Exciting Water Activities
in The Skagit Valley
Skagit County has 229 miles of marine shoreline with its many islands, bays, coves, and cliffs. It’s a diverse shoreline, including Fidalgo, Guemes, Cypress, Vendovi, and Samish Islands. Surrounding the islands are the great bodies of water: Padilla, Samish, Fidalgo, Similk, and Skagit Bays, Deception Pass, Swinomish, Bellingham, and Guemes Channels, and Rosario Straits. Then there is the Skagit River, one of the largest rivers on our Pacific Coast, home to 1/3 of the Salish Sea salmon. Skagit Valley is a water lover’s paradise with several water activities for everyone!
Blue Kingdom Whale & Wildlife Tours
Explore and Discover the Magic Skagit
Attractions and Activities for Every Interest
Skagit County Beaches
Skagit County beaches range from wild and rocky to playful and sandy. Freshwater beaches run along the Skagit River and our lakes, while saltwater beaches follow the North Puget Sound Coastline and the San Juan Islands. Explore our National, State, and City Park beaches around Skagit County. State parks often provide additional amenities such as grills, picnic tables, playgrounds, restrooms, campsites, and nature trails, making them the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
Water Activities and Adventures
When you visit Skagit County beaches, rivers, and channels, you have endless opportunities for fun outside with your travel partners. Take a walk along the miles of shoreline in the Skagit Valley to enjoy the beauty and hunt for shells, or pick a spot to relax on the beach for the day. Hop on a boat to explore coves, bays, islands, and cliffs.
For more thrilling experiences, try white-water rafting, wakeboarding, water skiing, or a boat tour. In some parts of Puget Sound, you can even scuba dive for a more personal experience with diverse underwater ecosystems: spot kelp forests, marine life, and artificial reefs.
On various sections of the Skagit River, you can fish for salmon and trout, raft, walk on nature trails, kayak, canoe, swim, or go on a river cruise tour. Many native critters live along the Skagit River, making it the perfect place for wildlife viewing and photography. Bring a blanket and picnic, or set up camp along the riverbank to enjoy the peaceful sounds and ambiance of water flowing nearby.
What wildlife can you spot? Pods of orca whales migrate to our waters in the summer; you might see one on your own, but your chances of seeing a few are much higher on a guided whale-watching tour. You can find crabs, otters, seals, small tidepool fish, starfish, seagulls, and pelicans along the shoreline.
Eco-Friendly Practices
Help keep the Skagit Valley beautiful. Follow the ‘leave no trace’ rule—what you bring leaves with you. Pack up trash, belongings, and food to leave natural features undisturbed for others to enjoy.
During your water activities and adventures, you’re likely to encounter wildlife. Observe from a distance, and don’t attempt to touch or feed them. Enjoy the natural beauty of the Skagit Valley while helping preserve the environment for future generations.
Places to Visit for Water Activities in Skagit County
Bayview State Park
Bay View State Park is a camping park on the shores of Padilla Bay with amazing views of the San Juan Islands.
Deception Pass
Deception Pass, spanning two islands and linked by iconic bridges, is known for its rugged ocean cliffs and panoramic views.
Padilla Bay Shore Trail
This 2.25-mile trail is perfect for casual hikers and bike enthusiasts. You’re likely to see all kinds of wildlife!
Washington Park
Washington Park is located on a peninsula at the western tip of Fidalgo Island. This 220-acre city park offers various amenities, including camping, a boat launch, a 2.2-mile paved loop, picnic areas for day use, and a group tenting site.
Howard Miller Steelhead Park
Howard Miller Steelhead Park offers many recreational activities along the Skagit River, including fishing, river rafting, biking, hiking, wildlife viewing, and more.
Rasar State Park
This state park in Concrete, WA, features a freshwater river perfect for fishing. With rocky and sandy beaches, you’ll have plenty to explore.
Cap Sante Marina
Fuel up and head out on your boating adventure. With local restaurants and amenities nearby, you’ll have everything you need for a great day on the water.
La Conner Marina
The La Conner Marina is a top destination for recreational boaters, commercial fishers, and marine businesses. Situated just a short walk from the quaint downtown La Conner, the marina offers a clean, service-focused environment that locals and tourists love to visit. It’s only a two-hour cruise from the marina to the heart of the stunning San Juan Islands.
