Good Food on I-5: Skagit Valley Food Co-op

On my way up to a hike in the Chuckanuts in January, I had a chance to stop at the Skagit Valley Co-op and pick up a few snacks for my hike. This is not the first time I have visited the store but I had a chance to walk around a bit and check out more of the things they had to offer. I have a co-op closer to home, but Skagit Valley is MUCH larger.

The co-op is located in downtown Mt. Vernon, just off I-5 on your way to Mt. Baker or Canada. You can even stop by here after a hike on SR 20 (North Cascade) or after driving back from Whidbey Island and Anacortes.

They have a large produce section filled with organic and local choices, a HUGE deli including coffee and other drinks, and you can even make your own salad or tapas!

You can find just about any dairy beverage alternative you can imagine and they also carry powdered coconut milk, perfect for those backpacking meals or my paleo hot cocoa recipe.

I have also meant to try some of the powdered coconut water mixes I have spotted before, so when I saw these on sale I picked up a few. My thoughts? I used one package in my Nalgene (larger than indicated) and because the beverage was watered down a bit, I would forget with each sip that I was not drinking straight water and wonder WTH was wrong with my water. A second later I would remember it had the coconut powder in it. I’ll have to try it at full strength to give a more accurate review!

Their snack and snack bar aisle has everything a vegan or meat eater could want. Including one of my favorites, pork rinds!

I must say these are mighty tasty. Looking for extra calories in your backpacking meals? Crumble these up and toss them in. Yum…

They do have other typical sections like the meat counter, freezer department and household items. I would be remiss not to mention their spice and bulk section, a great place to pick up ingredients for your next batch of granola or homemade cookies.

This is also where my bf found the kombucha starter kit I mention in my post, Do You Kombucha!

And here’s a little tip: when you go to check out, make sure you see the sign that tells you to empty your basket of goodies onto the conveyor belt for the cashier. They won’t say anything, just walk all the way around and do it for you making you feel silly for not seeing the sign. 🙂

So the next time you are driving by after a hike in the north Puget Sound, stop by and check them out. I’m sure you will find yourself a tasty treat!

The Skagit Valley Co-op is located at 202 South First Street, just north down the street from the Skagit River Brewery. They are open at 8am M-Sat, 9am on Sunday, and close at 9pm all days.

For hikes in the area, check out my On The Puget Sound page.