6 minute read
UNIQUE LODGING
As 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.
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.
THE DUTCH CUP MOTEL Sultan
While it may appear unassuming at first glance, the Dutch Cup Motel is well worth a second look. During the summertime, the grounds are awash with vibrant colors emanating from the meticulously-flowered planter boxes perched outside each of the rooms, which are well-maintained and comfortable. Located just off U.S. 2 in the city of Sultan, the Dutch Cup Motel provides gracious service, clean rooms and thoughtful amenities. Owner Bill Wakefield truly cares about the motel, his guests and his staff, and goes to great lengths to ensure that Dutch Cup guests enjoy their overnight experience. Downtown Sultan is within easy walking distance, as are parks, trails and the Sultan and Skykomish rivers!
n THE DUTCH CUP MOTEL is located at 819 Main Street, Sultan Washington, 98294. For more information about the Dutch Cup, or to book a room, call 360-793-2215.
ROCKY’S RETREAT Startup
Rocky’s Retreat is an adventurer’s paradise, ideally located to accommodate a multitude of exciting recreational passions. The quaint cozy cabin features 1 bedroom, 1 bath and various amenities, and can accommodate four guests. Located in between Sultan and Gold Bar, Rocky’s Retreat is just minutes from Wallace Falls State Park with its stunning waterfalls and vast network of hiking trails. Further east along U.S. 2 brings you to Index, which offers rock-climbing, whitewater river rafting, hiking and more. Guests will enjoy meeting the retreat’s namesake Rocky, a gentle lab mix with a sweet, easy-going disposition.
n ROCKY’S RETREAT is located at 34825 Sultan Startup Road, Sultan, Washington 98294. For more information about Rocky’s Retreat, please contact owner Inessa Pearce through Airbnb at airbnb.com/rooms/5348003, or visit the Facebook page at facebook.com/rockysretreat.
We Have Bird Feeders Down to a Science
A STONE’S THROW Index
You’ll have to venture off U.S. 2 to get to A Stone’s Throw, a private one-bedroom suite boasting incredible mountain views and manicured gardens. Situated in the tiny town of Index, it offers comfortable amenities, including a private sitting room, free wifi, television, coffee maker, microwave and refrigerator. The suite takes up the second floor of a classic home built in 1900 and boasts numerous five-star reviews on Airbnb. A Stone’s Throw comfortably sleeps two guests and is conveniently located in the hub of outdoor adventure! River rafting and rock-climbing are within walking distance, as is some of the best hiking in the Sky Valley. Stroll past the historic Bush House Inn and pop in at the Index General Store to grab a few snacks before you hit Snohomish County’s newest Heybrook Ridge hiking trail, which extends 1.6-miles up the ridge while gaining approximately 760 feet in elevation.
n A STONE’S THROW is located at 406 Index Avenue, Index, Washington 98256. It can be booked through Airbnb at airbnb.com/rooms/655647? adults=1&guests=1. For more information about A Stone’s Throw, visit the website at acabinonthesky.com/astonesthrow/index.html.
20% OFF All Tube Bird Feeders* *Valid in-store at the participating store listed. One discount per purchase, limit one feeder per family. Offer not valid on previous purchases or sale items. Offer valid 04/16/19 thru 09/08/19.
Experience the culture of care at Rairdon’s of Monroe.
— PATTI G.
— TERRY H.
— JOE J.
— SHENA H.
(360) 805-5500
WWW.DODGECHRYSLERJEEPOFMONROE.COM VISIT US TODAY 16413 WEST MAIN STREET MONROE, WA 98272
