Discover Watchable Wildlife
in the Skagit Valley
Skagit Valley is a watchable wildlife paradise! Take a hike through our National Estuarine Reserve or embark on a whale-watching excursion for some of the best opportunities to observe diverse species in their natural habitats. Whether you’re hiking through the marshlands or enjoying a scenic drive, the Skagit Valley offers countless opportunities for wildlife observation in an unforgettable setting. So grab your binoculars and embark on your adventure!
Spirit of Orca Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours
Blue Kingdom Whale & Wildlife Tours
Island Adventures
Spirit of Orca Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours
Explore and Discover the Magic Skagit
Attractions and Activities for Every Interest
Bald Eagle and Bird Watching
We have over 100,000 acres of Skagit Wildlife Area and farmland to birdwatch all year long! With dozens of native species, your birdwatching exploration will be an all-day adventure. The Skagit Eagle Festival in January is an incredible opportunity to observe the winter migration of bald eagles during their mating season. You might just spot a few chicks along the Skagit River if you’re lucky! Take guided nature hikes into the rainforest, across a bridge over a wetland, ending along the Skagit River. You’re sure to see a variety of watchable wildlife on your journey.
Whale Watching Tours
Are you ready to experience watchable wildlife in the sea like you never have before? Witnessing these creatures swimming freely and frolicking about in their natural habitat is amazing. Even veteran whale watchers find themselves coming back again to learn more about them. Take advantage of the opportunity to see these magnificent marine mammals! Embark on a whale-watching tour from Anacortes or La Conner.
Native Salmon Species
The Skagit Valley is home to five species of salmon: Sockeye, Pink, Coho, Chum, and Chinook. Sockeye salmon spawn only in streams with lakes in their watershed. Pink salmon spawn in the Skagit Watershed and return to freshwater in the fall of the following year as two-year-old adults. Coho salmon spend one to two years in the freshwater before migrating to the ocean in late March through July. Chum migrate to sea from March through July, almost immediately after becoming free swimmers. They spend one to three years traveling long distances in the ocean. Chinooks spend one or more years in the freshwater before migrating to the ocean. Salmon are abundant in the Skagit Valley; we’re sure you’ll see at least one during your stay!
A Year-Round Watchable Wildlife Destination
Wildlife lovers flock to Skagit Valley for its rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes. Experience the best of Skagit Valley’s wildlife in every season, with unique sightings all year long.
Skagit Valley offers fun, educational, safe wildlife experiences and tours for all ages. Bring your camera and observe wildlife such as elk, whales, beavers, otters, bald eagles, and seals in their natural habitat.
Wildlife Preservation in the Skagit Valley
Wildlife preservation is crucial for maintaining the balance of ecosystems and ensuring the health of our planet. Every species plays a vital role in its habitat, from pollinating plants to controlling pest populations and supporting agricultural productivity and natural resources. The protection of wildlife is essential not only for the environment but also for sustaining the interconnected web of life that humans depend on.
The Skagit Valley community is committed to preserving wildlife habitats and populations. Wildlife conservation promotes ecological tourism, which supports our local economy and fosters a deeper connection between people and the natural world. Local farmers, hunters, and fishermen work with government agencies to ethically and sustainably source food for restaurants in the Skagit Valley and nationwide.
Embark on Your Watchable Wildlife Journey
Elk
Skagit Land Trust’s property near Concrete is known to locals as “the elk field.” Over the years, sightings of elk grazing in the pasture just three miles west of town have increased from just a few months in the winter to nearly year-round.
Salmon and Trout
House Slough flows into the nearby Skagit River and provides a high-quality fish habitat for juvenile coho salmon and cutthroat trout.
Beavers
Beavers are at home in the luscious habitat at House Slough.
Harbor Seals
On the backside of Vendovi Island, you can observe large colonies of Harbor Seals.
River Otter
The river otter is actually found in saltwater along Puget Sound.
Dungeness Crab
Spot Dungeness Crabs along the beach shores. Watch out for those pinchers!
Trumpeter Swans
Spot these beauties in rivers and lakes.
Eagles
It’s common to see bald eagles flying and nesting in the mountains of Skagit County!
Hawks
The Skagit Valley is home to a few species of hawks, including red-tailed hawks and tough-legged hawks.
