Skagit Valley Daffodils #61987b  Purchase

Last Saturday I made my annual spring pilgrimage down to the Skagit Valley Daffodil Fields. Being the end of March means that the  fields are in full bloom and the tulips aren’t too far behind. Like most years, I drove though most of the valley roads to see which fields have tulips and daffodils. Since the fields planted with bulbs change location every year it’s worth scouting out in advance where the best compositions may be.

In my experience one of the best fields for photography is the one appearing in this blog. The row of poplar trees always adds a great compositional element, with the rows providing nice symmetry to the composition. A few years ago this field was planted with beautiful red tulips, however this year it’s yellow daffodils. Next year it’s most likely going to be fallow.

Skagit Valley Daffodils #61960b  Purchase

Photographing Skagit Valley Daffodil Fields can be a bit more challenging than photographing tulips. This is mostly because daffodils bloom earlier in the season. In late March the weather is still winter-like with rain and cold winds. Since daffodil blossoms stand higher on thinner stalks than tulips, they sway easily in a slight breeze. So, if you’re lucky enough to have good light you may be hampered by windy conditions.

Most photographers know that it pays to get up before dawn to take advantage of blue hour light and sunrise light. Here in the Skagit Valley, another good reason to arrive early is to beat the crowds. On a sunny weekend the roads will be gridlocked like Seattle on a Friday afternoon. At the height of the bloom it may seem like everyone on the entire West Coast is here to get a photo of their loved ones in the tulip fields! So go early, and preferably on a weekday.

Other Skagit Valley Daffodil Fields Attractions

Besides photographing Skagit Valley daffodil fields and tulips the lower Skagit Valley also boasts some other worthwhile attractions. Foremost among these are the snow geese and trumpeter swans. Every winter through early spring these beautiful white birds come to the fields to rest and feed before resuming their long journey north. They move among the fields every day, so it can be a challenge to photograph them in the best location. If you plan on photographing these birds please refrain from alarming them. While it’s a magnificent sight to see an entire flock in flight, it also cause undo stress on them.

Skagit Valley Snow Geese #59742  Purchase

Another attraction I rarely miss out on is Snow Goose Produce, located on Fir Island Road. Aside from local produce, seafood, and crafts, their ice cream cones are outstanding. A single scoop in a freshly made waffle cones is a must have. I swear that a single scoop translates into nearly a pint of ice cream!

Of course a visit to the lower Skagit Valley wouldn’t be complete without stopping by LaConner, a self-described artist enclave and boater’s paradise. Aside from browsing the quaint shops and having a bite to eat, photographers can come away with some great travel photos from this picturesque town. Hint, photograph the red bridge and sailboats in evening light!

Skagit Valley Daffodils #61982b  Purchase