Letter from the Editors Table of Contents

If you’ve traveled to the Sky and Sno River Valleys to make lasting memories, you’ve come to the right place.

Set in the majestic Cascade Range, the communities of Baring, Gold Bar, Index, Lake Stevens, Monroe, Snohomish, Startup, and Sultan can feel a bit like stepping back in time.

The pace of life here is just a bit slower, leaving plenty of time to linger in a bakery, small boutique, or vintage shop. In the Skykomish & Snohomish River Valleys, you can sip locally roasted and brewed coffee and strike up a conversation with a friendly local.

This visitor’s guide is a collaborative effort between the cities who call the Skykomish & Snohomish River Valleys home. We use this opportunity to highlight the personalities and talents of some very special people who are shaping the culture and creative landscape of our cities and towns. We’ve also shared bucket list excursions and itinerary ideas that make it easy to choose your own adventure, whether it’s a relaxing girlfriends getaway or an action-packed family weekend.

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that the Skykomish and Snohomish River Valleys are the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish Peoples, in particular the Tulalip, Snohomish, Stillaguamish, and SaukSuiattle Tribes.

Publisher: Jennifer Coleman | Scenic365 LLC

Writer: Ellen Hiatt

Photographers: Nichole Gaertner Photography & Jake Campbell Photography

Designer: Sierra Rozario | RZRO Grafika

4 Index

Learn about Blair Corson’s mission to restore the historic Bush House Inn.

7 Monroe

Meet the big-hearted couple behind the community-centered Good Brewing Co. and learn about their efforts to brew lasting relationships with both customers and employees.

10 Snohomish

Rub elbows with the goofy twin sisters who have become television stars for shimmying and singing with their real estate clients.

13

Lake Stevens

Discover how much fun this family-friendly playground offers all summer long. Enjoy water skiing, swimming, fishing and boating, visit the celebrated AquaFest, stop by the Farmers Market and check out some local favorites.

16 Sultan

Do you love coffee, but need to avoid caffeine? Named after a childhood pet, Talking Crow Coffee is a unique single-origin decaf roastery that has a lot to crow about.

18

Friends of Heybrook Ridge

Learn how a band of dedicated neighbors saved this magical place from logging, and explore new paths thoughout the Ridge– including a fully ADA compliant trail.

21 Outdoor Recreation Gear Guide

A handy roundup of local retailers for your outdoor essentials!

23-28

Adventure Itineraries

Plan your next adventure with our itineraries for Snohomish, Monroe, Lake Stevens, Index, Sultan, and Startup.

29

Local Farms & Markets

Bring home fresh produce, craftsman goods, and learn the heartfelt story behind Grateful Gardens.

30

Local Artist Feature:

Mahllie Beck

Meet Snohomish artist

Mahllie Beck and explore her captivating and expressive works of art.

32 Events Calendar

Browse our events calendar for summer events and activities!