One of the best free shows in the Pacific Northwest happens every winter, just north of Stanwood, WA. Starting in late October, thousands of snow geese and trumpeter swans fly in to spend the winter in the farm fields and marshes of the Skagit Valley.

If you have never seen a sky full of white geese lifting off at once, put it on your list. Here is how to plan a winter birding day trip from Old Town Stanwood.

When to go

Snow geese gather in the area from about October through April, and the birds stay through the winter months. Early morning is the best time to look. The geese spend the night out on Skagit Bay and fly inland to feed around sunrise.

That makes staying nearby a big help. You can be out the door at first light without a long drive up I-5 from Seattle.

Where to see snow geese and swans

Fir Island Farms Reserve. This 225-acre reserve is part of the state’s Skagit Wildlife Area and is a favorite starting point. From I-5, take exit 221 (Conway / Lake McMurray), head west, then follow Fir Island Road north about 3.2 miles. Turn onto the gravel access road and park in the lot at the end. A short walk along the marsh gives you views out toward Skagit Bay.

Wylie Slough. Another Skagit Wildlife Area site with parking and information kiosks.

The back roads. If the flocks are not at the reserve, try driving slowly along Fir Island Road toward La Conner, Best Road, and La Conner-Whitney Road. Geese and swans often feed in the open fields there.

What to bring

• A Washington Discover Pass, which is required at the wildlife areas
• Warm layers, a hat, gloves and boots for muddy ground
• Binoculars and a camera
• A thermos of coffee or cocoa and some snacks

Be kind to the birds

The geese need their energy for the long trip back north in spring. Keep your voice down, move slowly and give the flocks plenty of space. At Fir Island, park only in the gravel lot, not along the road. Leave dogs at home or in the car.

Warm up in Old Town Stanwood

After a cold morning in the fields, it is nice to have a cozy place to come back to. The Retro Willows is a renovated 1-bedroom apartment on the second floor of an 1890 Victorian landmark in Old Town Stanwood.

• Queen Lull mattress and room-darkening shades, handy for an afternoon nap after a sunrise outing
• A bathtub for warming up
• Full kitchen and a coffee bar to fill your thermos before you head out
• Fast Wi-Fi, a workspace and AC
• Keyless entry, free parking and laundry on site
• Sleeps up to 4

You can walk to Stanwood’s shops, cafes and grocery store. Camano Island, La Conner and Mount Vernon are all close by, so it is easy to turn one birding morning into a full weekend getaway. The apartment is up one flight of stairs, pets are not allowed, and quiet hours start at 9 PM.

Plan your Skagit winter getaway

Questions about dates or the area? Call or text 360-913-5965. Booking direct is the easiest way to reserve.