Northwest Washington

Travel Guide

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

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Fairhaven

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

Fairhaven
Bellingham which includes a waterfall

Bellingham City Center

While visiting Bellingham City Center, you might make a stop by sights like Marine Life Center and Cornwall Beach.

Bellingham City Center
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Puget

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

Puget
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Samish Hill

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

Samish Hill
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Sehome

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

Sehome
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York

While York isn't home to many top sights, Mount Baker Theatre and Depot Market Square are some notable places to visit nearby.

York
Baymont by Wyndham Bellingham

Baymont by Wyndham Bellingham

2.5 out of 5
125 E. Kellogg Road, Bellingham, WA
The price is P4,548 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P4,548
P5,223 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Bellingham. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.2/10 Good! (453 reviews)
"Needed a last minute reservation with somewhere that was open late and this hotel was a great option! Perfect for what we needed!"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Baymont by Wyndham Bellingham
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 P8,434 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P8,434
P9,536 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Check-in was quick and easy. Our room was perfect for our extended stay with it being spacious, a large fridge/freezer combo, and was very quiet even though close to the elevator. The two on-site restaurants were great with friendly staff and very good food."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center
Clarion Pointe Mount Vernon - Burlington

Clarion Pointe Mount Vernon - Burlington

2.5 out of 5
300 W College Way, Mount Vernon, WA
The price is P5,438 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
P5,438
P6,142 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Mount Vernon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Lincoln Theater and RiverBelle ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (97 reviews)
"Solid place to stay!"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Clarion Pointe Mount Vernon - Burlington
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (22 reviews)
"What an amazing property. While I love to camp, this was a great experience to not have to worry about packing gear and being able to relax. The cabin has a really thoughtful design with personal touches. The s’more kit, firewood and starters, and basic supplies that were provided included everything ..."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Postcard Cabins Skagit Valley
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! (100 reviews)
"Rustic resort with beautiful sunsets and amenities. We did have someone lurking around our cabin one evening-claimed to be looking for someone who worked at the property. It was very suspicious. He left our place but hung around the resort for some time. I did not report it at the time as no one ..."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

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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