Summer Edition - Dip, sip, stroll, bike & chill in Snohomish County this summer

What’s in a name? 

Snohomish comes from the indigenous word for “big tribe” or “many people” & is the ancestral homeland of the Coast Salish peoples including the Tulalip, Snohomish, Stillaguamish and Sauk-Suiattle Tribes and where their cultural influences & heritage are prevalent throughout the region.  

Located roughly 25 minutes north of Seattle and 2 hours south of Vancouver, Snohomish County is in the heart of the PNW … where outdoor recreationmeets a sophisticated urban experience.

From the peaks of the Cascade Mountains to the shores of Puget Sound and the Salish Sea and everywhere in between, summer experiences here are endless. Everything from whale watching to hiking, camping, biking, kayaking, fishing, skiing, beachcombing, and more.

We are home to 900kms of trails, 120 waterfalls, 19 rivers & streams, 7 beaches, 3 pods of resident whales … plus, 30 breweries!

Here’s our list of the 10 best things to do this summer in Snohomish County:

LEARN ABOUT FIRST PEOPLES:  For centuries, the people of the Tulalip Tribes have relied on the region’s natural environment for food, clothing, commerce, culture and protection. They’ve travelled the waterways of the Salish Sea and the Pacific Ocean to promote a thriving culture, trading and socializing with hundreds of other tribes and hunting and gathering an abundance of wildlife, seafood, cedar and plant life.  The Hilbulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve shares the rich history of the Tulalip Tribes, dedicated to the legacy of those who have gone and those who have remained to keep the fire burning.

GO HIKING: What’s your favourite type of hike? Snohomish County is comprised of 70% public lands and has everything from meandering strolls through the woods to technical mountain ascents. Take your pick and leave no trace. Just bring your camera and a picnic.

GO WHALE WATCHING: The Salish Sea is home to fluked marvels:  grey whales, orcas and a variety of porpoises. Catch a chartered vessel from Edmonds or Everett marinas and keep your eyes on the waves.  Seeing a whale is a bucket list experience and you’ll likely catch a glimpse of other marine life on your journey, like sea otters, harbour seals, sea lions and cormorants.

GO MOUNTAIN BIKING: This mountainous region calls out for downhill biking. Pedal down fern-lined paths and around cedar stumps. Explore almost 5-miles (8kms) of trails in the North Mountain Bike Skills Area near Darrington—a great spot for both amateurs as well as seasoned experts.

EXPLORE SMALL COMMUNITIES: Visit our welcoming & walkable towns and cities in the foothills of the Valley Corridor.  Spend an afternoon strolling or lodge overnight in a Victorian-style bed and breakfast where the small-town vibe is present in brick wall murals and riverside promenades. Seek out vintage finds in antique shops and/or wander through art galleries an unwind in a cozy café in Snohomish, Arlington or Monroe.

TRY A HAZY IPA:  Skookum Brewery produces some of the best pints in the nation. If it can be distilled, brewed, roasted, bottled, poured, or served with a little umbrella and ice - it’s here! Linger over a glass or heft a pint. There are plenty of places in the county to sit and savour your brew of choice.

DRIVE THE MOUNTAIN LOOP: Get the good kind of lost on the Mountain Loop Highway, also known as Washington’s Ultimate Road Trip and one of America’s most beautiful drives. A large portion of the Cascade Loop National Scenic Byway (700kms) passes through Snohomish County with the official start located in the waterfront community of Mukilteo, and journeying on through the towns of Everett, Monroe, Snohomish, Sultan, and finally Skykomish, before venturing further east and over the Cascade Mountains.  Hike to ghost towns, camp along the Stillaguamish River, climb to mountaintop lookouts and photograph spectacular ice caves.  

It’s an ideal day trip for those looking to explore the region, or a weekend getaway made for some serious relaxation. 

TAKE A HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE: See the world from above the clouds. Float above the alpine treeline and take in a sunrise or sunset with a hot air balloon expedition.

For the more adventurous, you can freefall from an airplane at 10,000 feet at Skydive Snohomish, parachute included!  Both aerial experiences offer an unparalleled view of the PNW.

SAVOUR SEAFOOD:  Seafood abounds in the salt water of the Pacific Northwest. Try fresh oysters at Salt and Iron in downtown Edmonds or feast on fish and chips at Scuttlebutt Restaurant in Everett.

RIDE THE FERRY:  New York City has the subway, London has the double-decker bus, and Snohomish County has the ferry. For over 65 years, ferrieshave been used to shuttle people from the island counties to the mainland.  But these giant boats aren’t just for the work crowd. Some of the best adventures start at ferry terminals and the towns around them showcasing the beauty of Snohomish County.

Share with your clients and turn dreams into plans.  Our website is filled with adventure ideas and sample itineraries to make planning a stay with us in Snohomish County a breeze.

Hope to see you soon!