San Juan Island & Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Washington's Skagit Valley has the largest tulip farms on the continent — but tulips are only the most colorful part of this Evergreen State adventure. From the Bavarian-themed village of Leavenworth tucked in the Cascade Mountains to the natural wonderland of San Juan Island and the coastal forests of Deception Pass, this spring journey is a kaleidoscope of Pacific Northwest beauty. Ferry crossings on the Puget Sound, historic military forts, and driftwood-strewn beaches round out an odyssey through one of America's most scenic corners.

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Day-by-Day Itinerary

Walk Rating Key

Incline

Gentle — gain < 200 ft

Moderate — gain 200–1,000 ft

Steep — gain 1,000–2,000 ft

Terrain

🏙️ PavedAlmost entirely on pavement

🥾 TrailsWell-groomed trails, few obstacles

⛰️ RuggedRocky, rooted paths, or soft sand

Day 1

Arrive Kent, Washington · Welcome Orientation

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Travelers arrive into Kent, Washington. Our starting hotel is conveniently located in the Kent Valley near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and nestled along a peaceful golf course in close proximity to the Green River Trail should you decide to do some strolling before our Welcome Orientation this evening at the hotel.

Day 2

Kent to Leavenworth · Snoqualmie Falls · Bavarian Village Walk

1 walk · 5 km

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We leave Kent to transit through the Cascade Mountains stopping on the western slopes for a visit to mighty Snoqualmie Falls. On the eastern slopes, we take a break in the fun little town of Cle Elum at Owens Meats, one of Washington's oldest businesses. Tucked away in the Stuart Range and Wenatchee Mountains is the Bavarian-themed village of Leavenworth. Time for lunch here is followed by the local club walk featuring scenic mountain views and lovely trails along Wenatchee River and on Blackbird Island. Leavenworth Bavarian Village Walk – 5 km, rated 2B.

Leavenworth Bavarian Village Walk5 km🥾 Trails

Day 3

Leavenworth to Mount Vernon · Deception Falls · Tulip Town Farm

1 walk · 5 km

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Our journey takes us back across the Cascades this morning, stopping for another waterfall wonder at Deception Falls. Mount Vernon is our destination, and the Big Scoop Sundae Palace is a fitting place to celebrate lunch and ice cream before a local afternoon walk. Today's route offers a combination of historic downtown, Skagit River and lovely parks. In the late afternoon, we visit Tulip Town Farm, which recently grabbed a spot on the list of 7 'most beautiful' tulip farms in America according to Country Living magazine.

Mount Vernon Town Walk5 km🏙️ Paved

Day 4

Mount Vernon to Friday Harbor · Roozengarde Tulip Farm · San Juan Islands Ferry

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The morning highlight is a visit to Roozengarde Tulip Farm. With over 1000 acres of tulips, it's one of the largest of its kind on the planet! This afternoon, we board the ferry from Anacortes to the San Juan Islands, docking in Friday Harbor for a two-night stay. The afternoon and evening are free to wander the delightful shops and waterfront views. Everything is within walking distance of our hotel in this coastal fishing village dotted with picturesque old wood frame homes and historic storefronts.

Day 5

San Juan Island · American Camp · English Camp · Lime Kiln Point

1 walk · 10 km

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We devote the full day to enjoying the natural beauty and history of San Juan Island, rated by Trip Advisor as one of the best island destinations in the world. This three-part walk starts with a 4.5 km walk at American Camp (site of the mid-1800s Pig War) with jaw-dropping Salish Sea views, historical buildings, sweeping grasslands, and driftwood beaches. The second walk is 3.5 km at English Camp featuring Garrison Bay, Officer's Hill, a formal English Garden, and forested loop around Bell Point. The final 1 km walk is at Lime Kiln Point State Park, featuring potential wildlife sightings (orcas, seals, eagles) and a picturesque lighthouse. Splendid San Juan Island Walk – 10 km, rated 2B.

Splendid San Juan Island Walk10 km🥾 Trails

Day 6

Friday Harbor to Oak Harbor · San Juan Museum · Deception Pass State Park

1 walk · 6 km

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We visit the San Juan Historical Museum this morning to gain new perspectives on the San Juans before taking the late morning ferry back to Anacortes. Driving south, a Whidbey Island gem awaits us at Deception Pass State Park, considered one of the better walking locations in the Pacific Northwest. Highlights include picturesque headlands, diverse coastal forests, Salish Sea views, hidden beaches, the historic Deception Pass Bridge, and potential wildlife sightings. Dazzling Deception Pass Walk – 6 or 6 km (with shorter options available), rated 2C.

Dazzling Deception Pass Walk6 km⛰️ Rugged

Day 7

Oak Harbor to Kent · Ebey's Landing · Fort Casey · Mukilteo Ferry

3 walks · 11 km

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Our morning begins with one of the best day hikes in Washington State at Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve. An outstanding bluff trail leads to spectacular lagoon views and walking along driftwood-strewn shores with views of both Mt. Baker and Olympic National Park on a clear day. We stop in charming Coupeville for lunch before continuing to Fort Casey State Park, where a coastal defense system (The Triangle of Fire) was created in the late 1890s. Marvel at sweeping seaside views, the Admiralty Head Lighthouse, and massive gun batteries on high bluffs. The Mukilteo Ferry deposits us on the mainland for a final drive to our hotel in Kent. Ebey's Landing Walk – 3/7 km, 2B/2C. Fort Casey Walk – 3 km, 2C.

Ebey's Landing Walk7 km⛰️ Rugged

Ebey's Landing Walk (short) (alternative)3 km🥾 Trails

Fort Casey Walk1 km🥾 Trails

Day 8

Depart from Kent

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Our Skagit Valley Tulip Festival & San Juan Islands Walking Adventure draws to a close this morning with breakfast at our hotel. The glorious colors of Spring in the Pacific Northwest can't get any brighter when tulip fields are included! We hope you enjoyed these highlights and hidden gems of Washington and return home filled with fond memories.

Take this itinerary with you.

Download the full brochure with day-by-day details, pricing, and what's included.

What's Included

Included

All land travel by motorcoach
tourist class hotel accommodations
all breakfasts
5 walk routes
admission to Tulip Town and Roozengarde farms
San Juan Islands ferry
Snoqualmie Falls
Deception Pass State Park
San Juan National Historic Park
Fort Casey State Park
WAI guide service throughout. Based on double occupancy.

Not Included

Airfare
lunches
dinners
travel insurance
single supplement ($699)
personal expenses

Ready to Explore San Juan Island & Skagit Valley Tulip Festival?

Reserve Your Spot

Questions? Call 360.260.9393 · Mon–Fri, 7–10am Pacific

Enhance Your Trip

Make your adventure even richer with these optional additions. Pre-nights and activities can be added at any time — before booking, during registration, or later via your trip advisor.

Single Supplement

Single room supplement for the main tour.

$699

Pre-Night in Seattle

Arrive a day early in Seattle before the San Juan Islands tour begins.

$88/night

Available to add during registration or by calling 360.260.9393.

Before You Book

Start by browsing our tour calendar and finding the adventure that fits your interests, dates, and walking level. There are two ways to secure your spot. You can pre-register for $200 per person to express interest before full details are released — pre-registered travelers receive a Priority Booking Invitation with one week to register before remaining space opens to the general public. Full registration requires a non-refundable $500 deposit ($200 pre-registration + $300 additional, or $500 if registering directly). Final payment is due 90 days before departure and can be made online or mailed by check for a 1% discount. Final payment is non-refundable and non-transferable. You'll receive reminders before each deadline. About 2-3 weeks before departure, you'll receive a final email packet with hotel names, contact information, a list of fellow travelers, and a detailed daily schedule. All registrations are subject to our General Terms & Conditions. Questions? Call us at 360.260.9393 or email hello@walkingadventures.fun.

April in the Pacific Northwest is gorgeous but unpredictable. Expect daytime temperatures around 50-60°F (10-15°C) with a mix of sunshine and showers. The tulip fields are at peak bloom, and the San Juan Islands are lush and green. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and shoes that can handle wet trails. The ferry crossings can be breezy — bring a warm layer for the deck.

Airfare is generally not included in the tour price. The starting point for each tour is the arrival airport or first hotel. We recommend booking your own flights so you can use your preferred airline, frequent flyer miles, or travel credit. When air travel is necessary within an itinerary (such as inter-island flights in the Azores), it is usually included in the tour price. We recommend contacting Laura Pfahler, the travel agent we work with, to help book your flight arrangements. Detailed arrival and departure airport information is provided on each tour page and in your registration materials.

This tour starts and ends in Kent, Washington — just south of Seattle. If you're driving, free hotel parking is available. If flying, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is approximately 20 minutes from the hotel. We recommend arriving the day before the tour starts to settle in.

Once paid, your registration deposit is non-refundable. Final payment is due before departure — your tour page has the specific dates — and is non-refundable after the due date. We'll send you a reminder a week or two before each deadline so nothing sneaks up on you. If a tour doesn't reach the minimum number of participants needed to run, WAI may cancel the departure — and if that happens, you'll receive a full refund of everything you've paid. It's rare, but we want you to know where you stand. See our General Tour Conditions for complete cancellation and refund details.

WAI believes strongly in the importance of travel insurance for financial and medical protection from unforeseen circumstances before departure or during your adventure. We recommend a policy covering trip cancellation, medical evacuation, and emergency medical expenses. Be aware that some policies contain time-sensitive provisions — benefits like coverage of pre-existing conditions may only be available if the policy is purchased within a certain number of days of booking. Airfare is generally not covered by tour travel insurance. Using SquareMouth.com is a good way to compare pricing. Other options include Allianz, Travel Guard, and Travel Insured International. WAI bears no responsibility for travel insurance benefits advertised by credit card companies — verify coverage types and limits before relying on them.

Every WAI walk uses a two-part rating: a number (1–3) for incline and a letter (A–C) for terrain. Here’s what they look like:

1 — Gentle (gain < 200 ft)

2 — Moderate (gain 200–1,000 ft)

3 — Steep (gain 1,000–2,000 ft)

🏙️ PavedA — Paved (almost entirely on pavement)

🥾 TrailsB — Trails (well-groomed trails, few obstacles)

⛰️ RuggedC — Rugged (rocky, rooted paths, or soft sand)

Quick Reference

	🏙️ Paved	🥾 Trails	⛰️ Rugged
Gentle	🏙️ Paved	🥾 Trails	⛰️ Rugged
Moderate	🏙️ Paved	🥾 Trails	⛰️ Rugged
Steep	🏙️ Paved	🥾 Trails	⛰️ Rugged

Each tour page also has a Tour Pace rating (1–5) and a Walk Challenge rating (1–5) that summarize the overall difficulty. Use these to compare tours at a glance — then check the day-by-day itinerary for the full picture.

You'll receive a detailed packing list and final email packet about 2-3 weeks before departure, including hotel names, contact information, a list of fellow travelers, and a more detailed daily schedule. Key items for every WAI tour: well broken-in walking shoes (not new ones), layers for variable weather, a lightweight waterproof rain jacket, a small daypack for daily walks, sunscreen, and a hat. For international tours, check your tour page for destination-specific recommendations. Comfortable, modest clothing works for most group dinners — WAI tours are relaxed, not formal.

Most days begin with a group breakfast, followed by a morning walk or cultural visit. Midday includes a lunch stop — sometimes included, sometimes on your own at a local restaurant. Afternoons blend walking with sightseeing, and evenings are usually free with periodic group dinners. You'll never feel rushed, and there's always time to rest, explore on your own, or sit in a café and watch the world go by. Your guides will share a detailed daily schedule before the trip so you'll know exactly what to expect.

You don't need to be an athlete. WAI tours range from gentle strolls through city streets to more adventurous walks on hills and trails — and most walking days offer a shorter or easier alternative so you can choose your level. If you enjoy walking regularly and can handle a couple of miles at a comfortable pace, you'll find tours that fit. More experienced walkers will find plenty to challenge them too. The best preparation is to walk regularly in the weeks before your trip, gradually building up distance. Every tour page shows walk-by-walk ratings so you can see exactly what's involved — and if you're unsure, give us a call. We love helping people find the right fit.

WAI groups are small by design — every group is kept intentionally small so you're never just a face in the crowd. Two WAI guides accompany every trip (plus local national guides on international tours), which means more personal attention, better access to local experiences, and the kind of camaraderie that turns fellow travelers into lasting friends. Check your tour page for specific group size details.

Absolutely — and you won't be alone for long. Many of our travelers come solo and quickly find themselves part of the group. We offer a roommate matching service at no extra charge, or you can book a single room for a supplement (amount varies by tour). Solo travelers consistently tell us that the community feel of a WAI trip is one of the best parts.

Meal inclusions vary by tour — check your specific tour page for details. Most tours include daily breakfast, several group dinners, and select lunches. On free-meal days, your guides will recommend local restaurants that match the group's tastes and budget. Group dinners are a highlight — they're often at locally owned restaurants where the food tells a story about the place you're visiting.

With help from local experts and walking guides, Classic Curated itineraries are crafted with extensive on-site planning by WAI tour planners. Our objective is to capture the essence of a destination by weaving together its culture, history, natural beauty, and culinary traditions into a walking-centric adventure. Think of it as a fully planned trip where each day is thoughtfully designed — not a self-guided hike, not a resort stay, but an immersive journey with a small group led by experienced WAI guides.

After you register, we'll send you an Adventure Advice email with everything you need to plan your trip — recommended flights, arrival airports, timing tips, and important steps to take before departure. One big thing: please don't buy your flights until you've seen this email. It'll save you headaches and help you find the best options. Closer to departure, you'll get a final packet with hotel details, a list of your fellow travelers, and a day-by-day schedule.

If a tour departure doesn't reach the minimum enrollment needed to run, WAI reserves the right to cancel it. If that happens, registered participants receive a 100% refund of all payments made to WAI. Most tours reach minimum enrollment well in advance, and cancellations are rare — but we want you to know we stand behind our commitment if it ever happens. In cases where supplier non-refundable deposits limit what WAI can recover, we'll do our best to apply unrecovered amounts as credit toward a future tour.

Our approach to wellness on tour encourages travelers to: focus on health before the tour so you start healthy; pace yourself while on tour, as travel is inherently stimulating and can mask energy drain; stay hydrated and rested, especially on long-haul travel days and at altitude; and speak up if you're not feeling well — our guides are trained to help and would rather know early. We travel in small groups where everyone looks out for each other, and our guides carry first aid supplies and know local medical resources at every stop. Read our full Wellness on Tour Policy for details.

San Juan Island & Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Tour Pace

Walk Challenge