Real-time Bloom Map for Pacific Northwest flowers: https://nwwildflowers.com/map/
What is the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in Washington State?
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival takes place in the Skagit Valley and Mount Vernon region of Washington State; about 1-1.5 hours north of Seattle. This colorful event, held annually during the month of April, attracts visitors from all over the globe, drawn by the breathtaking beauty of acres upon acres of tulip fields in full bloom. There are a few different places you can go, but I just went to the dog-friendly one Tuliptown.
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit: Peak tulip bloom times vary from year to year, but usually around the month of April. Daffodils are in March. The difference can change within a matter of weeks! So be sure to check instagram and their websites for recent pictures and posts on bloom.
Getting There: I did the drive twice last year with varying times. One weekend it only took about an hour and 15 minutes, but the second time it took 2.5 hours due to heavy traffic on I-5. I recommend leaving earlier in the morning or going on a weekday to avoid traffic. Don't forget to get in the long line and get ice cream at Snow Goose Produce farmers market on your way; it won't disappoint!
Where to Stay: I think most people day-trip from Seattle. Some Seattle recommended stays are the W Seattle, Hyatt Regency, and the StayPineapple for a more dog-friendly stay. If you really want to experience the pacific northwest while you're here, then consider making a trip to the San Juan islands after and staying in Friday Harbor. If you're set on being close to the flowers, then stay in La Conner.
Tickets and Entry: I didn't book tickets more than a day or so in advance, and sometimes on the same day. For tuliptown you can find information here. You can book them ahead for a slightly reduced cost of $15. It was about $8 for Roozengaarde for the daffodils. There are cute little shops inside and some food and beverages, so the ticket allows you entry to all of that.
What to bring: Bring lots of water, sunscreen (it was almost 70 degrees/sunny in April!), wear a cute dress, pack your camera and tripod and some extra batteries. It can be a little muddy if it has rained beforehand, so be mindful of the weather that week. They have a few photography spots where you can sit on a swing overlooking the field, we didn't want to wait in line for it though. Lastly bring your friends and enjoy the beauty! I also love bringing props: an aesthetic hat, hair clip, etc.
What about the dogs?
Tuliptown is dog-friendly, but you must keep them leashed. For both Tuliptown and Roozengaarde it was confusing whether you're allowed to walk down the aisles, with random signs saying you couldn't in certain spots. I think you just have to find the wider and prepared rows to go down. Listen to the employees and what they suggest as rules can change!
Spot the Difference - 2 week tulip bloom difference!
In April 2023, I visited TulipTown farm twice. The first was April 14th, 2023 and the second photo is from April 29th. I recommend scoping it out mid April and if the bloom isn't giving "wow" then you need to come back in a few weeks. It was an incredibly noticeable difference. The first visit I found myself questioning what was so special about them... but upon my return I was amazed!
Another Example below April, 14th vs. April 29th
What about the Daffodils in Skagit Valley?
If you want to see the daffodils, you'll need to go slightly earlier in the season; they usually bloom in mid March. Roozengaarde farm offers both the daffodils and tulips, though tulips will be in April. You can't bring dogs to this farm, but I really love the backdrop with the mountains. It makes for a really great photoshoot!
What else can you do after your visit?
It's arguably a lot of driving for just a short visit, so i recommend planning something else to do nearby after! Here are some ideas:
Anacortes: Do what we did and make a weekend trip out of it and head to the San Juan Islands: afterwards! Reserve your ferry spot ahead of time if you're driving. Plan a trip to the San juan islands, starting with staying in Friday Harbor or just making a day trip from the anacortes ferry.
Deception Pass State Park: we fit in a short hike by the shore after our first visit. We walked down to the water, less than a mile hike and we even saw some beautiful seals swimming in the water!
La Conner: this cute little town has some adorable local shops and restaurants to grab a bite after spending some time in the sun at the festival. There's a few antique shops in town for some neat finds and coffeeshops to refresh!
