Every spring, Skagit Valley becomes one of the most scenic spring road trip destinations in the U.S. Acres of vibrant tulips stretch across fertile farmland, framed by snow-capped mountains, winding waterways, and historic small towns. The combination of color, open space, and natural beauty makes this region feel both expansive and intimate.
That sense of immersion is also true when you experience it from the road.
What makes Skagit Valley truly special is how accessible it is. These scenic drives are easy, mostly flat, and family-friendly, perfect for travelers of all ages.
Couples love the romantic backdrops and charming towns. Families appreciate the flexibility to explore at their own pace. Out-of-state visitors often feel amazed by how much beauty is packed into a relatively short drive.
Although we have a main tulip route, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival invites you to explore scenic areas where color, landscape, and community come together. Situated along the I-5 corridor between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., the valley is a natural gateway to the North Cascades.
Let’s explore five must-see scenic drives that we love during tulip season. But first, let’s prep for the trip.
Buy garden tickets early to secure your spot.
What To Know Before You Begin Your Tulip Season Road Trip
A little planning goes a long way before you hit the road in Skagit Valley. These are some of our top planning tips and tricks:
- Take the official tulip route. The festival’s recommended tulip route leads you straight to the heart of Mount Vernon’s tulip farms. Field locations rotate yearly, so check the official tulip festival map. There, you’ll find the most up-to-date routes and viewing areas.
- Seize weekday advantages. Tulip season is popular (for good reason). Visiting Monday through Thursday means lighter traffic, easier parking, and fewer people in your photos.
- Practice safety and respect for farmland. Skagit Valley is working farmland. Please follow posted signs and pull over only in designated areas. Never enter fields unless they’re clearly marked as open to the public.
- Pack like a pro. Layers, waterproof shoes and a phone charger are essential. Spring weather loves a surprise.
- Stay current on blooms and weather. Bloom timing changes year to year, so check the Bloom Status before you go. Peek at the Mount Vernon weather forecast to plan your day.
These routes are popular with everyday drivers, but road conditions can change. Check current conditions and choose routes that match your comfort level.
Once you’ve covered the basics, choose a self-guided scenic drive that fits your perfect tulip road trip. Now, let’s hop in.
Find places to stay in Skagit County for the tulip festival.
Self-Guided Tulip Festival Scenic Routes
These five scenic drives highlight different corners of Skagit Valley. Each offers its own mix of tulips, farmland, waterways, and small-town charm. Choose one or combine a few for the ultimate tulip road trip.
Route 1: The Classic Tulip Loop, Mount Vernon
The Classic Tulip Loop is the can’t-miss, first-time visitor favorite. It uses our official tulip route to get you to the heart of Mount Vernon’s bloom country.
You’ll pass the valley’s most colorful fields, all five featured tulip festival farms and plenty of iconic photo spots. Expect big blooms and even bigger smiles.
Why you’ll love it. The route is flat, easy, and packed with color, no guesswork needed.
Who it’s best for. This drive is perfect or first-timers and families.
Here are your must-see stops along the Classic Tulip Loop:
- The tulip gardens. Capture that classic tulip photo at one (or all) of the featured tulip festival gardens, all located within about 5 miles of one another.
- Downtown Mount Vernon. Stroll the riverfront or grab tulip festival souvenirs at our headquarters. Enjoy the official Tulip Festival beer at District Brewing.
- Local favorite. Skagit Food Co-op is a true local gem where grocery meets gourmet. Think made-to-order sandwiches, great coffee, smoothies and a deli perfect for a quick road-trip refuel.
Average mileage: 8–10 miles
Drive time: 45 minutes to 1 hour (plus stops, lots of them)
Navigation tip: Follow McLean Road and Best Road to find the highest number of display gardens. These roads form the backbone of the official tulip route.
Route 2: Fir Island to La Conner Road Trip
This scenic favorite winds through wide-open farmland and sloughs before arriving in one of Skagit Valley’s most charming channel-side towns. The Fir Island to La Conner route offers a quieter, backdoor approach to the tulip fields and farms.
It finishes along the Swinomish Channel, where boats, boardwalks and small-town appeal set the scene.
Why you’ll love it. This route blends tulip scenery with water views, making it ideal when you want color, delight and a little indulgence along the way.
Who it’s best for. This drive is fantastic for food lovers, travelers with a sweet tooth and couples. It’s naturally ideal for anyone who wants to mix tulips with coastal allure and walkable exploring.
Here are your must-see stops along the Fir Island to La Conner drive:
- La Conner scenic highlights. Walk across the iconic Rainbow Bridge, then stroll along the Swinomish Channel for boat views, shops and galleries.
- Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro & Bar. It’s a local favorite for elevated comfort food, craft cocktails and unbeatable waterfront views.
- Calico Cupboard Café & Bakery. The bakery is home to legendary cinnamon rolls that are well worth the stop.
- Snow Goose Produce. This locale is famous for giant ice cream cones and fresh local treats. It’s arguably some of the best (and biggest) ice cream in the valley.
Average mileage: 12–15 miles
Drive time: 45–60 minutes (longer if dessert detours happen … and they will)
Navigation tip: Access this route via Exit 221 off I-5 and follow Fir Island Road. This lets you skip the heavier city traffic in downtown Mount Vernon.
Route 3: Anacortes Road Trip
After soaking in the tulip fields and farms, hop back on Highway 20. Then, head west toward Anacortes for a drive that trades colorful farmland for dramatic water, forest and island views.
This route feels like a natural extension of tulip season. It’s where wide-open valley roads slowly give way to saltwater vistas and iconic Pacific Northwest scenery.
Why you’ll love it. This route delivers big scenery and memorable stops. That makes it perfect when you want to pair tulips with adventure, wildlife and great food.
Who it’s best for. The Anacortes drive fits nature lovers, adventure seekers and seafood fans. It’s lovely for anyone ready to level up their tulip festival trip with unforgettable PNW scenery.
Here are your must-see stops along the Anacortes drive:
- Swinomish Casino & Lodge. It’s known for its beautiful waterfront rooms, but locals will tell you the real hidden gem is 13moons Restaurant. It serves outstanding seafood and Northwest-inspired dishes.
- Outer Island Excursions. Turn a scenic drive into a once-in-a-lifetime experience with whale-watching tours that make dreams come true.
- Deception Pass Bridge & West Beach. This is one of Washington’s most iconic viewpoints. Find jaw-dropping bridge views, a rugged shoreline and easy beach access for stretching your legs and taking it all in.
Average mileage: 25–30 miles (from Mount Vernon)
Drive time: 1–1.5 hours (longer if you stop, although you absolutely should)
Navigation tip: Stay on SR 20 West and follow the signs for Whidbey Island to reach Deception Pass. The bridge parking lots fill quickly, so try to arrive before 11 a.m.
Route 4: Sedro-Woolley Road Trip
After an early morning visit to the tulip fields, head east toward Sedro-Woolley for a slower-paced drive. This route is full of old-town fascination and foothill scenery.
It trades wide-open farmland for historic streets, river views and a touch of whimsy: perfect for lingering and exploring.
Why you’ll love it. This drive feels like stepping into a storybook. That makes it ideal when you enjoy captivating towns, unique experiences and a more relaxed pace.
Who it’s best for. The Sedro-Woolley trip fits couples, girls’ trips and history lovers. It attracts anyone who loves old-time charm, cozy stops and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Here are your must-see stops along the Sedro-Woolley drive:
- Tulip fields and gardens (morning start). Begin your day among the blooms before heading east. Early light makes both tulips and town stops extra magical.
- Sedro-Woolley Northern State Hospital grounds. It’s a scenic and slightly mysterious area with forested paths and historic buildings. Step into an unexpected and memorable stop.
- Willowbrook Manor English Tea. This is essential for couples and girls’ trips. The experience comes complete with tiered trays, teacups and all the whimsy you could want.
- Sedro-Woolley Museum. Step back in time and learn about the town’s logging, railroad and frontier roots in a beautifully preserved local museum.
Average mileage: 15–20 miles (from Mount Vernon)
Drive time: 45–60 minutes
Navigation tip. Take SR 20 East from Mount Vernon for a direct shot into the historic district. This road offers a beautiful transition from flat farmland into the forested Cascade foothills.
Route 5: Bow to Bellingham Road Trip
After visiting the tulip fields, head north and take the backroads along Chuckanut Drive, one of Washington’s most scenic stretches. This route winds past the small towns of Bow and Edison.
The drive hugs the water in places and finishes in Bellingham with sweeping bay views and a polished, coastal-feel finale.
Why you’ll love it. This drive is all about scenery with a side of indulgence. It blends farm country, forested cliffs and waterfront views into one unforgettable road trip.
Who it’s best for. The Bow-to-Bellingham drive fits couples, hikers and food-and-wine lovers. When you want to turn your tulip trip into a full-day scenic adventure, it’s for you.
Here are your must-see stops along the Bow to Bellingham drive:
- Chuckanut Drive. It’s a bucket-list-worthy scenic road with dramatic curves, water views and endless photo opportunities.
- Bow and Edison. These charming small towns are perfect for wandering, snacking and soaking up local flavor. While passing through Edison, stretch your legs and enjoy a bite to eat at Terramar Brewstillery.
- Oyster Dome. If you’re up for a short hike, the payoff is one of the region’s most iconic viewpoints.
- Taylor Shellfish Farms. Savor fresh oysters, while taking in the stunning and peaceful oceanfront view.
- Hotel Bellwether (Bellingham). End your drive in style with stunning waterfront views, ideal for an overnight stay or celebratory drink.
Average mileage: 35–40 miles (from Mount Vernon)
Drive time: 1.5–2 hours (plus stops, and you’ll want them)
Navigation tip: Start your drive in Bow on State Route 11 (Chuckanut Drive). Driving from south to north keeps the Puget Sound views on your side of the road.
Tips for Taking the Best Photos on Scenic Drives
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a dream destination for photographers. It offers bold color, open landscapes and dramatic backdrops in every direction.
For the best light, plan your scenic drive around sunrise or golden hour. That’s when the tulips glow and Mount Baker often makes a picture-perfect appearance in the northeast background.
Don’t shy away from cloudy or even rainy days. They’re actually ideal for photography, creating soft, even light that makes tulip colors appear richer and more saturated.
Try to visit on weekdays, too. Midweek visits also mean fewer crowds, clearer views and a better chance of capturing wide-open fields without people in the background.
Have a shot you love? Enter the Annual Tulip Photo Contest, presented by North Coast Credit Union. Submit your favorite photos for a chance to win a tulip-themed prize and be featured as part of the festival’s springtime celebration.
Explore food and drink in Skagit Valley.
Plan Your Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Visit Before Your Scenic Drive
Use a few festival tools to build your perfect tulip-season itinerary:
- Check the Bloom Status for the latest field updates.
- Explore maps and directions to plot your Skagit Valley scenic drives.
- Browse the events calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.
Sign up for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival newsletter for more tips, route ideas, and festival updates. You’ll get helpful tulip season resources delivered straight to your inbox.
Purchase Tulip Garden Tickets
Buy your tulip garden tickets online in advance. Having them in hand helps you glide past the lines and head straight for the blooms.
Secure your spot, then relax and enjoy the scenic drives, gardens and small-town hospitality when you arrive.
