Understand
[edit]During the last ice age, glaciers receded, leaving behind the U-shaped Skykomish Valley, and the dramatic peaks framing it, such as Mt. Index, Mt. Baring, Gunn Peak, and Mt. Persis.
In the 1890s the Great Northern Railway was built along the Skykomish River, crossing the crest of the Cascades at Stevens Pass. The railroad is still in use, but more people know the region as the scenic access drive to skiing and wilderness getaways.
Get in
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US-2, commonly called the Stevens Pass Highway, runs through the valley, connecting Monroe to Stevens Pass.
For Seattle residents, Leavenworth is a popular weekend getaway, and Stevens Pass is a major ski resort. Because of this, traffic is notoriously bad on weekends. Expect traffic delays eastbound on Saturday mornings, and westbound on Sunday afternoons.
Get around
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By car
[edit]US-2 is the only through road and connects all car-accessible points of interest.
See and do
[edit]Communities
[edit]Hiking
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- 1 Wallace Falls State Park (2 miles northeast of Gold Bar). An easy hike through old-growth forest to a series of waterfalls, including the 265-foot showcase.
- 2 Bridal Veil Falls. An easy hike to one of the tallest waterfalls in the region. Continue on a steeper hike to alpine Lake Serene.
- 3 Deception Falls. A small waterfall, almost under the highway. A trail continues into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
- 4 Iron Goat Trail. A hiking trail along a retired stretch of the Great Northern Railway, through the abandoned townsite of Wellington. Learn about life along a mountain railroad stop, and the most deadly avalanche in US history.
Most of the surrounding mountains are administered as part of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Most trailheads require a parking pass, such as the Interagency Annual Pass or Northwest Forest Pass.
- 1 Skykomish Ranger Station.
River rafting
[edit]The Skykomish River is a popular rafting area.
Climbing
[edit]- 5 Index Town Wall (From Index, turn right onto Avenue A and drive about 1/2 miles.). A huge rock wall, popular for aid climbing.
Buy
[edit]Grocery stores are available in Sultan and Gold Bar. Additionally, there are gas stations and general stores in Index and Skykomish.
Eat
[edit]- Sultan and Gold Bar each a variety of dining options.
- 1 Zeke's Drive In (between Gold Bar and Index). A solid roadside shake and burger joint with large portions. The burgers and fries are a popular post-hike food.
- 2 Cascadia Cafe (in Skykomish). A diner, decorated wall-to-wall with photos and artifacts from Skykomish's railroad heritage
Sleep
[edit]Camping
[edit]The US Forest Service runs the following campgrounds:
Go next
[edit]- West to Monroe, then to Everett or Seattle.
- East to Stevens Pass and Leavenworth.
US-2 through Skykomish Valley is part of the North Cascade Loop.
| Routes through Skykomish Valley |
| Everett ← Monroe ← | W  E
|
→ Stevens Pass → Wenatchee |