UNIQUE LODGING
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s you begin to explore east Snohomish County, the Skykomish River Valley greets you with stunning views, breathtaking waterways and compelling history. Within the eclectic set of communities that stretches from Monroe to Skykomish, you’ll discover artists, outdoor adventurers, writers, and musicians, all of whom help to make the area vibrant and unique. The lodging available along the way reflects the Sky Valley’s diverse environment, with a variety of one-of-a-kind opportunities for overnight accommodations that leave normal behind! Here are a few of our favorite unique spots to stay to help get you started on your search! Whether you seek quaint, quirky, classy, luxurious or rustic, you’ll find it in east Snohomish County!
THE HEYBROOK LOOKOUT TOWER Index
You’ll fall asleep under the stars and wake up to some of the most spectacular views in all of the Sky Valley, but first you have to get there. Operated by the United States Forest Service (USFS), the Heybrook Lookout Tower is perched atop its namesake, Heybrook Ridge, accessible by way of a twisting trail that rises 1,700 feet through the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Once at the top, guests are rewarded with commanding views of Mount Index, Bridal Veil Falls, Mount Baring and Mount Persis. The lofty 14-foot by 14-foot cabin rises 67-feet above the top of the ridge, offering a twin-sized bed and mattress, a table, chairs, propane stove, pots, pans, silverware, coffee pot and battery-operated lanterns. Lodging at the tower is camping at its most rustic; there is no running water or bathroom facilities, although there is a vault-style toilet located a few hundred feet down the ridge. Guests of the lookout should practice “Leave no Trace” principles, taking great care to pack out all garbage and follow good environmental stewardship. n THE HEYBROOK LOOKOUT trailhead is located on the north side of U.S. 2 two miles east of Index-Galena Road. For more information about reserving the look out tower, please visit the USFS website at fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbs/recarea/? recid=17934, or recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/269838.
THE CASCADIA INN, HISTORIC HOTEL, CAFÉ AND LOUNGE Skykomish
Nestled in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, the Cascadia Inn offers stunning views, delicious, homemade food and a distinct, charismatic charm that has welcomed guests since 1922. Wake up to the crisp, mountain air and enjoy your breakfast as hummingbirds dance outside the café’s windows. The clean, 14-room inn is ideal for railroad enthusiasts, who will enjoy the town’s rich, railroad history, which is showcased in nearby Skykomish Depot Park. An easy walk from the inn, the park includes a visitor center, museum and a live, 7-1/2 gauge steam locomotive, which circles the park on a custom-built miniature railroad track, offering free rides to kids and families all summer long. n THE CASCADIA INN is located at 210 Railroad Avenue, Skykomish, Washington, 98288. To book a room, call 360-677-2030 or visit the website at historiccascadia.com.
Choose Monroe
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WALLACE FALLS LODGE Wallace Falls State Park Gold Bar
The Wallace Falls Lodge is an investment in peace, serenity, seclusion and beauty. The venue is only rentable in its entirety, which features 10 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a spacious kitchen plus common sitting and dining areas. The lodge offers a total of 19 beds, to comfortably sleep 28 guests. Set on 10 private acres of lush, woodsy forestland, the venue is ideally suited for large family events, corporate retreats, weddings and other special occasions. The lodge is within an arm’s reach of Wallace Falls State Park, which welcomes explorers with a vast network of interpretive hiking trails and bold views of Wallace Falls, a stunning 260-foot waterfall. Grab your fishing poles and climb 1,850 feet in elevation to secluded Wallace Lake, which is open for trout fishing year-round. n For more information about WALLACE FALLS LODGE, please visit the website at wallacefallslodge.com. To book the lodge, please visit: airbnb.com/ rooms/11183220?guests=1&adults=1.
