Letter from the Editors Table of Contents

If you’ve traveled to the Skykomish and Snohomish 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, Skykomish, 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 and 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 and 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 Sauk-Suiattle Tribes.

Lake Stevens

6

Let Lake Stevens get you in the holiday spirit with their Lights of Lake Stevens and Winterfest events.

8

Make a polar plunge a regular occasion with the Lake Stevens Open Water Swimmers.

Snohomish

12

Like something out of a Christmas movie, historic downtown Snohomish mixes old traditions with new festivities for the whole family this holiday season.

16

Cheers to the sweet things in life! Fall in love with Snohomish wedding venues and vendors at the Sweethearts’ Stroll Engagement Showcase. Then, raise a toast to local and regional wines at the Snohomish Wine Festival.

Monroe 20

Find vintage treasures throughout the year in Monroe’s shops and yearly events.

26

Visit the one-of-a-kind Reptile Zoo in Monroe to visit the most extensive collection of reptiles on display in the Pacific Northwest.

Sky Valley

29

Saunter through the Skykomish Valley for a refreshing, peaceful, winter getaway.

32

Don’t let the treasures of Index pass you by, book a stay at A Cabin on the Sky and explore all Index has to offer.

24-25

Where are the Skykomish & Snohomish River Valleys?

34–44

3-Day Trip Itineraries

Plan your next adventure with our itineraries for Lake Stevens, Snohomish, Monroe, and Sky Valley.

45 Lodging

A guide to local lodging options in the Skykomish Snohomish River Valleys.

46 Events Calendar

Browse our events calendar for fall and winter events and activities!