Tulip Valley Farm: A Spring Bloom Guide
During April 5th weekend, I finally made the trip I've been anticipating all spring – a visit to Tulip Valley Farm during bloom! If you're planning your own tulip adventure in the coming weeks, here's everything you need to know about visiting this stunning floral destination.
Current Bloom Status
I'm excited to report that Tulip Valley Farm is currently IN BLOOM! During my visit two weekends ago, I saw beautiful colors beginning to appear across the fields, though they haven't yet reached their peak. I estimate the fields will reach FULL BLOOM this week or next week, weather permitting. This progressive blooming schedule actually provides a unique opportunity to witness the fields transform over time. Visiting the farm anytime before the end of the month offers a unique chance to experience this beautiful transition. As always, I recommend checking their social media pages for the most current bloom updates before planning your trip.
Location & Hours
15245 Bradshaw Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Open 9am-5pm, 7 days a week during tulip season (expected April 1-30)
Ticket Information
How to Purchase
Tickets can be purchased online through the Tulip Valley Farm website or in-person at the entrance. I highly recommend buying in advance online as the ticket cost more to buy at the gate.
Ticket Options & Pricing
**Admission Tickets purchased at the gate will be $3 more per ticket; u-pick purchased at the field (not pre-purchased online) will be $2/stem.
Bundles
U-Pick Bundle (Entry + 10 Stem U-pick): $27 M-Thu; $29 Fri-Sun
Family Pack (2 adults, up to 6 kids): $75
General Admission
Any Day Ticket (use on any one date): $25
Children (ages 3-15): $10
Adults (16+): $16.00 M-Th; $18 Fri-Sun
Seniors/Military (ID required): $15.00 M-Th; $17 Fri-Sun
Specialty Tickets
Night Bloom (8-10pm, Friday and Saturdays ONLY): $6 kids, $11 adults
Season Pass – Daily Access for you and 1 Guest: $99
Sunrise Ticket (Fri-Sun, 6:30am entry): $75
Add-Ons
10-stem u-pick: $15
Pet Pass: $5 (good for more than 1 pet)
The Farm Experience
Size & Variety
Tulip Valley Farm spans an impressive 30 acres, with approximately 20 acres dedicated to tulip fields with 140 tulip varieties. The farm is organized into color-coordinated sections, creating a rainbow effect across the landscape. Some of the most stunning varieties I saw included:
'Queen of Night' (nearly black tulips)
'Orange Emperor' (vibrant orange blooms)
'Pink Impression' (classic pink tulips)
'Angelique' (delicate double-petal pink)
'White Triumphator' (elegant lily-flowered white tulips)
‘Yellow Triumph’ (bright yellow tulips)
‘Red Emperor’ (vibrant red tulips)
When I visited, the fields were filled mostly with ‘Yellow Triumph’ tulips, glowing in bright yellow, and ‘Red Emperor’ tulips, bursting with vibrant red.
Parking Information
One big advantage of Tulip Valley Farm is their FREE parking! The parking area is spacious and well-organized, located just a short walk from the entrance. Even with the weekend crowds, I had no trouble finding a spot before noon.
Facilities
The farm offers:
Portable restrooms
Several picnic areas
A covered pavilion with seating
Food trucks on weekends (I enjoyed delicious wood-fired pizza!)
Farm store with tulip bulbs, bouquets, and souvenirs
The U-Pick Experience
The U-Pick option ($29) was a highlight of my visit! Your ticket includes wrapping materials and the opportunity to select and cut 10 tulips to take home from designated picking areas. Bonus: You can feed the super cute cows with the leaves you don’t want.
Farm staff provide quick instructions on proper cutting techniques and direct you to the current picking zones. During my visit, about 8 different tulip varieties were available for selection.
For best results:
Bring water or a container to transport flowers safely (I didn’t do this and they wilted on my way home…)
Snaps the stems at an angle about 1-2 inches from the ground
Additional stems available for $2 each
With proper care, your cut tulips should last 5-7 days at home. This hands-on experience creates a special connection to the farm and provides a beautiful, personalized souvenir from your visit.
Tips for Visitors
Wear appropriate footwear. The fields can be muddy, especially after rain.
Visit now before full bloom to avoid crowds. I went on Saturday and it wasn’t that crowded since it is not at full bloom yet.
Consider the U-Pick option. Taking home fresh tulips was a highlight of my experience.
Check weather forecasts. An unexpected spring shower briefly interrupted my visit, so come prepared!
Tulip Valley Farm offers one of the most spectacular floral displays I've seen in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you're a serious photographer, a flower enthusiast, or simply looking for a beautiful outdoor experience, these magnificent tulip fields are well worth the trip. Just be sure to plan ahead, book your tickets online, and prepare to be amazed by nature's colorful show!
Cherry Blossom Magic at UW Seattle: A Visitor's Guide
Spring has arrived in Seattle, and with it comes one of the city's most enchanting natural displays—the cherry blossoms at the University of Washington. I'm thrilled to share that I visited the UW Quad this weekend and can confirm the trees are currently at peak bloom!
Bloom Status & Timing
The gorgeous pink canopy should remain in its full glory for approximately another week, but Mother Nature follows her own schedule. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, I recommend checking the official UW cherry blossom webpage before planning your visit:
Official Updates: https://www.washington.edu/cherryblossoms/
Can't make it in person? UW also offers a live stream so you can check on the blossoms in real-time before heading over or simply enjoy their beauty from afar.
Visitor Etiquette
The cherry blossoms are delicate and deserve our respect. During my visit, I noticed some concerning behaviors that we should all avoid:
No climbing the trees - The trees are historic and fragile
Don't shake branches - Creating "blossom rain" for photos damages the trees
Stay on paths when possible to protect the grass and tree roots
Take photos respectfully without blocking pathways or disrupting others' enjoyment
Remember that these trees aren't just beautiful—they're living historic landmarks that have graced the campus since 1962, when they were relocated from the Washington Park Arboretum.
Getting There
Parking Options
Central Plaza Garage (underground parking beneath Red Square)
Padelford Garage (slightly longer walk but often less crowded)
N1 Lot on weekends when permit restrictions are relaxed
Note: Campus parking can fill quickly during peak bloom weekends. Arrive early (before 9am) for best availability.
Public Transportation
Link Light Rail to University of Washington Station (10-15 minute walk to the Quad)
Bus routes 44, 45, 48, 67, 71, 73, 75, and 372 all serve the UW campus
Bike sharing options like Lime are also available throughout the area
Where to Eat & Drink Nearby
After enjoying the blossoms, satisfy your appetite at these excellent local spots:
Boba & Tea
TP Tea - Consistently excellent bubble tea
Sunight Tea Studio - Try their fresh fruit options
Food
U:Don - Fresh, fast Japanese udon noodles
Xi'an Noodles - Hand-pulled noodles and authentic Chinese flavors (friends’ favorite!)
Slurp Station - Their signature tonkotsu is a must-try, and they offer excellent vegetarian options as well.
Desserts
Hello Robin - Famous for their fresh-baked cookies and ice cream sandwiches featuring Molly Moon's ice cream. Their signature Mackles'more cookie is a local favorite.
Molly Moon's - Beloved Seattle ice cream shop with creative, seasonal flavors made from local ingredients. Their honey lavender and yeti are standout classics.
Insomnia Cookies - Perfect for late-night sweet cravings, offering warm cookies for delivery or pickup until the wee hours. Try their deluxe cookies or cookie sandwiches with ice cream.
The cherry blossoms at UW are truly one of Seattle's springtime treasures. Seeing them at peak bloom is an experience that connects you to both nature's beauty and a cherished local tradition. Just remember to visit with respect, patience, and wonder—these ephemeral blossoms remind us to pause and appreciate the fleeting moments of beauty in our world.