Towns & Cities in Skagit County
The Mountains, The Valley, & The Coast
The name of our county – Skagit (pronounced like “Magic”) – comes from Lushootseed Salish, the oldest known indigenous language of Puget Sound and the Skagit Valley. Skagit is also the name of the First People who lived in longhouses along the shores of Penn Cove on Whidbey Island, directly across from the mouth of the Skagit River. This is where, in the 1850s, the first American pioneers built their log cabins at what is now known as Ebey’s Prairie. The first American settlers took the name of the first people who lived at Penn Cove, Skagit, and gave it to the nearby bay, river, valley, and county. We invite you to experience the rich history of towns and cities in Skagit County, from the Cascade Mountains to the Salish Sea.
Anacortes is a stunning waterfront community with a beautiful marina, delicious restaurants, quirky shops, and luxurious places to stay. Whether it’s a stopover on the way to the islands or your weekend destination, Anacortes has something for everyone.
The Mountains
The North Cascades are named after the abundant waterfalls that lace the mountains. The Skagit River and three major reservoirs (Gorge, Diablo, and Ross Lakes) offer ample recreation and sightseeing. On your drive, you’ll pass through Concrete and Marblemount, two towns worth the stop. Points of interest include viewpoints, short trails, campgrounds, and the Stephen Mather Wilderness.
The North Cascades Area offers a full range of mountain experiences: Hiking, climbing, guided tours, boating and fishing, bird and wildlife viewing, horseback riding, bicycling, and educational wilderness programs, to name a few! Did you know? The Cascade Range supports over 300 species of wildlife. Skagit Valley is the North Cascades Gateway and the perfect place to start and end your adventure.
The Valley
Right on the edge of the valley is the quaint, historic town of Conway, a great stop on your way into the Skagit Valley. The Skagit Valley has over 93,000 acres of active farmland. The Skagit River comprises the third largest watershed on the west coast of the continental United States, with a delta graced by working farms and wildlife refuges. The Skagit Flats in Mount Vernon is one of the most popular areas for birding in Washington State. The towns and cities in Skagit County are rich in farming, nature, and art. Burlington is considered the hub of Skagit Valley, where you’ll find many hotels, motels, and places to stay during your travels. Just a few miles east, you’ll drive through Sedro-Woolley, a small town on the forest's edge. Experience the culture and beauty of one of the last authentic open-space farming valleys in Washington State and the West Coast.
The Coast
The Skagit Coast shorelines, bays, and islands are famous for their wildlife and views. The shorelines of Skagit County are the subject of intense research and effort as scientists seek to protect their rich diversity of life forms, from over 600 Great Blue Heron Nests to the five runs of Skagit salmon, the shellfish beds in Samish Bay and much more. Padilla Bay is one of only 27 National Estuarine Research Reserves in the United States.
The Islands of Skagit County include Fidalgo, Guemes, Cypress, Sinclair, Hat, Saddlebag, Cone, Jack, and many smaller islands. Fidalgo Island is connected to the mainland by two bridges, including La Conner’s famous “Golden Gate” Rainbow Bridge. Another renowned bridge connects Fidalgo Island to Whidbey Island over Deception Pass. Fidalgo Island is home to the Washington State Ferry Terminal, which serves the San Juan Islands and Victoria, British Columbia. Anacortes is filled with opportunities to enjoy the waterfront, water activities, and sea life.
No matter where your adventure takes you, we hope you enjoy your stay with us and hope you experience all the towns and cities in Skagit County have to offer.