If you’ve heard of the Skagit Valley tulips, you might be surprised to learn that the first flowers of spring here aren’t tulips at all — they’re daffodils.
Every March, the fields around La Conner and Mount Vernon turn bright yellow as thousands of daffodils begin to bloom across the valley. It’s one of the earliest signs that spring has finally arrived in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s honestly one of the most underrated times to visit.
While the tulip festival in April gets most of the attention, the La Conner Daffodil Festival quietly kicks off the season with miles of glowing yellow fields scattered throughout Skagit Valley.
For locals and visitors alike, it’s a beautiful way to welcome spring — and one of my favorite times of year to photograph families.
The La Conner Daffodil Festival
The La Conner Daffodil Festival runs throughout the month of March and celebrates the first blooms of the season across Skagit Valley.
Unlike a traditional festival with one central location, the daffodil festival is more like a scenic tour of the valley. You’ll find daffodil fields scattered along country roads around La Conner, Mount Vernon, and the surrounding farmland.
Some of the best places to see them include:
- Best Road
- McLean Road
- Beaver Marsh Road
- Calhoun Road
These are working farms, so most of the fields are meant to be enjoyed from the roadside rather than walked through.
That’s part of what makes it special — driving through the valley and suddenly turning a corner to find a glowing yellow field against a Mount Baker backdrop.
Visiting RoozenGaarde in the Spring
One of the most popular stops during the bloom season is RoozenGaarde, a display garden run by Washington Bulb Company. It’s one of the few places where visitors can walk through professionally designed flower displays rather than just viewing fields from the road.
RoozenGaarde is best known for tulips in April, but early in the season it also features beautiful daffodil displays.
When you visit, you’ll find:
- Carefully designed garden paths
- Rows of blooming daffodils and early spring flowers
- Stunning views of Mount Baker
- Some of the best photo locations in the valley
This is actually where I host my spring daffodil mini sessions, because the gardens provide a safe and accessible place to walk among the flowers without disturbing the working farm fields.
When Do the Daffodils Bloom in Skagit Valley?
Daffodils typically bloom throughout March, though exact timing depends on the weather each year.
Some early varieties can start appearing in late February, while others bloom later in the month. Because multiple varieties are planted throughout the valley, you can often catch daffodils blooming for several weeks.
If you’re planning a visit, keep in mind:
- Weekdays are usually quieter
- Early morning or sunset has the best light
- Fields change quickly depending on the weather
Daffodil Mini Photo Sessions
Every year during daffodil season, I offer limited spring mini sessions at RoozenGaarde.
These short sessions are perfect if you’re already planning a trip to see the flowers — or if you simply want beautiful spring photos with your family without committing to a full session.
Daffodil Mini Session Details
- 20 minute session
- 8 edited images included
- Perfect for families, maternity, or motherhood portraits
Spring flowers only bloom for a short window, so these sessions tend to fill quickly each year.
If you’re planning a visit to the Skagit Valley daffodils, it’s the perfect opportunity to capture the moment with your family.
👉 You can view the details and reserve your session here: Daffodil Minis
Planning Your Spring Visit to Skagit Valley
If you're making a day of it, here’s a simple way to experience the valley during daffodil season:
- Start with a drive through the daffodil fields around La Conner
- Stop in the town of La Conner for lunch or coffee
- Visit RoozenGaarde to walk through the display gardens
- Finish the day watching the sunset over the fields
It’s simple, peaceful, and one of the most beautiful times of year here in Skagit County.
And if you happen to bring your kids along, don’t be surprised if they leave with muddy boots and a handful of daffodils.
That’s kind of part of the magic.
