Northwest Washington, WA

Travel Guide
La Conner featuring boating and a bay or harbor
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

30 mins south of the Canadian border you stumble upon historic Fairhaven with cobblestone walks, murals, restaurants and antique shops. 

Don't miss this quirky fish n' chip joint.

Fairhaven

4.5/5(67 area reviews)

Restaurants, shopping, and spas highlight some of the notable features of Fairhaven. Make a stop by Bellingham Cruise Terminal while you're exploring.

Fairhaven
Bellingham featuring a cascade

Bellingham City Center

While visiting Bellingham City Center, you might make a stop by sights like Marine Life Center and Mount Baker Theatre.

Bellingham City Center
Views uplake from the Ranger Station in Lake Chelan, WA

Sehome

While Sehome isn't home to many top sights, Mount Baker Theatre and South Bay Trail are some notable places to visit nearby.

Sehome
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Puget

Though Puget might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Whatcom Falls Park and Mount Baker Theatre.

Puget
Delicious brews and a really great Happy Hour at Aslan Brewing in Bellingham, WA!

Meridian

4/5(287 area reviews)

While visiting Meridian, you might make a stop by sights like Bellis Fair Mall and Park Bowl.

Meridian
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Happy Valley

While there might not be top attractions in Happy Valley, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Fairhaven Park and Bellingham Cruise Terminal.

Happy Valley
Holiday Inn & Suites Bellingham, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn & Suites Bellingham, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
4260 Mitchell Way, Bellingham, WA
Fully refundable
The price is ¥18,820 per night from Nov 10 to Nov 11
¥18,820
¥21,313 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 10 - Nov 11
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Bellingham. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"great location for an early flight"

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2024

Holiday Inn & Suites Bellingham, an IHG Hotel
GuestHouse Bellingham
GuestHouse Bellingham
2.5 out of 5
805 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, WA
The price is ¥11,116 per night from Nov 23 to Nov 24
¥11,116
¥12,796 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 23 - Nov 24
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bellingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Very nice staff! Room was clean and the bed fairly comfortable. Downsides were the highway noise is loud (which ended up not keeping me awake so it was ok) and the sink is outside the bathroom. Bathroom is tiny. I still think it’s a great value for the price!"

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024

GuestHouse Bellingham
Oxford Suites Bellingham
Oxford Suites Bellingham
3 out of 5
4051 Meridian St, Bellingham, WA
The price is ¥19,919 per night from Nov 7 to Nov 8
¥19,919
¥24,255 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 7 - Nov 8
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! (1,135 reviews)
"Staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024

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.
Raintree's Sandcastle
Raintree's Sandcastle
3.5 out of 5
7854 Birch Bay Drive, Blaine, WA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Blaine. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (446 reviews)
"Really enjoyed our time and the view of the ocean."

Reviewed on Oct 31, 2024

Raintree's Sandcastle
Come Relax at Mountain Springs Cabin
Come Relax at Mountain Springs Cabin
Mt Vernon
Stay at this cabin in Mount Vernon. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Beaver Pond ...
10/10 Exceptional! (442 reviews)
Gorgeous
"Absolutely stunning place! Came with my dog and my sister for our yearly girls' trip, and it was amazing. The pond was beautiful; we sat out on the deck for dinner just about every night and watched the sunset. The location is excellent as well, and we really enjoyed all the nearby parks and ..."

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2024

Come Relax at Mountain Springs Cabin
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! (87 reviews)
"Relaxing stay"

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2024

West Beach Resort
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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Cities near Northwest Washington