Chinook Swim Beach sits in Mount Vernon in Skagit County along or near the Skagit River, though specific location details are limited in available documentation. The beach name derives from chinook salmon, one of five native salmon species - chinook, coho, chum, pink, and sockeye - that maintain healthy populations in the Skagit River system along with steelhead and coastal cutthroat trout. Mount Vernon developed as the largest city in Skagit County positioned along the Skagit River where the river's lower reaches flow through agricultural valleys before reaching Skagit Bay and Puget Sound. The Skagit River plays a central role in the region's ecology, economy, and recreation, with the river subject to significant flooding events including December 2025 atmospheric river rainfall that caused record flooding with the river cresting at just under 38 feet in Mount Vernon.
Swimming provides the primary activity suggested by the beach name, with freshwater swimming opportunities in the Skagit River or associated water bodies during warm summer months when river levels allow safe recreational use, though flooding events and seasonal high water require awareness of current conditions and river levels. Fishing in the Skagit River yields all five Pacific salmon species during appropriate seasons with chinook, coho, chum, pink, and sockeye runs attracting anglers throughout the year, plus steelhead and coastal cutthroat trout providing additional sport fishing opportunities. Beachcombing along riverbanks reveals smooth river stones, driftwood deposits from upstream forests, and interesting finds deposited by Skagit River currents and seasonal flooding. Wildlife watching includes bald eagles congregating along the Skagit River during winter months to feed on spawning salmon, creating one of the largest gatherings of bald eagles in the lower 48 states, with great blue herons, osprey, river otters, harbor seals occasionally swimming upriver, and diverse waterfowl utilizing the river corridor. Kayaking and canoeing navigate the Skagit River's lower reaches when water levels permit safe paddling, though strong currents during high water periods require experienced paddlers and appropriate safety equipment.
Mount Vernon and Skagit Valley dining offers excellent restaurant options throughout the area. Max Dale's Steak and Chop House sits at 2030 Riverside Drive serving exceptional steak and seafood as Skagit's best steak and seafood destination in family legacy establishment. Skagit's Own Fish Market provides fresh seafood sandwiches including popular crab roll and fried oyster sandwich with case filled with daily fresh catch and local pantry staples. Taylor Shellfish operates Skagit Valley farm with exceptional views serving some of the best oysters harvested fresh. Rockfish Grill in nearby Anacortes at 320 Commercial Avenue features Northwest cuisine, wood-fired pizzas, steaks, seafood, and live music weekly. Calico Cupboard in La Conner prepares homemade breakfasts and bakery items at 720 South 1st Street.
