Given the diversity of our climate here in Washington, it’s tough to pinpoint any telltale signs of spring. But one thing is for certain: When April rolls around, Washingtonians get excited about the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. While it’s impossible to tell exactly when the tulips will bloom, the festival is held from April 1-30 every year in one of our state’s most beautiful counties.

While the Skagit Valley isn’t the only place in Washington with fields of flowers, it has become synonymous with this amazing festival.

GoToVan / Flickr The climate here is just right to cultivate tulip and daffodil bulbs, which thrive in places like Holland.

Usually it’s the daffodils that bloom first, in March.

turcottes78 / Flickr Mostly found in La Conner, these blooms give the first hints that the tulips are on their way.

And by early to mid-April, most of the Skagit Valley looks like this.

turcottes78 / Flickr The tulips have been a little late to bloom this year,

There are two sprawling tulip farms to visit.

RoozenGaarde Facebook This is RoozenGaarde, located at 15867 Beaver Marsh Road in Mount Vernon. They’re open from 9-7 daily during the festival and charge a $7 admission.

The other is Tulip Town, located at 15002 Bradshaw Road in Mount Vernon.

Tulip Town Facebook Hours here are 9-5 daily during April. Admission is $7.

The festival is fun for all ages.

missyleone / Flickr This is the ideal place to take family photos.

Take a break from tulip-gazing and check out charming downtown Mount Vernon or LaConner.

J. Stephen Conn / Flickr Skagit County has some beautiful places to live.

Get here quickly… bloom season doesn’t last long.

dslrnovice / Flickr The best time to come is on a weekday, but facing weekend crowds is much better than not coming at all.

There are other events and activities happening in the area during the month of April, so plan your visit accordingly.

Mark Pouley / Flickr Check the official festival website for event details.

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is one of our most beautiful festivals. And if you enjoy our local delicacies, check out this list of food festivals.

GoToVan / Flickr

The climate here is just right to cultivate tulip and daffodil bulbs, which thrive in places like Holland.

turcottes78 / Flickr

Mostly found in La Conner, these blooms give the first hints that the tulips are on their way.

The tulips have been a little late to bloom this year,

RoozenGaarde Facebook

This is RoozenGaarde, located at 15867 Beaver Marsh Road in Mount Vernon. They’re open from 9-7 daily during the festival and charge a $7 admission.

Tulip Town Facebook

Hours here are 9-5 daily during April. Admission is $7.

missyleone / Flickr

This is the ideal place to take family photos.

J. Stephen Conn / Flickr

Skagit County has some beautiful places to live.

dslrnovice / Flickr

The best time to come is on a weekday, but facing weekend crowds is much better than not coming at all.

Mark Pouley / Flickr

Check the official festival website for event details.

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