Northwest Washington Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

La Conner featuring boating and a bay or harbour
Photo provided by Expedia Search Team
Bellingham featuring a bay or harbour and a marina
Coupeville showing rocky coastline, sailing and a bay or harbour
La Conner featuring street scenes as well as a couple

Beautiful views of the Cascade Mountains, roaring waterfalls and rural towns built with a pioneering spirit make this region one of Washington’s treasures.

Visit the rugged Northwest Washington region, which shares a border with Canada, to sit at the foothills of the local mountain ranges, cycle along the oceanfront and watch children splashing in the surf in small seaside villages.

On the banks of the Skagit River is Sedro-Woolley, a community started in 1914 by explorers who were traveling through the local forests. See the cedar statues and gas lamp replicas downtown and venture inside the Sedro-Woolley Museum to see photos of the first residents. From there, take Highway 20 to explore the vast wilderness of the North Cascades National Park.

For a delightful college town atmosphere, head to Bellingham, which also provides easy access to Mt. Baker and the San Juan Islands. Hike to the Whatcom Creek Gorge to see four unique waterfalls and go for a swim in Whatcom Falls Park. Children will enjoy inspecting model trains at Bellingham Railway Museum and playing with the hands-on exhibits at Mindport Arts and Sciences Museum.

Founded in the 1860s, the small town of La Conner is one of the oldest towns in Skagit County. Walk across the Rainbow Bridge and observe fishing boats come in to shore. Restaurants line the waterfront of Downtown La Conner, where locally owned boutique shops sell crafts and quality wares. A similar atmosphere exists in Mount Vernon where most shops and seafood restaurants have beautiful views of a river.

Take a ferry out to the San Juan Islands for an outdoor adventure. Bring your bicycle to enjoy the trails on Lummi Island, which is just a 10-minute journey across Bellingham Bay.

The rural atmosphere and prevalence of small towns means that renting a car is your best option when traveling around the region. Fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and take Interstate 5 up north to Mount Vernon and Bellingham. Buy your tickets onboard local ferries to head to the San Juan Islands.

For a unique view of Northwest Washington, consider traveling in the winter months when you can snowshoe across miles of trails.

Where to stay in Northwest Washington

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Fairhaven

Restaurants, shopping and spas are just a few things travellers enjoy about Fairhaven. Check out Bellingham Cruise Terminal or Bellingham Bay while you're exploring the area.

Fairhaven
Bellingham showing a waterfall

Bellingham City Center

While visiting Bellingham City Center, you might make a stop by sights like Marine Life Center and Cornwall Beach.

Bellingham City Center
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Puget

While there might not be top attractions in Puget, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mount Baker Theatre and Cornwall Beach.

Puget
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York

When in York, you can plan a visit to Mount Baker Theatre and Depot Market Square, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

York
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Samish Hill

While visiting Samish Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Padden Park and Lake Padden Golf Course.

Samish Hill
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Sehome

While Sehome may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Cornwall Beach and Mount Baker Theatre.

Sehome
Clarion Pointe Mount Vernon - Burlington

Clarion Pointe Mount Vernon - Burlington

2.5 out of 5
300 W College Way, Mount Vernon, WA
The price is AU$140 per night from 13 Nov to 14 Nov
AU$140
per night
13 Nov - 14 Nov
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Mount Vernon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Lincoln Theater and RiverBelle ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (197 reviews)
"Post wedding"

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2025

Clarion Pointe Mount Vernon - Burlington
Swinomish Casino & Lodge

Swinomish Casino & Lodge

3.5 out of 5
12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes, WA
The price is AU$157 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$157
per night
19 Oct - 20 Oct
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Anacortes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,162 reviews)
"Very nice staff ,clean and quiet rooms."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Swinomish Casino & Lodge
Oxford Suites Bellingham

Oxford Suites Bellingham

3 out of 5
4051 Meridian St, Bellingham, WA
The price is AU$702 per night from 18 Oct to 19 Oct
AU$702
per night
18 Oct - 19 Oct
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Bellingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,399 reviews)
"Very nice"

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Oxford Suites Bellingham
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Postcard Cabins Skagit Valley

Postcard Cabins Skagit Valley

2 out of 5
21802 Washington 9, Mount Vernon, WA
Stay at this cabin in Mount Vernon. Enjoy free parking, patios, and climate control. Popular attractions Lake McMurray and Big Lake Wetlands Conservation Area ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
"My partner and I really enjoyed our stay here. It was peaceful and everything we could need was included in the resort fee. This included the firewood and lighter, s’mores kit, some snacks and coffee/tea/hot chocolate. Foil to cook our items in addition to the pots and pans. We called for additional ..."

Reviewed on 24 Sept 2025

Postcard Cabins Skagit Valley
West Beach Resort

West Beach Resort

3.5 out of 5
190 Waterfront Way, Eastsound, WA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach cabin in Eastsound. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Popular attractions Orcas Island Golf Course and North Beach ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (103 reviews)
"Beautiful cabins and amazing views!"

Reviewed on 23 Sept 2025

West Beach Resort
Waterfront cottage - Free Wi-Fi - fully fenced backyard

Waterfront cottage - Free Wi-Fi - fully fenced backyard

Freeland
Stay at this vacation home in Freeland. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Blooms and Goss Lake are located nearby.
7.4/10 Good! (47 reviews)
"Beautiful waterfront. Property is dated and needs deck maintenance and updated furniture, but not a problem for us. Wonderful area. Construction next door but this was not an issue for us. Owner was responsive."

Reviewed on 26 Aug 2025

Waterfront cottage - Free Wi-Fi - fully fenced backyard
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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