Skagit Valley & Whatcom COunty Cider Tour
Nestled between the fertile farmlands of Skagit Valley and the lush landscapes of Whatcom County, this cider tour combines scenic beauty, small-town charm, and farm-to-glass craftsmanship. Whether you’re passing through on a road trip from Seattle to Vancouver, BC, or exploring the North Cascades National Park, the region offers award-winning ciders alongside vibrant arts, farm-to-table dining, and abundant outdoor adventures. From the world-famous tulip fields of Skagit Valley to Bellingham’s hiking, kayaking, and craft beverage scene, this tour pairs natural splendor with innovation in orchard practices, sustainability, and cidermaking, highlighting the Northwest’s commitment to quality, creativity, and community.
Just a 1½-hour drive north of Seattle, Garden Path Fermentation is a one-of-a-kind tasting destination in the heart of Skagit Valley, combining brewery, winery, cidery, and occasionally meadery under one roof. Using locally sourced ingredients and native Skagit Valley yeast, their ciders highlight traditional cider apples from nearby farms as well as varieties developed and studied at Washington State University’s Mount Vernon research orchard. The tasting room also features an eclectic selection of beverages and bottles from independent producers around the world, making each visit a discovery of flavors both near and far.
Visitors can enjoy tastings indoors or outdoors and bring their own food from nearby eateries, creating a relaxed, community-oriented experience. Regularly scheduled tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the fermentation process and the care that goes into every batch.
✓ Open Year-Round
✓ Dogs are welcome
✓ No food on-side but guests can bring food from nearby
✓ Regularly scheduled cidery tours
✓ Tasting Flights
✓ Cider To-Go
Follow along:
Instagram: @gardenpathwa
Facebook: Garden Path Fermentation
Next stop: ~30 min drive north to Lost Giants Cider Company in Bellingham
Tree Fruit Research at WSU
Just minutes from Garden Path Fermentation, Washington State University (WSU) Tree Fruit Research & Extension in Mount Vernon supports the state’s cider and orcharding industry with cutting-edge research and practical guidance. Their programs focus on sustainable orchard management, pest and disease control, soil health, and innovative practices like machine harvesting for cider apples. WSU also hosts orchard walks and workshops across the state, giving growers and cider enthusiasts hands-on opportunities to learn about tree fruit cultivation, variety selection, and disease management.
Just a short, scenic drive north from Skagit Valley, Lost Giants Cider Co. is one of Northwest Washington’s most creative cider destinations. Founded by two friends with deep roots in the local beverage scene, Lost Giants has built a reputation for approachable, fruit-forward ciders that celebrate the diversity of regional apples. Named for the stately trees that once graced the forests around Bellingham, this all-ages taproom and production facility offers handcrafted modern and traditional ciders alongside local beer and wine.
Rotating taps feature core and seasonal ciders, plus experimental infusions crafted through their custom-built “Infusor,” blending apples with ingredients like pineapple, jalapeño, berries, herbs, and spices. Food trucks frequent the taproom, and outside food is welcome. With its relaxed communal bar and sunny patio, Lost Giants invites visitors to slow down, sip, and enjoy the adventurous spirit that defines Northwest cider.
✓ Open Year-Round
✓ Kid are welcome
✓ Dogs are welcome
✓ Small bites available on-site
✓ Tasting flights available
✓ Cider to-go
Follow along:
Instagram: @lostgiantscider
Facebook: Lost Giants Cider
Nearby Cider Producers
While exploring the Skagit Valley, keep an eye out for bottles from Alma Cider (Mount Vernon) and Barmann Cellars (Nooksack Valley). While, neither currently operates a public tasting room, their small-batch, orchard-based ciders are worth seeking out and can be found at select bottle shops, farm stands, and regional markets.
Follow along on instagram: @almaciderco and @barmanncellars
Northern Washington – A Natural Wonderland
Northern Washington is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with dramatic mountains, pristine rivers, and lush forests that define the region. North Cascades National Park offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails, from the panoramic vistas of Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm to the tranquil shores of Rainy Lake. For a full-day adventure, the Maple Pass Loop winds through alpine meadows and rugged ridges, while the nearby Mount Baker area provides skiing, snowshoeing, and year-round exploration. Beyond hiking, visitors can paddle scenic lakes, explore waterfalls, or simply take in the breathtaking landscapes that make this corner of Washington unforgettable.
The Skagit Valley & Whatcom County Cider Tour pairs farm-to-glass craftsmanship with the natural beauty of the Northwest, from tulip fields to the peaks of the North Cascades. ach cider stop highlights the flavors, orchards, and local ingredients that define this unique region, offering a true taste of Northern Washington.
