I'm considering going to this in April. We'll be staying in the Tacoma area visiting relatives. I'm wondering whether it makes sense to stay a night in perhaps, La Conner or just making this a day trip.
Any suggestions on this?
Also, places to stay would be appreciated if anyone has info. Thanks.

In my opinion, a day trip is plenty..no need to stay in the area. Be prepared for horrendous traffic, however, because the narrow roads were not intended to serve the thousands of cars that visit during the festival. And the tractors moving between fields don't help, either.

Having said that, there are scads of places to stay in Skagit County. Into casino gambling? There are casinos with motels attached,

We went when the daffodils were blooming and it was incredible. I loved driving around the area and found the cutest little pottery shop.

It was a day trip for us between Seattle and the ferry over to the Olympic peninsula.

The traffic is much worse on weekends than during the week, so if timing permits try visiting M-F.

Allow 2 hours each way from Tacoma, so if you're interested in staying the night, look at La Conner, or possibly Coupeville or Langley on Whidbey Island; both cute towns and well away from the tulips, but scenic in their own right.

I was thinking of doing this on a Thurs. The earliest our plane can get in is 11 a.m.--so with the traffic and all I wasn't sure there was enough time.
I've looked into the Iris Inn (I think) in La Conner-just wasn't sure I wanted to stay overnite though.
In the other direction-we've never seen Portland, Cannon Beach or the Gorge--so we might try and fit that in during our 5 day stay!So much to do!
Any suggestions are appreciated.

Gardyloo beat me to the suggestion of going midweek. Makes a HUGE difference in the crowds!

If you decide to go up and stay the night, another fun thing to do nearby is the Chuckanut Drive.

I hope you are able to make it. The area is so pretty. I have several pictures from past years festivals in my laundry room to brighten it up.

It's a day trip. Go on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Be sure you have accurate information about whether tulips are actually in bloom. (It's a drag when they aren't; and the sometimes aren't).

Take a good field map: http://www.tulipfestival.org

If you should did decide to stay for the night, La Conner is a great area to visit. Lots of shops, inns and restaurants along the the water. La Conner Channel Lodge is a nice place and all rooms face the water. It's located right in town where you can walk to everything. Like everyone has mentioned, you don't need to spend a night but if you should decide to, I think you would enjoy the town of La Conner.
happytrailstoyou is so right about checking to make sure the tulips are in bloom. I didn't check last year and all we saw were empty fields. Needlesstosay, I was soooo disappointed! Have a great time.

Thanks for the suggestions--I think we'll try and make it a day trip from Tacoma on a Monday --mid April.
I'll check the Skagit Valley website to check for blooms--thanks.