Urban Basecamp
Urban Basecamp is the diverse, metropolitan heart of Seattle NorthCountry. Artists can afford to live in these old brick and timber mill cities; makers are tucked away in urban spaces, painting, jamming, tagging walls, spinning the pottery wheel.
The drinks are cheap, there’s on-street parking, and there’s small-city camaraderie without the big-city attitude. Oh, and did we mention that this where the best airplanes in the world are made?
Easily foray into the mountains, or seek the sea breeze of the coast, only to return to Basecamp for a night out. This is the jumping-off point for your #TruePNW adventures.
Looking for Trip Inspiration?
In Urban Basecamp, industry, architecture, design, and a vibrant international community collide to form a distinct flair and flavor that can be experienced through food, shopping, arts, and culture. With so much to see and do, we cued up a few ideas to get you started.
The riverside town of Bothell is a quintessential Pacific Northwest getaway. Exploring wine country, outdoor recreation, culinary experiences, and craft beverages are on the itinerary.
Located on the banks of the Sammamish River, just twenty minutes away from Seattle, Bothell, is a great place to lodge overnight and launch into the true PNW. Its historic downtown is a visitor highlight, lined with local cafes, modern restaurants, and eclectic thrift stores. Kayak or stand up paddle down the river. Take a bike ride along the Sammamish River Trail, which follows the lazy river southeast to nearby Woodinville’s wine country. Close to a hundred tasting rooms are easily explored from Bothell, from wineries to craft breweries and distilleries featuring whiskey, gin, vodka – even grappa and absinthe.
Where modern cityscape meets the Salish Sea. Everett offers the signature blend of culture and nature that the PNW is famous for and is a rich landscape of choices.
This coastal city sits on the shores of Port Gardner Bay, gazing at the giants resting on the Olympic Mountain range. The Everett waterfront is home to the second largest marina on the West Coast. You'll also find an authentic 1890s 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. Its 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.
Lynnwood is the metropolitan hub of the region, offering world-class shopping, international cuisine, and easy access to many of the area's most popular attractions.
Located just 16 miles north of Seattle, Lynnwood is the ideal starting point for your adventures. Float a river, hike a mountain trail, or shop till you drop at Alderwood, the region’s indoor-outdoor destination shopping center featuring dozens of upscale shops and boutiques. Enjoy one of Lynnwood’s many beautiful city parks or be at the beach or in the mountains in 20 minutes or less. Lynnwood offers visitors public art, an aquatic center, golf course, and an extensive selection of dining options. It is also home 1,300 quality brand name hotel rooms often at rates 40% below nearby Seattle and the Lynnwood Event Center, featuring 34,000 sf of state-of-the-art meeting and space.
At the Center Of It All
Just because it's 'Basecamp', doesn't mean you have to journey outside the area for shopping, dining, and good times. Explore more of the cities and amenities of Urban Basecamp below.
Stories From Urban Basecamp
Get local insights on where to find great eats, the best excursions, standout small businesses, outdoor adventure ideas, and much, much more by checking out these great reads.
Local Small Business Highlight
Small businesses are so much about what we love in our community. The hustling solopreneur with a dream, the craftsperson scaling a small loan into a legacy business, the cultural creators working from a pop-up shop. These are our favorite people.
Zoey’s Fried Chicken
Zoey’s Fried Chicken inspires a zealous fandom amongst local foodies. The sandwiches are fried to perfection, evenly breaded and seasoned, and they come with a pickle. That's it. That's the whole thing and Zoey’s does it remarkably well.
Zoey's is owned and operated by Aissa Mbaye and her family. Mbaye is from Niger and her culinary roots go deep -- she says she started cooking at age twelve. Her laugh and unassuming warmth are contagious. When you come to Seattle NorthCountry, add a stop at Zoey's Fried Chicken to your to-do list. Your taste buds will thank you.
More To Discover
There's more to discover in Urban Basecamp. Hunt for "well-kept secret" dining spots, hop on a mountain bike, or explore a walkable downtown at a leisurely pace. Urban Basecamp has the culture of Seattle, but with more room to move, more parking, and more outdoor recreation options.
Explore The Visitor Regions of Seattle NorthCountry
There's a little bit of everything within the four visitor regions of Snohomish County, WA. Seattle NorthCountry is uniquely situated between the water and the mountains in the heart of aviation country. As such, you can easily access the many cultures — the nautical, artistic, outdoors, and farming communities — that make up the essence of Pacific Northwest. Use the clickable interactive map below to find more information and content about each of our regions.
Skykomish & Snohomish River Valleys
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…
Urban Basecamp
Urban Basecamp is the diverse, metropolitan heart of Seattle NorthCountry. Artists can afford to live in these old brick and timber mill cities; makers are tucked away in urban spaces, painting, jamming…
Stillaguamish & Sauk River Valleys
Rooted in folkways - where older traditions meet modern iterations of Pacific Northwest culture - the small working towns of this valley still resonate with stories of indigenous peoples, lumberjack and mining…
There's No Wrong Way To PNW
What to do in a place that has it all? We get that a lot. Seattle NorthCountry is packed with experiences stretching from the Cascade Mountains to the Salish Sea. Here are some adventure ideas to get you headed in the right direction.