Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Auburn, WA to Mount Vernon, WA
If you're looking for a scenic drive through the Pacific Northwest, the journey from Auburn to Mount Vernon in Washington is an ideal trip. The distance from Auburn to Mount Vernon is approximately 80 miles, which takes about 2 hours. This drive takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in Washington State. Whether you're planning a road trip for the first time or a seasoned traveler, this guide will provide you with five unexpected places to stop on your journey.
Halfway Point: Mill Creek, WA
Before diving into the must-stop places on this drive, it's important to note the midway point of the journey – Mill Creek, WA. Considered a suburban neighborhood, Mill Creek is perfect for a pitstop on your journey. You can grab a coffee or tea at the beautiful cafes in the area, take a nap on one of the parks' benches, or get your car refueled.
1. Maltby Cafe
Maltby Cafe is about 45 minutes from Auburn, and it's a must-stop for any road trip in Washington State. This cafe is a local establishment located in Snohomish County, and it's known for its delicious pies, sandwiches, soups, and breakfast items. This local diner is perfect for a brunch stop, and it's known for exceptional dishes such as the cinnamon roll pancakes, chicken-fried steak, and homemade chili. A bite of their famous cinnamon roll will send you back in time with its classic flavor.
2. Skagit Valley Tulip Fields
Once you leave Maltby and continue along the drive, you'll soon come across the breathtaking Skagit Valley Tulip Fields. This stop is about 30 minutes from Maltby Cafe, and it's a perfect spot to take a break and capture stunning pictures of beautiful, colorful tulips for your Instagram post. This tulip field is open to the public every day in April during the spring season, offering the perfect opportunity to explore and click pictures with America’s tulip town.
3. Rosario Beach
As you continue your drive, you will reach Rosario Beach, about 37 minutes from the tulip fields. This beach is part of the Deception Pass State Park, and it's known for camping, hiking, and day use. It has stunning views of the Pacific Northwest's rocky coastline, and it's a perfect spot to take a break and explore the shoreline. The beach has a kid-friendly tide pool and a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains.
4. Chuckanut Drive
From Rosario Beach, you’ll reach one of the most scenic drives in the Pacific Northwest- Chuckanut Drive – approximately 50 minutes away. Chuckanut Drive's route features stunning views overlooking the San Juan Islands and Skagit Valley from a towering high bluff above the Puget Sound. This drive should not be done in a hurry, so take your time and stop by the various picnic areas and hiking trails for a breathtaking view of the hills and valleys below.
5. The Breadfarm
The Breadfarm is the last stop on this amazing drive and is approximately 15 minutes from Chuckanut Drive. The shop is a small bakery located at the historic Edison Mill in the Skagit Valley. The Breadfarm is known for its freshly baked bread, cakes, and pastries made from local sources. The smell of the bakery's bread alone will make your mouth water and its deliciousness make you visit every time you do this drive.
Conclusion
Washington State offers some of the most stunning locations for road trips, and the drive from Auburn to Mount Vernon is no exception. With amazing stops at places like Maltby Cafe, Skagit Valley Tulip Fields, Rosario Beach, Chuckanut Drive, and The Breadfarm, this road trip should not be missed. The beauty of nature and the delicious flavors of Washington State all make the drive worth it.