Skagit Valley Blooms in Spring

Got Tulips?

For 34 years, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival has displayed millions of Pacific Northwest tulips to locals and those from afar. Visitors from all 50 states and 93 foreign countries arrive throughout the month of April to witness the spectacular fields of vividly colored tulips, beautiful garden arrangements, and to enjoy the many activities in Mt. Vernon, Washington.

In what has become an annual tradition, we visited the festival for the third year in a row. Spanning the entire month of April, it's easy to find enough time in your busy schedule to enjoy the springtime sights.

We arrived in town around noon and had a few hours until check-in at our hotel. We decided to grab a bite to eat at Calle, a local Mexican restaurant located in the center of town. We parked a few blocks away, which gave us the opportunity to stay out of traffic and also enjoy the many gardens along the downtown River Walk.

This half-mile trail runs along the Skagit River and features flower beds, benches to relax on, and a pavilion with vendors and picnic tables. It's an enjoyable walk with great photo opportunities.

When we arrived at the restaurant, we immediately noticed the Dia de Los Muertos theme, also known as Day of the Dead. We hungrily ate veggie burrito bowls and then headed straight to the tulip fields at RoozenGaarde.

Covering five acres, RoozenGaarde boasts more than 250,000 bulbs displayed in beautifully designed gardens and open fields. There are also tulips and bulbs for sale, a gift shop, festival-type food, and an authentic Dutch windmill.

The windmill was the first thing to greet us, crowded by visitors lining up to take photos. Sculpted tulip gardens surround the windmill, arranged in mesmerizing patterns and layouts. Tulips and other flowers in numerous colors and variation fill these beautiful spaces.

Beyond the windmill, fields of tulips and daffodils stretch as far as the eye can see. As you look across the rows, broad bands of vibrant color pop against a backdrop of the Cascades.The pathways to and around these flowers are muddy with intermittent puddles to navigate: proper footwear is recommended!

We visited Skagit Valley on one of the sunniest days of the season, so the crowds were out enjoying the beautiful weather. We meandered, soaked up the sights of RoozenGaarde, and then made our way to our hotel. We had a lovely day filled with beautiful views.

There are still a couple of weeks left to see the tulips. Don't miss the remarkable views and unforgettable memories!