Road Scholar

Passionate expert presenters, unique field trips, uncommon natural beauty, knowledgeable local Group Leaders, and our wonderful participants from throughout the country are the threads the weave together each memorable lifelong learning experience.

Skagit Valley College hosts many unique Road Scholar programs from our San Juan Center campus. Experience matters; we recently celebrated our 28th year with Road Scholar! We delight in sharing our unique corner of the world with the many friends we meet during the 40+ programs we coordinate each year. Our programs range from regional studies (history and culture) to active programs (hiking and birding ) to intergenerational (grandparents with grandchildren) programs.

San Juan Islands: A National Treasure

The San Juan Islands are a national treasure located in the North Puget Sound region of Washington State. Nestled between the mainland United States and Vancouver Island, British Columbia, we are located smack in the region known as the Northwest Banana Belt, with half the rainfall of Seattle.

We have over 100 islands to roam (depending on the tide level) but only four of the islands have enough population to be served by the Washington State Ferry; San Juan, Orcas, Lopez and Shaw Islands. We combine the fabled Pacific Northwest evergreen beauty with a marine environment where the forests march right down to the beach. Boaters, environmentalists, nature lovers and people from all over come to the islands to enjoy the solitude, the climate, the natural beauty and the rugged individualists who choose to make the islands home. Below are helpful links to help you prepare for your Skagit Valley College Road Scholar program.

Charter Programs: A Unique Group Experience!

Did you know that you can gather your family or friends and charter a Skagit Valley College Road Scholar program?

Whether you wish to choose from one of our 40+ programs or collaborate on a unique program to fit your group’s needs, we can do it! Ranging from 2 nights to 10 nights, from Friday Harbor to Victoria, BC or seaside La Conner and beyond, from Island culture to active outdoor, and finally – from budget to high amenity, we can create a program your group will never forget.

We have value-oriented contracts with many different hotels and our exclusive caterer, so let us do the planning and you can have an affordable learning adventure in some of the Northwest’s most beautiful venues.

Group sizes must exceed 10, and depending on the program, there is no maximum limit. If you are interested in forming a Charter Road Scholar group, please contact us directly at 360.378.3265.