Daffodils are often the first sign of spring in Seattle. The bright yellow flowers bring color to a grey Northwest winter. But somehow, daffodils are overshadowed around here. Every March, Skagit Valley daffodils blossom to create a beautiful golden landscape while most wait to see the colorful tulips not far behind.
2025 UPDATE: As of March 21st, seven daffodil fields are “lit up” on the RoozenGaarde Bloom Map. That means the Skagit Valley daffodils are blooming. RoozenGaarde says “We are fast filling with daffodil color and expect the best of the bloom to be now through the end of March and into the first part of April.”
Yes, the tulips are awesome (and I say that in the truest sense of the word), but I’m here to tell you the Skagit Valley daffodils also create a fantastic Seattle photo opportunity. Plus, it’s free (unlike parts of the Skagit Valley tulips) and the crowds are much thinner than tulip time.
To say Seattle photo opportunity is a little misleading, especially if you’re not from the area. The Skagit Valley daffodils are actually located a little more than an hour north of Seattle. The best place to start your daffodil tour is RoozenGaarde (map). It’s the center of all things Skagit Valley flowers. There are then several fields near RoozenGaarde that you can also check out.
The best time to see Skagit Valley daffodils is March, but it all depends on Mother Nature. It’s easy to tell if the flowers are in full bloom, though. All you have to do is check this handy bloom map. If the flowers are “lit up” on the map, then that field is rocking and rolling with flowers. RoozenGaarde also does a great job of updating the daffodil bloom on its Facebook page. People consider earlier in March a ‘normal’ bloom.
To give you a feel for when the bloom happens, RoozenGarde shared that daffodils started to “pop” on March 4th, 2024. The first daffodil bloom didn’t arrive in Skagit Valley until March 16th, 2023, and March 12th, 2022. RoozenGarde considers earlier in March a ‘normal’ bloom.
The Skagit Valley daffodil season also typically arrives when migrating snow geese and trumpeter swans are in the area. That makes for an even more spectacular Seattle photo op. Do you want an example? Check out the video Roozengaarde posted on Facebook.
There is no denying Skagit Valley tulips are a sight to behold, but that doesn’t mean Skagit Valley daffodils should be left out. Grab your camera, hop in your car, and take advantage of this great Seattle photo op. In my eyes, you shouldn’t miss it.
Have you ever visited the Skagit Valley daffodils? How was your experience? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Vimeo. You can also visit Moarly Creative to learn more about our video production and content creation company.
If you love seeing and photographing flowers, be sure to also visit the University of Washington cherry blossoms when they are in full bloom. Spring has officially arrived in Seattle when the cherry blossoms bloom! You can also check out our posts about whale watching in Seattle and backpacking to Sahale Glacier in the North Cascades.
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