This year has been especially warm here in Western Washington and our spring has come early. The ski areas have closed and today was more than 65 F.

That translates to early bloom dates for tulips!

In early February we saw the arrival of daffodils and today I made a sunrise visit to the first tulip field that has popped open!

Skagit Tulip Festival 2015

The workers were arriving, getting their bearings and starting to head out into the fields.

The day turned out so warm! And the sky is still filled with wondrous clouds…I hope they last until sunset!

If you would like to come for a sunrise or sunset Tulip Tour, now is the time to get registered!

Skagit Valley Tulip Tours

Living here in Skagit Valley not far from Tulip Heaven I am able to visit the tulip fields every day. As tulip season gets started I head out to scout the new year’s tulip and daffodil field locations and plan where are the best spots (and times, mornings or evenings) for capturing fabulous images.

The best time of day to visit the tulip fields is early morning or late afternoon. The low light and clouds offer some incredible back drops for the flowers.

The best days to visit are Monday through Friday to avoid the throngs of people. On Tulip Festival Weekends after 10am, the entire tulip area is mired in a horrible traffic snarl. Weekends between 9am and 5pm are times to avoid the tulip fields, unless you enjoy traffic!

Evening – Sunset Tulip Tour

This tour is available Monday through Friday, every week that the flowers are blooming. The tour starts at 3pm and ends at 10pm. (Note: the times and itinerary are always up for change, depending on your preferences!)

Itinerary:

3:00 – Meet at Skagit Food Coop, relax, discuss photo techniques.

3:30 – Begin our photo tour at either of the two main Tulip Tourist centers (Optional)

5:00 – Drive out to several of the year’s best locations to get great evening shots of the flowers at sunset.

8:30/9:00 – Head out for a bite to eat and a review of images and tips on editing.

Cost: $150 per person Note: Each tour is limited to no more than 5 people

Early Morning – Sunrise Tulip Tour

This tour is available every day, 7 days a week, every week that the flowers are blooming. The tour starts at 5am and ends at 10am. (Note: the times and itinerary are always up for change, depending on your preferences!)

Itinerary:

5:00 am – Meet at Starbucks for coffee/tea and to discuss photo techniques.

6:00 am – Drive to several of the year’s best locations to get great morning shots of the flowers at sunrise.

9:00 am – Head out for a bite to eat and a review of images and tips on editing.

Cost: $150 per person Note: Each tour is limited to no more than 5 people

Tulip Festival Photography Tours Planning

Weather

Skagit Valley Weather in the spring is…unpredictable. We can have snow, rain and sun, all in the same afternoon! Some days are gray and overcast, others with totally blue skies, but most often we will have a mix, throughout the day of clouds and sky. Rain is common. I have often seen days where it rained hard all day long, and in the late afternoon partially cleared into the most fantastic skies.