Skagit Valley, 50 miles north of Seattle on I-5, is primarily known for the Tulip Festival every April.  However, as we recently discovered, there is much more to do there than meets the eye.  This area is one of our most frequent day-tripping destinations year round.

Skagit Wildlife Area – North Fork

We stumbled on this area one day after stopping at the Snow Goose Produce stand (a worthy stop in and of itself).  It’s a beautiful area that during good weather is great for exploration.  Bordered on one side by the north fork of the Skagit River with Craft Island looming in the distance this wildlife area extends out into the sound.  You have the option of either walking a short way along the dyke or taking one the trails that leads toward the water.  One trail we really enjoy leads out from the entrance.  It initially crosses one of the larger canals on a small footbridge.  After that, the trail stays on firm ground for quite awhile until you approach the water.   A word of caution:  be aware of the tides as you get close to the water.  In general, if the weather has been dry and you are walking in mud, then you are likely in an area that is covered at high tide.

La Conner (Swinomsh Channel) Off-leash Area

Since we mostly travel with our dog, one place we love to take him is to this off-leash area.  Located on the north side of La Conner, it is actually atop a dyke that sits between the Swinomish Channel and one of the many farms in the area.  It’s a beautiful open area that is perfect for walking, picnicing or letting fido stretch his legs.  The channel is subject to tides so there can be some muddy areas close to the water.   From La Conner, simply follow 3rd NORTH passing the RV park, marina and boat storage to a private residence on the channel.  The unsigned entry is to the right of this house between a stand of poplar trees.  Park along the trees.

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