If you’re reading this blog post, you’ve likely seen pictures of colorful tulip fields on social media. You can either travel to The Netherlands to see them in person. Or, you can hop on the freeway for a fantastic Seattle photo opportunity at the Skagit Valley tulips in Mount Vernon.
April 2024 Update: The fields are lit up on the RoozenGaarde Bloom Map. That means it’s tulip time in Skagit Valley! According to RoozenGaarde, colors are expected through the first three weeks of April: “That we know for certain. How long the tulip bloom lasts will depend on Mother Nature, but we hope to flower for the entire month of April.”
Best Place to See Skagit Valley Tulips
The Skagit Valley tulips are located about an hour outside of Seattle. This handy tulip map serves two purposes: it shows you exactly where to find the tulip fields in Mount Vernon, and it also “lights up” when the tulip fields are in full bloom. Not to mention, RoozenGaarde (properly pronounced Roo-zen-guard-uh), the center of everything Skagit Valley tulips, shares the latest updates from their tulip fields. It’s a go-to source for this Seattle photo opportunity.
As you might expect, folks flock from all over to see the Skagit Valley tulips. In other words, pack your patience. Bring some cash, too. Parking in many of the lots is $7 (it’s a one-time fee…you don’t have to pay it in every lot if you’re moving around), and bundles of tulips are $5 at the flower stands. Admission to the RoozenGaarde display garden (map) is between $15 and $18 (depending on the day of the week you visit), but that covers your parking at the other lots as well. Cards are accepted at RoozenGaarde.
When is the Best Time to See Skagit Valley Tulips?
It all depends on Mother Nature. In 2018, the tulip fields were at or near full bloom the week of April 16th and were expected to be in fine form through the end of the month. If the bloom happens early enough, you can also enjoy the Skagit Valley daffodils during the same visit. Both flowers only bloom once a year. The same goes for the fantastic cherry blossoms at the University of Washington.
If you’re looking to plan your tulip trip in advance, it’s impossible to predict the perfect timing. But according to RoozenGaarde, the middle of April is typically a safe long-term bet for color. They say to aim between April 10th and April 20th. There should be some tulips in bloom at the very least; if not endless amounts of color.
Visiting the Skagit Valley tulips is truly a sight to behold. It’s impossible to explain how amazing the colorful fields look in person. If you hit them at the right time, it’s almost as if they are glowing. I head there every year and it still blows my mind every time I see them. Don’t miss this Seattle photo opportunity and don’t forget to put down your camera and soak it all in.
Have you ever visited the Skagit Valley tulips? How was your experience? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Vimeo. You can also visit Moarly Creative to learn more about our video production and content creation company.
And if you’d like to learn about other photo opportunities in the area, be sure to see our posts about Sahale Glacier in the North Cascades and whale watching in Seattle.
Great photos and great information!! Thank you!!!
Thank you, Mr. Lewis! I really appreciate the compliment.