Snohomish County Winter Update

We all could visit a lot of places. And maybe we should. But what if we were able to visit one place where we could travel from the mountains to the sea in under an hour? What if we had access to a wide variety of landscapes and cultural activities -- all packed into a relatively small radius? And the air was great? And there was so much coffee?

Meet Snohomish County.  We’re just north of Seattle, comfortably nestled between the Salish Sea and the Cascade Mountains offering an authentic Northwest cultural experience (think IPAs, flannels, edgy art, bigfoot) with a sophisticated twist. 

Every great adventure, no matter how spontaneous or well-thought out, requires planning. The tools and resources found on our website – Discover Snohomish County, WA will help design the perfect getaway to the true PNW. (Pacific Northwest).

Our County is made up of four distinct visitor regions, each offering its own landscapes, activities, and sense of place. Together, they shape unique experiences that allow every visitor to explore the county in a way that fits their interests.

Music at the Marina - The Little Lies | Credit Christine Mitchell

Stillaguamish & Sauk River Valleys

Where older traditions meet modern iterations - the small working towns of this valley still resonate with stories of indigenous peoples, lumberjack and mining cultures, bluegrass musicians, and legends of outdoor recreation.  Expect stunning alpine lakes, ghost towns, towering timbers, and sweeping views of the Cascade Mountains. 

Skykomish & Snohomish River Valleys

What do bigfoot, a state-fair, race cars, a ski resort, and antique shops have in common? All can be found (ok, maybe …. not bigfoot) along these river valleys, which stretch along Highway 2, part of the Cascade Scenic Loop, from sea-level high into the mountains.

Salish Sea Coastal Communities

The inland sea is most of who we are. It’s the source of food and weather, transportation and inspiration. The saltwater offers a sparkling view, a respite, and a place to play. There’s a reason the whales come here all the way from Mexico.

Over 90 miles of coastline and offshore islands are waiting to be explored.

Cozy Cabins - Credit Elise Giordano

Urban Basecamp

The diverse, metropolitan heart of Snohomish County where industry, architecture, design, and a vibrant international community collide to form a distinct flair and flavour that can be experienced through food, shopping, arts, and culture. 

Snohomish County is truly the place to stay, play, and explore when the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ hits the Pacific Northwest. We may not be a host city, but soccer fans from around the world are invited to come early and stay late as they plan a pitch-perfect escape to Snohomish County, where the best moments happen just outside the big city buzz.

After experiencing the thrills of a game in Seattle and/or Vancouver, retreat to Snohomish County where visitors are guaranteed to find that the best plays aren’t made on turf, they’re made on trails, kayaks and brewery patios.

Cheers to that! 

We are accessible and easy to navigate. Reach us by car, train, ferry, or even light rail. 

The Paine Field Airport (PAE): For a direct route into the heart of Snohomish County, Paine Field, located in Everett is the go-to. Commercial flights are available through Alaska Airlines, a Porter Airlines partner and a convenient option to get right to adventure. 

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): Located about 65kms south of Snohomish County offers a wide range of direct flights from gateways across Canada. 

By car from Seattle, travel northbound from downtown to Everett, one of Snohomish County's urban hubs, typically 30 minutes to an hour drive, depending on traffic.

Located just 25kms north of Seattle, Lynnwood is the ideal starting point for adventures and very easily accessible via the local Link- light rail system, taking visitors from the Seattle airport to both waterfront & urban centres. 

Float a river, hike a mountain trail and enjoy one of many beautiful city parks. Lynnwood offers visitors an extensive selection of dining and shopping options and is home to 1,300 quality brand name hotel rooms often at rates 40% below nearby Seattle.

Kite Surfing on Jetty Island | Credit Snohomish County

The coastal city of Everett sits on the shores of Port Gardner Bay. Here you’ll find an authentic 1890’s marina marketplace which includes a 4-star waterfront hotel, fine restaurants, and brew pubs. Hop the ferry or take a paddle to the sandy shores of Jetty Island, beachcomb, kiteboard, or explore the miles of waterfront trails. The historic downtown is bustling with unique shops, eateries, and coffee shops. A can’t miss for aviation enthusiasts is the Boeing Future of Flight. There are also endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, with rivers, forests, and mountains just a quick jaunt away.

From Vancouver by car, the journey takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on border wait times and traffic.

Boeing Factory | Credit Snohomish County

Hospitality Is Our Middle Name – Whether you’re looking to experience a stay at a four-star hotel on the waterfront, stoke a pine-scented fire in a cabin in the mountains or lodge with sophistication at one of our award-winning urban hotels, contact your preferred OTA/Tour Operator or use our handy booking tool to secure the ideal spot to call it a night (or two!).  

So, as you can see, there's no wrong way to #TruePNW.  Snohomish County is packed with experiences and our website is filled with adventure ideas to get you headed in the right direction.

Come check us out!