Everything You Need to Know About Visiting the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is one of the largest destination events for the greater Seattle area during the spring. Mother Nature decides when the tulips bloom, but you'll likely find rows of colorful flowers in bloom during the month of April. During the tulip festival, millions of flowers come to life creating a magnificent display of color. I've got everything you need to know if you want to visit the Skagit Valley during the Tulip Festival.

Everything you Need to Know About Visiting the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Getting to the Tulip Festival

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is the perfect day trip if you are visiting Seattle or Vancouver, BC, Canada. Located 60 miles north of Seattle and 70 miles south of Vancouver, you can spend a day enjoying the blooms before finishing your sightseeing in the larger cities. 
It's best to visit by car since it is a rural area. There is parking, though the country roads can get crowded with a lot of congestion during the busy visiting season and parking lots can get full on peak weekend days. There are bike paths along the fields, so if you're feeling adventurous, consider creating your own little bike tour around the tulips. Just watch for cars since there isn't a lot of extra room on the road for bike lanes.

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Where are the Tulip Fields?

Crop rotation requires the tulip fields to change every year, but the fields are found between La Conner and Mount Vernon. You can find this year's tulip field map at the Tulip Festival Office located at 311 West Kincaid St., Mount Vernon, WA 98273 or on-line. The tulip festival is designed as a driving tour with several public parking lots scattered on the tour for various pit stops along the way.
There are two display gardens that are perfect for further exploration. They are Tulip Town and RoozenGaarde. 
Tulip Town is located at 15002 Bradshaw Rd., Mt. Vernon, WA 98273. Admission is $7 per person and children under 6 are free. Parking is included and the fields are open from 9-5 every day.
RoozenGaarde is located at 15867 Beaver Marsh Rd., Mt. Vernon, WA 98273. Admission is $7 per person on the weekday and $10 per person on the weekends. Children 5 and under are free and parking is included. The fields are open from 9-7 daily. 
While both of these fields have absolutely stunning displays, there are plenty of free fields you can explore without spending a dime! And you can drive by the fields anytime. They are open 24/7. I find that they are less crowded and more fun to explore, and you can still find little stands with cut flowers to buy if you wanted to take home a souvenir. 

When is Tulip Season in Seattle?

The fields are set to open from April 1-31, however, Mother Nature decides when the buds bloom. You'll find daffodils, iris, and various varieties of tulips that can bloom as early as March and as late as mid-April. Various fields are cut or trimmed, so keep an eye out for that. 

When is the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in Seattle?

This always varies, but is usually around April. Mother Nature always has her own ideas, so you have to be flexible with your plans!

How do I know if the Tulips are Blooming?
Find the bloom map up to date on the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Facebook page.

When is the Best time to visit the Tulip Festival in the Pacific Northwest?

The weekends are the busiest time to visit the Tulip Festival. The rural single-lane roads often get bogged down with excess traffic during peak visiting season. If your dates are flexible, visit mid-week and after/before the city rush hour traffic. 

Can I Tiptoe Through the Tulips?

You can walk through the tulip fields, however, there are usually signs and staff members watching visitors so you don't sneak through the rows. This is in an effort to keep the tulips blooming for as long as possible for everyone to enjoy. 

Can I Take Pictures in the Tulip Fields?

Of course! There are some great Instagram worthy shots available when you visit. Be prepared to wait out crowds that might be in the background of your perfect photo.

Can I Purchase Fresh Cut Tulip Bouquets and Bulbs?

Yes! Don't expect to get a deal though! But you will get the extra satisfaction of knowing that you are supporting a local farmer. Many of the local farms will also have bulbs for sale. They will also have catalogs so you can order ahead from them for next season. 

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Some tips for Visiting the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

• Consider dressing in layers. It's often cold, windy and rainy during the Seattle area spring so be prepared for the weather!
• It rains often, which means muddy fields, so be prepared with rain boots and appropriate footwear.
• There are limited bathrooms {you are visiting farms} so come prepared!
• Dogs aren't allowed in the display gardens, but you can bring your dog to the fields. 
• Parking is limited. You will get a ticket if you park on the shoulder to view the tulips.
• Skip the crowds and visit in March to see the daffodils bloom instead.
• Bulbs can be bought on the fields website, so don't bother with long lines and order online instead.

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