Northwest Washington, WA

Travel Guide

La Conner featuring boating and a bay or harbor
Photo provided by Expedia Search Team
Bellingham showing a bay or harbor and a marina
Coupeville which includes a bay or harbor, rugged coastline and sailing
La Conner showing 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

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
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 are some highlights of Fairhaven. Make a stop by Bellingham Cruise Terminal or Bellingham Bay while you're exploring.

Fairhaven
Default Image

Puget

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

Puget
Impromptu visit to the lake made for a beautiful photo opp.

Samish Hill

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

Samish Hill
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
Default Image

Happy Valley

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

Happy Valley
Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center
Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center
3 out of 5
714 Lakeway Dr, Bellingham, WA
The price is ¥18,990 per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
¥18,990
¥21,529 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 6 - Apr 7
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Bellingham. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Short trip to visit family. Well located. Room was comfortable"

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2025

Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center
Comfort Suites Burlington near I-5
Comfort Suites Burlington near I-5
2.5 out of 5
500 E George Hopper Rd, Burlington, WA
The price is ¥21,411 per night from Apr 21 to Apr 22
¥21,411
¥24,002 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Burlington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,263 reviews)
"Quiet,, convenient location for all our activities."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2025

Comfort Suites Burlington near I-5
Swinomish Casino & Lodge
Swinomish Casino & Lodge
3.5 out of 5
12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes, WA
The price is ¥18,991 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
¥18,991
¥21,303 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 2 - Apr 3
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Clean, spacious rooms. Very comfortable bed. Quiet, nice views. Friendly staff. Definitely would stay again."

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2025

Swinomish Casino & Lodge
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 ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Easy access, beautiful area. The kitchen had everything we need. Hot showers were great!"

Reviewed on Feb 8, 2025

Postcard Cabins Skagit Valley
Dog-friendly studio w/ kitchenette, WiFi, yard & fire pit
Dog-friendly studio w/ kitchenette, WiFi, yard & fire pit
Orcas Island
Stay at this apartment in Orcas. Enjoy a garden, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Blind Island State Park and Obstruction Pass Beach are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (28 reviews)
Cute, quaint place with a loud dehumidifier
"Overall good stay, however the dang dehumidifier sounds like a lawnmower engine at 2am when youre trying to sleep. Otherwise, no complaints."

Reviewed on Feb 9, 2025

Dog-friendly studio w/ kitchenette, WiFi, yard & fire pit
Waterfront home with private deck, WiFi, W/D & spectacular views
Waterfront home with private deck, WiFi, W/D & spectacular views
Orcas
Book a stay at this beach cabin in Orcas. Enjoy a beach locale, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Blind Island State Park and West Sound ...
9/10 Wonderful! (33 reviews)
Great place
"Perfect"

Reviewed on Feb 21, 2025

Waterfront home with private deck, WiFi, W/D & spectacular views
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Northwest Washington