Skagit County, Washington - Government

10/21/2026

Our flap replacement project has finished early! The Guemes Island ferry has returned to normal car and passenger service.

More information about the flap replacement project can be found on our website: www.skagitcountywa.gov/ferry

Please be advised: the Guemes Island Ferry will only offer passenger-only service next week Tuesday through Friday (October 20 - October 23). Passenger-only service will operate on our normal sailing schedule.

The Ferry Division is replacing the bridge flaps at both the Anacortes and Guemes Island terminals. There will be ongoing work during the day and overnight. Unfortunately, this work does not permit the ferry to operate car service.

For more information about the project and FAQs about passenger-only service aboard the M/V Guemes, please visit our project page here: https://www.skagitcountywa.gov/services/roads-and-transportation/ferry/construction-and-maintenance-projects/ferry-aprons-and-flaps-replacement/

10/19/2026

Have you made your plan to vote? The general election is just over two weeks away! Check out our list of ballot drop boxes at the link below so you can submit your ballot as soon as possible.

https://www.skagitcountywa.gov/government/auditor-s-office/elections-and-voting/ballot-information/

Haven't received your ballot yet? Reach out to our Elections staff at [email protected] or by calling 360-416-1702.

10/17/2026

Please be advised: the Guemes Island Ferry will only offer passenger-only service next week Tuesday through Friday (October 20 - October 23). Passenger-only service will operate on our normal sailing schedule.

The Ferry Division is replacing the bridge flaps at both the Anacortes and Guemes Island terminals. There will be ongoing work during the day and overnight. Unfortunately, this work does not permit the ferry to operate car service.

For more information about the project and FAQs about passenger-only service aboard the M/V Guemes, please visit our project page here: https://www.skagitcountywa.gov/services/roads-and-transportation/ferry/construction-and-maintenance-projects/ferry-aprons-and-flaps-replacement/

10/14/2026

Our 2026 Public Works construction projects have all wrapped up!

The Marblemount Bridge is now open to two-way traffic, with no load restrictions, and has a fresh coat of paint (see photos below!). This bridge underwent a significant rehabilitation over the last two construction seasons to extend the life of the 96 year old bridge.

The Jordan Creek temporary bridge has been installed and open for traffic again, restoring important access for residents east of the Marblemount Bridge after the December 2025 flood event cut through 70 feet of roadway.

Our two culvert replacement projects on Concrete Sauk Valley Road over South Osterman Creek and South Skagit Highway over Stevens Creek are also finished and the roads are reopened to normal traffic.

Thank you all for your patience this summer while we finished our work! Check out more information on these projects and other Public Works projects here: https://www.skagitcountywa.gov/services/roads-and-transportation/engineering-division/current-road-construction-projects/

10/13/2026

Ballots have been mailed for the 2026 General Election on November 3rd! Be sure to mail your ballots AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to ensure they are postmarked in time to be counted for this election.

We have ballot drop boxes throughout the county that will open later this week. If your ballot is placed in one of our drop boxes by November 3rd at 8:00 p.m. you do not have to worry about a USPS postmark, so use those drop boxes!!

Find ballot drop boxes here: https://www.skagitcountywa.gov/government/auditor-s-office/elections-and-voting/ballot-information/

10/06/2026

We’re excited to launch a new and improved website designed to make it easier to find the information, services and resources you need!

Check out the new site: www.skagitcountywa.gov

The new site is mobile-friendly, easier to search, meets accessibility standards, and organized with you in mind.

A few features to check out:
🔍Updated search to help you find what you’re looking for
🔍“How Do I?” to help you quickly find answers and services

We also have a new website address! Our old address, skagitcounty.net, will continue to automatically route you to the new site, so you can still get where you need to go.

As with any new website, we know there will be some things to fine-tune and we’d love your feedback. Please send suggestions or report an issue to [email protected].

10/01/2026

The modified burn ban has been lifted and until further notice, residential yard and land-clearing fires are once again permitted within areas of unincorporated Skagit County.

In unincorporated Skagit County, burn permits are required for piles larger than four feet by four feet. These permits can be obtained online through the Burn Permit Request and Permit System.

Residential yard and land-clearing fires are restricted to natural vegetation, including leaves and tree trimmings. Garbage, household trash, lumber, construction waste, or demolition debris may not be burned.

Please burn responsibly. Remember, smoke, odor, or ash that unreasonably interferes with the use and enjoyment of
neighboring properties are prohibited.

If your property is located within an incorporated city or town or within an urban growth area, please contact your local fire department for burn restriction information.

If you have questions about open burning in Skagit County, contact the Skagit County Fire Marshal’s Office at (360) 416-1840 or visit our webpage linked below, which includes the online permit system. You can also reach out to the Skagit County Fire Marshal’s Office by email at [email protected]

www.skagitcountywa.gov/services/planning-and-building/fire-marshals-office/

09/23/2026

The Skagit County Board of Commissioners approved the protection of 219 acres of agricultural land southeast of Samish Island through the county's Farmland Legacy Program. Nearly 20% of Skagit County farmland is now safeguarded from subdivision and housing development.

Read the full story:

The Skagit County Board of Commissioners approved Monday the protection of 219 acres of agricultural land southeast of Samish Island through the county’s Farmland Legacy Program.

09/19/2026

Sauk Mountain Trail has been reopened. Thank you for your patience.

Sauk Mountain Trail is temporarily closed to assist with an ongoing Search and Rescue operation in the area.

On September 18, 2026, the U.S. Forest Service authorized the temporary closure of the trail to support the Search and Rescue efforts initiated by the Skagit County Sheriff's Office on September 17, 2026.

We appreciate the public's cooperation and understanding.

09/18/2026

Sauk Mountain Trail is temporarily closed to assist with an ongoing Search and Rescue operation in the area.

On September 18, 2026, the U.S. Forest Service authorized the temporary closure of the trail to support the Search and Rescue efforts initiated by the Skagit County Sheriff's Office on September 17, 2026.

We appreciate the public's cooperation and understanding.