Events Calendar

things to do Skykomish Walking Tour hile the autumn and winter months ply us with shorter days and cooler temperatures, these seasonal changes carry a distinct beauty that compels us to seek outdoor experiences. Nothing beats the feel of the w natural earth beneath our feet, the spicy, leafy scents of fall, and the crisp, promising hints of winter.

With all the ongoing public health recommendations to practice social distancing and avoid gathering in large groups, there has never been a better time to embrace nondigital activities that give us the chance to appreciate our surroundings. Our favorite way to do that? Historic walking tours.

Historic walking tours are an extraordinary way to experience a community’s history, while enjoying everything that it is today. Monroe and neighboring cities and towns have worked hard to preserve historic structures, highlight important landmarks, and create parks, monuments, and public spaces that revere our early days and honor past community members for their significant contributions to our lives.

Here are a few of our favorite historic walking tours:

Skykomish Walking Tour

If there has ever been a time to appreciate a community’s resilience, that time is now, and that community is Skykomish. Located roughly 34 miles east of Monroe off U.S. 2, this historic little railroad town has a lion’s heart and a fierce will to survive. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Skykomish River, Cascade Mountains, and thick evergreen forests, Skykomish is home to approximately 220 souls, all of whom know what it’s like to overcome adversity.

This rustic town was home to the Great Northern Railway maintenance and refueling center, which operated from the late 1800s until 1974. In the late 1980s, it was discovered that areas of the river and much of the soil in Skykomish were heavily contaminated by petroleum, and other heavy metals, which launched an invasive cleanup process that began in 2005. The cleanup was extensive and disruptive to those who lived there, lasting until 2017.

Today, the Skykomish Historical Society’s Walking Tour allows you to enjoy this wonderful, resilient town as it is today. The venue is small, easily walkable and a great daytrip from Monroe if you’re staying for the weekend and looking for an interesting way to spend the afternoon.

For more about the Skykomish Walking Tour, visit: www.skyhistory. org/tour.htm.

Duvall Historic Walking Tour

Officially part of the Snoqualmie River Valley, the City of Duvall is located about nine miles south of Monroe on picturesque S.R. 203. Duvall is a charming, close knit community with a distinctly artsy flair. The charming downtown area boasts a great selection of delicious bars, restaurants, and coffee shops, plus convenient access to the City’s prettiest parks. Duvall’s self-guided historic walking tour includes vibrant glimpses into the community’s origins, with fun stories and a great selection of historic buildings.

For more information on the Duvall Historic Walking Tour, visit: savorsnoqualmievalley.org/itinerary/ duvall-historic-walking-tour/.

Trees of Historic Snohomish

We can’t say enough about the magic of trees.

As kids, we bravely scrambled up them, their branches making convenient footholds as we climbed, sheltering ourselves in their leafy canopies once we had triumphantly ascended as far as we dared. They offered secret doorways to invisible worlds, as we wriggled through low hanging branches to sit near their quiet, sturdy trunks, completely hidden from view by their fragrant evergreen skirts. As adults, we appreciate their majestic beauty, plant them in our yards, enjoy their fruits, and vigorously seek their preservation.

The Trees of Historic Snohomish tour is extensive, including a total of 29 trees, plus three additional trees of interest. For more, visit: www. snohomishwa.gov/DocumentCenter/ View/4198/Trees-of-SnohomishWalking-Guide.

Skykomish Walking Tour

october

10.31 Downtown Trick or Treat

Historic Downtown Monroe 3:00-6:00pm www.choosemonroe.com

NOVEMBER

11.14 Holiday Sidewalk Sale

Historic Downtown Monroe 10:00am www.choosemonroe.com

11.28 National Shop Small Saturday

11.29 Virtual Light up Monroe and Car Parade

Travelers Park, Monroe 4:00-5:00pm www.choosemonroe.com

jANUARY

1.24 Jayme Biendl Memorial Run/Walk

Virtual 9:00am

april

4.3 Community Easter Egg Hunt

Lake Tye Park 9:00am

4.25 Trout Unlimited Kid’s Fishing Day

Lake Tye 8:00am

Some event dates and times may be subject to change. Please contact the Event Organizer or the Monroe Parks Department at (360) 863-4519 to confrim. Visit www.choosemonroe.com or www.monroewa.gov/calendar for more local event information.

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