Bringing a Dog to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in 2025
Got questions about bringing a pup to see the tulip fields? We chatted with the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival’s Executive Director about how to plan the pawfect trip.
Lizzie at the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival wearing a bandana from Sassy Woof
If you’ve been following The Dapple for the past few months, you know that I’m completely obsessed with spring. We’ve had a particularly rainy and dreary March here in Seattle, so I’ve been filling our house with as many grocery store bouquets as I can and taking 150 pictures of every blossoming cherry tree on our street. I even got Lizzie a new pink raincoat for our morning walks.
And for as long as I can remember, one of my favorite parts of spring in the PNW has been taking a trip to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. ICYMI, farms across the Skagit Valley grow huge fields of daffodils and tulips, all of which go into bloom around April each year (check their status here) creating gorgeous views and lots of opportunities for incredible photos.
But when we visited with our pups a few years ago, I spent a lot of the car ride Googling the rules around bringing dogs to the festival and not finding much info. Because I wasn’t totally sure where they were allowed, I spent a lot of time worrying they were unwelcome and we wrapped up our trip early.
Because of that, I was thrilled this year when the team at the festival reached about collaborating on a post to help people plan a visit with their dogs. I got to ask Nicole Roozen, Executive Director of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, all of our burning questions about how to have a perfect, springy trip to the tulips with your dog.
Read on for our Q&A. 👇🏻🌷
We’re such huge fans of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival—what’s the number one thing that people should know if they’re planning to visit the festival with their dogs?
Many of the tulip farms, like Tulip Town and Garden Rosalyn, are very dog-friendly and welcome your pups to join in the fun! Just make sure to keep your dog on a leash, clean up after them, and be mindful of the delicate flowers. These farms offer great photo ops with your pup surrounded by beautiful blooms.
The number one thing to know is to keep dogs out of the tulips to avoid damaging the flowers and bulbs. Also, Roozengaarde does not allow dogs on their property, so be sure to plan accordingly. And of course, get ready for some adorable photos by the tulips.
We’re planning to take a trip up to the festival from Seattle with our dogs and we want to take some cute pictures of our pups in the tulips. What are some dog-friendly stops we shouldn’t miss?
If you’re looking for the perfect spots to take cute pictures with your pups, you won’t want to miss Tulip Town and Garden Rosalyn. Both are dog-friendly and offer great views of the tulips, making them ideal for those picture-perfect moments. Another great stop is Farmstrong Brewing, where you can enjoy the official Tulip Festival beer, the Tulip Daze Hazy IPA, while your pups relax with you on the dog-friendly patio. And if you're looking for a more peaceful experience, Little Mountain Park offers beautiful scenery and a quieter atmosphere, which can be a great way to let your pups explore after visiting the farms!
What are some things that visitors might not know about bringing their dogs to the festival?
One thing to keep in mind is that tulip fields can be muddy, especially in early spring, so bring towels or wipes for your pup’s paws. Also, while it may seem fun to let your dog explore freely, tulips are fragile, and farms rely on them for their livelihood—please keep dogs on leash, on pathways and out of the flower rows.
Do you have any recommendations for visitors attending the festival who might have dogs who are nervous in large crowds?
If your dog isn’t a fan of crowds, consider visiting on a weekday morning or an hour before closing, when it’s quieter. Farms like Garden Rosalyn tend to be more relaxed.
Any advice on what people should pack if they’re bringing their dogs to the festival?
Bring the essentials: a leash, waste bags, water, and a travel bowl. A towel or wipes can help with muddy paws, and if your dog is sensitive to noise or new environments, a calming treat or familiar toy might help them feel more at ease.
Any recommendations for dog-friendly lodging near the festival?
If you're looking for dog-friendly lodging near the festival, both Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton and Candlewood Suites are great options. They welcome dogs and offer a special Tulip Festival rate, so you can enjoy the festival with your pups while staying in comfort.
Anything else you’d like to mention?
We love seeing pups enjoy the festival as much as their owners! Just a quick reminder—springtime in Skagit Valley can be unpredictable, so be sure to bring essentials like water for your dog, a leash, and a towel to clean off muddy paws. Also, don't forget to check the weather ahead of time so your dog stays comfortable. Most importantly, have fun, snap some adorable photos, and enjoy the stunning beauty of the tulips with your furry friends by your side! 🌷
Find more information about the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival at their website, www.tulipfestival.org.
