Consumer Cooperative Management Association
Presented by the University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives

The Ultimate Puget Sound Food Co-op Tour

If you are adding on some time before or after CCMA, consider extending your trip with the Ultimate Puget Sound Food Co-op Tour—a flexible, self-guided, choose-your-own-adventure through one of the most vibrant cooperative regions in the country.

Curated by Andrea Stafford of the Food Co-op (Port Townsend), this tour highlights a diverse network of food co-ops, food hubs, and cooperative communities across the region. Follow the full route or customize your journey with optional loops and island excursions.

Interested in participating in the Ultimate Puget Sound Food Co-op Explorer Challenge? 

Puget Sound Food Co-ops

Use this interactive map to guide your own choose-your-own-adventure tour through the Puget Sound’s dynamic food co-op network. The map highlights a curated route of cooperative grocery stores, food hubs, and community spaces stretching from Tacoma through coastal towns and island communities to the Skagit Valley and beyond.

Follow the full journey or customize your experience by selecting the stops that interest you most. Each pin represents an opportunity to explore local food systems, connect with cooperative leaders, and see how community ownership takes shape in different settings. Whether you’re planning your route in advance or navigating on the go, this map is your starting point for discovery, connection, and inspiration.

Suggested Route

Follow this suggested route to experience the diversity of the Puget Sound’s cooperative food system. Beginning at your hotel, head to Central Co-op before making your way to Kitsap Food Co-op and the charming Nordland General Store. Continue on to Port Townsend Food Co-op, then catch a ferry to Whidbey Island.

From there, travel north to Anacortes Food Co-op, visit the Puget Sound Food Hub, and explore Skagit Valley Food Co-op. Continue to Sno-Isle Food Co-op, and wrap up your journey with a stop at PCC Community Markets—either in Edmonds or a Seattle neighborhood.

Side Quests

North Loop

For those looking to extend the journey, the “North Loop” adds a scenic and rewarding leg to the adventure with a visit to Community Food Co-op in Bellingham. After exploring Skagit Valley Food Co-op, continue north to experience one of the region’s most established and community-rooted co-ops.

Island Hopping

For a more adventurous extension, the “Island Hopping” route invites you to explore cooperation across the San Juan Islands—where strong community ties and creative logistics shape the local food system. This portion of the tour may include stops at Orcas Food Co-op, San Juan Islands Food Hub, and San Juan Island Food Co-op.

Traveling between islands requires thoughtful ferry planning, but the journey is part of the experience. As you move from one island to the next, you’ll gain insight into how co-ops adapt to more remote settings—supporting local producers, strengthening food access, and fostering resilience in close-knit communities.

Learn more about Orcas Food Co-op from a video from CCMA 2021 Co-op Road Trip!

South Loop

For those heading south, the “South Loop” offers a rich dive into one of the most vibrant cooperative ecosystems in the region. This extension includes a visit to Olympia Food Co-op in Olympia, one of our host co-ops and a longtime leader in collective management.

Beyond the food co-op, Olympia is home to a strong network of worker-owned cooperatives spanning retail, services, and the arts. This loop provides a unique opportunity to experience cooperation across sectors, connect with worker-owners, and see democratic workplaces in action.

Mount Rainier Loop

For those looking to pair cooperative exploration with iconic Pacific Northwest scenery, the “Mount Rainier Loop” offers a memorable blend of community and landscape. This route takes you toward Mount Rainier National Park, with meaningful co-op stops along the way.

Begin your journey with a visit to Yelm Food Co-op, a small but vibrant community hub rooted in local food access and member engagement. From there, continue east toward Mountain Community Co-op, located on the doorstep of Mount Rainier and serving as a gateway between rural producers and surrounding communities.

Co‑op Quest Activated: Explore Puget Sound & Win!

Welcome to the Ultimate Puget Sound Food Co‑op Explorer Challenge! It’s your excuse to hop on ferries, wander charming towns, and experience one of the most vibrant cooperative regions in the country. From bustling Seattle co‑ops to island stores and scenic food hubs, this self‑guided journey highlights grocery co‑ops, food hubs, and community spaces stretching from Tacoma to the Skagit Valley and beyond.

Challenge Dates: May 20 – June 3, 2026 at 5:00 PM PT.

How It Works

  1. Visit local co‑ops – Choose from the official tour stops or take on optional side quests like island hopping or the North Loop to Bellingham.
  2. Snap one quick photo per location – This is not a photo contest – photos are just proof you were there.
  3. Upload your photos to Whova – Submit by June 3 at 5:00 PM PT.
  • Each co‑op counts once per participant
  • Participation is totally optional
  • Every photo = one entry

What Counts as Photo Proof? – Any one of these works:

  • A selfie in front of the co‑op
  • Storefront or signage
  • Inside the store (where permitted)
  • A photo with staff or your tour group (with consent)

The Prize – One lucky explorer will win a Puget Sound co‑op prize package, mailed to your co‑op or home address—packed with regional goodness and cooperative love. Winner selected at random after the challenge closes.