa

Anacortes is the westernmost town in Skagit County. Often referred to as the entrance to the Islands because of its close proximity to the San Juan Islands, Anacortes is home to great food and summer activities. If you are looking for a bit to eat, there are quite a few excellent options. Head into the A-town Bistro on Commercial Ave for local food with a rustic, old-world flair. With a range of seafood options and exciting choices like their Wild Boar Burger, the A-Town is a fan favorite. They also have an excellent collection of craft beers and spirits. The average price of the A-town ranges from $20-40 for the main entrée.

If you are looking to eat on the water, check out Anthony’s at Cap Sante Marina or Anthony’s- The Cabana. Both of these restaurants are located on the same property and offer great views of the Marina. The Cabana is an outdoor restaurant with a casual vibe and great family-friendly options. The Cabana is the less expensive option of the two restaurants and has a full-sized bocce ball court to play during dining. Anthony’s at Cap Sante Marina is a fine dining restaurant with an excellent array of seafood options, pasta, and delicious appetizers.

Activities in Anacortes

A few times every year, Anacortes shuts down its main street to host festivals. Every July, Anacortes hosts Shipwreck Fest. This festival started thirty-nine years ago when local fishermen would sell their used gear as yard art on the main street. Today there are over 200 vendors that line Commercial Ave with food, crafts, and hand-crafted goods. Plan on spending a few hours here as there are many booths to stop at and there is also usually live music hidden somewhere in the rows of vendors.

Where to eat in La Conner, Wa

Moving east just slightly in Skagit County, you will find a tiny town right on the water. This town is known for its incredible views of the water, fun shopping, and excellent food. For Breakfast, The Calico Cupboard Cafe is a must-stop. There are actually two more of these delicious Cafes located in Anacortes and Mt. Vernon, so you have three chances to make a stop on your tour of Skagit County. These restaurants pride themselves on made-from-scratch baked goods and local ingredients. Their Bakery is located in the Anacortes location, where they whip up massive cinnamon rolls, homemade bread, and hundreds of cookies every morning. The average price of a meal here ranges from $15-20. The La Conner location features outdoor dining on the water and excellent food for both breakfast and Lunch. The Calico Cupboard is dedicated to serving up the freshest food possible, sourced from local ingredients and inspired by whatever is in season. This is a must-stop!

While Snow Goose Produce is closer to Conway than La Conner, it is a must for the summer! While they are a produce market for local fruits and veggies, oysters, and fresh fish, there is usually a line out the door for their ice cream! Flavors infused with local berries and dairy right from the county make Snow Goose a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Come prepared to wait for your delicious treat because lines often head out the door into the back garden. I promise the wait will be worth it, though, as the ice cream comes out in mega scoops on homemade cones.

Bow & Edison

On the north side of the Skagit Valley, you will find Bow and the tiny town of Edison. This area is the perfect stop for bikers as there are miles or backroads through farmlands with views of Puget Sound and the North Cascades. There are a few great restaurants in Edison worth noting. If you are looking for a local take on pizza, try Terramar Brewstillery. With views of the sound and outdoor seating with fireplaces, this is the perfect summer spot. With Pizzas from regular pepperoni to Kale and Wild mushrooms, there is something for everyone here. Pizzas start at $16. Terramar also offers local taps, housemade sodas, and cocktails.

If you are looking for bar food with great views, stop at the Longhorn. This restaurant sits directly on the slough with great views for sunset. With typical bar food, great beer, and a huge outdoor seating area, the Longhorn is excellent for those 21 and up. If you are traveling without kids, this is a perfect choice. Another great 21 plus location in Edison is The Edison. Located at the end of the main street, the Edison is the spot where the locals head. Home to pool tables, great beer, and a good food menu, the Edison is a popular spot for bikers (both motorcycle and pedal alike).

If you are in Edison during the day, check out Sloughfoods for more great views and wine and cheese. This restaurant is known for its wine and appetizers! With only a few things on the menu, Slough Food offers gourmet cheeses from all over the world. Paired with excellent wine and service, slough foods is the perfect place to hand out for a few hours. Their food menu ranges from $5-$15, and they offer a wide range of wines.

Best Skagit County Foods: Burlington

If you head into Burlington, the most popular spot on any given night must be the Train Wreck Bar and Grill. This 21 and over bar sits right next to the train tracks that run through Burlington, and they offer drink specials every time a train goes by. On a Saturday night, every chair will be full. The Trainwreck provides a higher-end take on traditional bar food. They also offer a Saturday and Sunday brunch menu that draws in locals. If you are traveling with kids, the Trainwreck has a sister restaurant just a few blocks away. The Railroad is a pizza joint that offers an indoor-outdoor feel with huge glass doors that are always open during the summer months. In addition to pizza, the Railroad offers craft beers, great appetizers, and sandwiches.

This is just a tiny taste of Skagit County! There are tons of breweries that scatter the county that is worth checking out. Most of the restaurants in Skagit county are owned by locals and love serving up great food and excellent service to tourists during the summer months. The best part about Skagit County Food is there is always another superb place to checkout.

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