Skagit County, Washington lies halfway between Seattle, and Vancouver, BC in Canada.  Found in the northwest sector of the state, the county borders reach from the Puget Sound coastline, where whales still play, to the towering peaks of the majestic Cascade Mountains.  The fertile valley stretching between the two displays blankets of stunning tulip fields each spring.  Long-legged Great Blue Herons inhabit the western shoreline of Skagit County, while Bald Eagles soar over its eastern edges.

Encompassing almost one million acres of land, and home to nearly 103,000 people (Census 2000 data), Skagit County is one of the fastest growing areas in Washington State.  With a booming and diversified economy made up of fishing, agriculture, wood products, tourism and manufacturing, the county is also the hub for the state's petroleum industry, due to its accessible ports and refineries.  The lovely Skagit River runs through the region, providing excellent fishing and white-water rafting for visiting tourists.  Washington State Routes 9 and 20, as well as Interstate 5, provide quick and easy travel through the area and connect it with the glittering city of Seattle, which lies sixty miles from the border.

Eighteen distinctly different towns and villages comprise Skagit County, with the thriving city of Mount Vernon designated as the county seat.  With a population of over 26,000, Mount Vernon plays host to the astounding Skagit Valley Tulip Festival each April.  Trumpeter swans winter on the many lakes just outside the city limits.  The Highland Games and Scottish Faire is a treat each summer, with dance competitions and outstanding music.  Mount Vernon offers excellent medical care facilities, as well as the finest in shopping and dining.  The award-winning Skagit Valley College found here serves three neighboring counties, providing top-notch education.

The charming, small city of Burlington, population 6,700, used to be known as 'The Hub City', due to its crossroads of two major railways. From its origins as a major logging center, today Burlington's economy is based on agriculture, boat building, and manufacturing, with a new 130-acre industrial park in place.  Its biggest claim to fame is the build-up of its reputation as being a 'shopping Mecca', drawing people from Seattle and Canada as well as being the main retail center for Skagit County.  Along with several large and small shopping complexes, Cascade Mall offers over seventy-five of the finest modern retail shops housed in an enclosed mall.

The city of Sedro-Woolley, population 8,600, is the 'Gateway to the Northern Cascades'.  The historic downtown provides a lovely Walking Tour, showing off its beautifully painted murals and relics left from the city's logging history.  The nearby North Cascades National Park offers entry into the stunning glacial wilderness.  Glittering waterfalls, deeply cut gorges and towering peaks await the hardy hikers and mountain climbers. The Mt. Baker Ranger District offers a variety of activities, with more than 8,000 acres of wilderness ready for snowmobiles and snowshoes, cross-country skiers and campers.  Nine-mile long Baker Lake along with many winding rivers gives a challenge to fishermen and boaters, with some of the best salmon and trout fishing in the region.

Anacortes City lies on the other side of Skagit County, on beautiful Fidalgo Island in Puget Sound.  One of the county's larger cities, with a population of close to 15,000, Anacortes is home to the Washington State Ferry, from which all the San Juan Islands may be explored.  Whale watching emerges as a fine-honed art here, as well as sport fishing and scuba diving.  The Waterfront Festival each May celebrates island living, while the giant Anacortes Art Festival draws patrons and artisans from far-off destinations to enjoy the music, food and art along the scenic coastline.  The water is not Anacortes' only charm.  Three thousand acres of community forestland and eighteen city parks grace the area, with twenty miles of prime hiking and biking trails.  A climb to the top of the island's Mount Erie gives a spectacular 360-degree view of this enchanting region.

Skagit County, Washington, so diversified in climate, terrain, commerce and people, could take months of exploring before discovering all its treasures.  An exquisite gem of an area, Skagit County holds a little bit of everything.