There’s no denying tulips make the Skagit Valley an incredible place to visit in the spring, but before the fields are glowing in purple, red, and pink, there’s a sea of yellow in Mount Vernon. In late winter, the Skagit Valley daffodils put on quite a show.

When Do the Skagit Valley Daffodils Bloom?

Exactly when the Skagit Valley daffodils bloom varies from year to year, but you’ll typically start seeing that burst of yellow before the tulips take over the valley, often in late February or early March. On our visit, my dad and I grabbed our cameras and headed north to photograph the fields in full bloom.

Before you go on your daffodil adventure, check RoozenGaarde’s bloom map to see what’s currently blooming around the Skagit Valley. It will point you exactly to where you need to go.

Visiting the Skagit Valley Daffodils

One of the best parts about seeing the Skagit Valley daffodils is that you don’t need a ticket to enjoy the fields. We like to start around RoozenGaarde, which is best known for its tulips but is also a great jumping-off point for exploring the daffodils around the Skagit Valley.

We’ve visited RoozenGaarde many times over the years and even had the chance to go behind the scenes to see another side of its flower-growing operation.

From there, we explore the surrounding area, following all posted parking and no-trespassing signs along the way.

While you’re checking out the daffodils, keep an eye out for snow geese. The huge white birds winter in the Skagit Valley, and if you’re lucky enough to catch them flying near the fields, they make an already great photography trip even better.

A Sure Sign of Spring

I always grasp for the first signs of spring after a cold, wet, dark Seattle winter. Daffodils are usually one of my first reminders that warmer weather is on the way. Yes, it’s absolutely worth visiting Mount Vernon for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, but it’s also worth the drive to see the daffodils. After a gray winter, there’s no better sight than bright, beautiful fields of yellow.

And closer to Seattle, a sure sign of spring is the full bloom of cherry blossoms at the University of Washington. You don’t want to miss it!