Pacific Northwest Area Information
Skagit County
Skagit County offers the tranquility of a rural region with easy access to metropolitan cities and numerous recreational opportunities.
The entertainment, cultural and business offerings of Seattle are just an hour to the south. Vancouver, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics (and many other attractions in British Columbia), is only two hours away to the north. A plethora of possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts – including skiing, hiking, fishing, golfing and boating – await to the east in the Cascade Mountains and to the west among the San Juan Islands and Puget Sound.
Skagit County has experienced steady yet manageable growth in recent years, rising to a population of 118,900 in 2009. Its largest cities are Mount Vernon (30,800), Anacortes (16,790), Sedro-Woolley (10,070) and Burlington (8,870). The growth has attracted many leading retailers in recent years. A balanced economy features strong industrial, forestry and agricultural components. The location of cities and ports along Puget Sound fuels commerce related to shipping, tourism and marinas. Bisected by Interstate 5, Skagit County residents also enjoy easy commutes northbound to Bellingham and southbound to Everett and Seattle.
Residents are actively involved in the community, supporting local schools and making possible numerous festivals. The top attraction is the spectacular display of color presented in surrounding agricultural fields during the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in April.
Retail choices range from modern shopping centers along I-5 to historic downtown Mount Vernon, home of approximately 300 businesses.
State-of-the-art health-care facilities are located at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon, United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley and Island Hospital in Anacortes.
Nearby colleges include Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon and Western Washington University in Bellingham.
Quick Links:
Skagit County GovernmentCity of Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce
Skagit Valley Hospital
City of Anacortes
Anacortes Chamber of Commerce
Port of Anacortes
City of Burlington
Burlington Chamber of Commerce
City of Sedro-Woolley
Sedro-Woolley Chamber of Commerce
United General Hospital
Skagit Valley College
Western Washington University
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
Skagit County Tourism
San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau
Mt. Baker Ski Area