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.
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.