Best Places to See in the Skagit Valley

Overlook

Skagit Valley is a watchable wildlife paradise. It's the perfect place for a getaway all year round. If the weather's nice, you can enjoy hiking, rafting or just sitting at a dockside bench.

North Cascade Waterfalls

• Rainbow Falls (Baker Lake) Located in the Baker Lake Basin, Rainbow Creek cascades down a steep gorge with more than a 100 foot drop. On a sunny day you will see a colorful rainbow from the viewpoint on Forest Service Road #1130
• Nooksack Falls Located at milepost 40 on the Mt. Baker Highway (SR542) past the town of Glacier, the North Fork Nooksack drops more than 100 feet into a roaring mass of boiling water. One of the first hydroelectric power plants in Washington uses this drop to generate power.
• Ladder Creek Located at milepost 121 on the North Cascades Highway(SR 20) behind the Gorge powerhouse in upper Newhalem. Cross a suspension bridge to the powerhouse, then follow signs. The trail's .4-mile loop takes you to a beautiful pool, falls, and flower gardens. The trail includes some steep steps and handrails. Flashlights are advisable at night.
• Gorge Creek Falls Located between Newhalem and Diablo on the North Cascades Highway(SR20), Gorge Creek drops 242 feet in a breathtaking plunge. A large parking area is near the falls.
• Rainbow Falls (Stehekin) Originating high above Stehekin Valley in the snowfields of Rainbow Ridge, the waters of Rainbow Creek plunge 312 feet in a misty cascade viewed just off Stehekin Valley Road.

Scenic drives from Anacortes to Oak Harbor

• Cap Sante - drive up for a great view of Fidalgo Bay - hang gliding
• South Harbor Park - kayaking, canoeing, and boat watching, picnic area
• Anacortes Community Forest Lands - many trails in the woods
• Whistle Lake - remote lake reached by trails only
• Washington Park - drive, walk or bike the loop road, hiking trails, beachcombing, camping, rabbit & deer watching, photo opportunities of beautiful sunsets over the water
• Sunset Beach - boat launch, swimming, playground, picnic area
• Mount Erie - 1720' peak - hiking, rock climbing, mountain climbing, hang gliding
• Heart Lake - trout fishing, boat launch, trails
• Campbell Lake - boat ramp, spiny ray & bass fishing, water skiing - see the island within an island
• Pass Lake - fly fishing only, no motor boats
• Rosario Beach - "Maiden of Deception Pass" totem pole, skin diving for scallops, hiking trails, fishing off the old dock - Walla Walla College Marine Station
• Deception Pass - hiking trails, West Beach - beach walking, Cranberry Lake swimming area with lifeguard