Photo by Dawn-Marie Hanrahan

Skagit County is located in the northwest portion of Washington State, USA. between Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, B.C. Canada. The majestic Cascade Mountains stand to the east, overlooking a fertile valley boasting a variety of agricultural crops. Running through the valley is the powerful Skagit River flowing westward toward the beautiful San Juan Islands. World famous tulip fields blanket the valley in the spring.  Flocks of Canadian geese, snow geese and trumpeter swans can be seen here in the winter. Bald eagles soar overhead year round and great blue herons stand along the shorelines.

 

Skagit County's economy is booming and it is regarded as one of the fastest growing areas in the state. Agriculture, fishing, wood products, tourism, international trade, and specialized manufacturing make up the economy of Skagit Valley. With its accessible ports and refineries, Skagit County is also the center of the states petroleum industry. The national trend toward employment in retail trades and personal/professional services also is evident in Skagit County with malls and almost every national retail chain being represented here.

 

However, Skagit County’s farmlands are being threatened by sprawl development.  Our allies such as Friends of Skagit County and Skagit Citizens Alliance for Rural Preservation, are working to ensure the county’s farming industry remains viable, while also making the cities better places to live.  New updates to the county’s and cities’ Critical Areas Regulations and Shoreline Master Plans, as well as the update to the county’s comprehensive plan, will help ensure a bright future for its residents.