Northwest Washington region

Discover the Destination

Home to the San Juan Islands and Whidbey and Camano islands as well as Bellingham, the Skagit Valley, and access to rugged North Cascades National Park, Northwest Washington offers outstanding outdoor recreation and a slower pace.

While Whidbey and Camano islands are reachable by car, getting to the San Juan Islands requires some advance planning. Most visitors opt for a scenic ferry ride, but the islands can also be accessed via a brief charter flight. Learn more about Washington’s ferry system here.

Airports & Ferries: Airports in Northwest Washington include Bellingham International Airport (BLI) and small regional airports in the San Juan Islands. Washington State Ferries also connect the islands to the mainland.

Climate/Seasonality: Northwest Washington has mild summers and moderately wet winters with snowfall mainly at higher elevations.

Northwest Washington Highlights

Whale watching and wildlife viewing
Watersports
Fresh seafood
Deception Pass State Park and the Deception Pass Bridge
Scenic ferry routes through the Salish Sea
Craft beer
Annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Northwest Washington Destinations

bellingham

Near the border with British Columbia, Bellingham beckons outdoor enthusiasts and foodies alike. Head to this college town in Northwest Washington to explore museums, craft breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and more. Scenic Chuckanut Drive connects the city to the farmland-rich Skagit Valley, while to the east, Mount Baker and the northern reaches of Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest offer everything from hiking in the summer to snowsports in the winter.

North Cascades National Park Complex

Home to glacier-capped peaks, flowing waterfalls, and alpine lakes, North Cascades National Park is part of the greater North Cascades National Park Complex, which includes the Ross Lake National Recreation Area and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Drive the seasonal and scenic North Cascades Highway (Highway 20) to view the brilliant blue waters of Diablo Lake. From short strolls to strenuous climbs, visitors can find a hike for every activity level.

A couple sits on rocks near a lighthouse on San Juan island, a romantic spot in Washington

San Juan Islands

Made up of 172 named islands and rocks, the San Juan Islands offer three primary destinations for visitors: bustling San Juan, outdoorsy Orcas, and laid-back Lopez. Explore the island’s towns, where you’ll find abundant art galleries and restaurants using local ingredients. Beyond food, get a taste of the island at a local winery, brewery, or distillery. Outdoor enthusiasts can stay busy both on and off the water with everything from hikes to kayaking adventures and whale-watching.

Whidbey Island

Washington’s largest island, Whidbey, can be reached by both car and ferry. At Deception Pass State Park, hike along rugged cliffs or kayak to pebbled beaches. With camping, jaw-dropping views, and phenomenal sunsets, it’s easy to see why this is Washington’s most-visited state park. Visit historic Coupeville for shopping and fresh seafood, Oak Harbor for murals and aviation history, or Langley for wine tasting on the south end of the island.

Photo of a red barn and colorful tulip fields — Courtesy of Visit Skagit Valley

Skagit Valley

Home to the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, the Skagit Valley offers a wealth of natural beauty, from rich farmland to the scenic waterways of La Conner and Anacortes. Mount Vernon, located off Interstate 5, offers plentiful dining and shopping. Stroll or bike along the Skagit River during summer or enjoy winter bird watching in the colder months. Sedro-Woolley to the east is the perfect stop on your way to North Cascades National Park.

CL Shebley / Adobe Stock

Camano Island

Camano Island makes an easy day trip from Seattle. Connected to the mainland by a bridge near Stanwood, visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches, easy hikes, and plenty of art. Stroll through the Matzke Sculpture Park, stretch your legs at Iverson Spit Preserve or Cama Beach State Park, or head to Camano Commons for lunch and local goods.

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Running along the west side of the Cascade Mountains between the Canadian border and Mount Rainier, this sprawling forest is filled with glacier-covered peaks, meadows, campgrounds, and hiking trails. The northern section is easily reachable from Bellingham and the Skagit Valley. In the winter, the Mt. Baker Ski Area is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders.

Small Towns & Cities

From the artistic hamlets of Eastsound and Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands to the scenic farming communities in the Skagit Valley and Whatcom County, you won’t want to miss exploring these hidden gems. Head to Lynden for Dutch heritage, La Conner and Anacortes for waterfront strolls and a thriving arts scene, or Sedro-Woolley for outdoor recreation.