Outdoor Adventure

Conveniently located at the intersection of U.S Highway 2 and State Route 522 just 30 minutes from Seattle Paine Field International Airport and about 45 minutes from Seattle, Washington, Monroe is a scenic jumping-off point for the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway, as well endless outdoor adventures along Hwy 2 towards Stevens Pass.

How do you like to play? Is it on land, or water, or snow? Is it with two feet, two wheels, or maybe a paddle? With glassy lakes, raging rivers, sprawling forests, snowy peaks, and towering cliffs and boulders, Monroe and the Skykomish-Snohomish River Valleys offer the ideal landscape for endless fun—whether you crave the taste of adrenaline or the peace and quiet that only nature can provide.

Lake Tye | Your Outdoor Adventures Start Here

Destination hot-spot Lake Tye, conveniently located in the heart of Monroe, offers endless opportunities for recreation, from a relaxing day at the beach to adventure-driven events such as wakeboard competitions and triathlons.

This 64-acre community park features a recreational lake, beach and boat launch, covered picnic shelters that can be reserved for parties, restrooms, concession building, tennis/pickleball and basketball courts, softball/baseball field, full-sized soccer/lacrosse field, children’s play area, and ample parking. Walkers, runners, and cyclists regularly enjoy spectacular views along the 1.63-mile loop trail, and it is also home to the street-style Monroe Board and Blade Skate Park.

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Skykomish Riverfront and River Access

Monroe's 90- acre Al Borlin Park offers the unusual opportunity to enjoy a secluded natural experience in an urban environment.

A peninsula formed by the Skykomish River and Woods Creek, it is a natural park which is thickly wooded and is crisscrossed with a 1.2 mile network of soft-surface gravel trails. Al Borlin offers stunning viewpoints of the wild river. Trail access and a landscaped picnic area on the southwestern tip of the park can be accessed by crossing the pedestrian bridge from Lewis Street Park, where parking and a permanent restroom facility is located. A gravel road along the eastern edge from Simon Road provides both trail and river access for anglers and others.

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Fresh Tracks, Cool Swimming Spots, and ALL the Mountain Views...Let's Go!

Welcome to the ultimate outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Here in Monroe and the Skykomish and Snohomish River Valleys there are wild and wonderful places to explore.

Rock Climbing

Having the Cascade Mountains in your backyard certainly has its advantages, and great climbing opportunities is one of them. Climbers can have breakfast in town and enjoy lunch at an elevation of 5,000 to 7,000 feet on any number of peaks within an hour of Monroe.

East of Monroe, on Highway 2 is the tiny town of Index, which sits at the base of the Index Town Wall, a 500-foot vertical cliff that has become one of the Northwest's hottest climbing spots and features some of the most technical rock climbing anywhere in Washington State. Because of its southern exposure, the climbing can be good here even in early spring, when the rain subsides for the sun to dry out the exposed granite routes.

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Seattle NorthCountry Hiking Guide

A guide to some of the best hikes in the #TruePNW.

Some of the hikes on National Forest lands within this brochure require a Northwest Forest Pass at the trailhead. Be sure to purchase online here before you hit the trail. Hikes in this brochure on State Park lands require a Discover Pass. These sell for $10 per day or $30 for an annual pass and are good at all state parks, DNR lands, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife properties. Purchase online here.

Pro Tip: Many areas on the Mountain Loop have limited or no cell service, so download the guide before you go.

Download Guide

Endless Adventure Awaits

Towering evergreens, cool waterfall pools, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Reflect on an alpine lake. Get that fire lookout photo op in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Check out a few of our favorites spots below.

Heybrook Lookout
Bridal Veil Falls & Lake Serene
Lake Dorothy
Exploring the Iron Goat Trail
Your Homebase For Epic Skiing and Snowboarding

Deep in the Cascade Mountains, accessed from Monroe, is a skiing and riding Mecca. Stevens Pass offers deep and consistent snow, steep terrain, loads of steady, long groomers, and a bounty of backcountry access for the prepared skier and rider.

Stevens Pass joined the EPIC Pass group of resorts in 2018 and if you’re new to the EPIC Pass, or have simply overlooked Stevens as a destination resort, in the past, this is your invitation to some of the most under-rated terrain, and local ski hill vibe anywhere.

Stop by Pacific Mountain Sports in Monroe for all your gear needs and check out Monroe lodging options for your over-night stay.

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Snowshoeing and ATVs

Take a scenic, guided snowshoe trip with a trained Forest Service ranger. This is a free tour, though a donation is encouraged. For more information, visit Mt. Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest Service. Or, one of the surest routes is the trail that leads to Lanham Lake, starting at the Stevens Pass Nordic Center. The views at the top are incredible: a blue-green alpine lake encrusted with snow and ice.

Spend the day on four wheels and charter an expedition with Chinook ATV in Gold Bar. This adventure outfitter will safely guide you year-round to several destinations in the Skykomish River Valley, including the legendary Reiter Offroad Course. All trails have been ecologically vetted and approved for motorsports.

Getting Here

Plan Your Trip

Your adventure begins here. Monroe is a town for all seasons, with an abundance of activities that make it easy to plan a trip to suit any style of traveler. Use the resources below to get started.

Historic Downtown Monroe
Lake Tye, Parks, and Riverfront
Food and Drink
Where To Stay
Events