Welcome to the Upper Sky Valley

Tucked between the majestic Cascade Mountains and the serene waters of Puget Sound, Sky Valley is a true hidden gem- offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm. This scenic region is home to the welcoming communities of Sultan, Gold Bar, Startup, Index, and Skykomish—each steeped in rich history and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

In the summer, outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for hiking, fishing, rafting, and world-class rock climbing. When winter arrives, Stevens Pass transforms into a snow lover’s paradise, attracting skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers alike.

Sky Valley isn't just about the outdoors—it also boasts a vibrant and growing food scene. Cozy cafés, modern food trucks, and unpretentious watering holes serve up everything from farm-to-table cuisine and local brews to global flavors with authentic flair - all served with a side of mountain views.

Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or exploration, Sky Valley invites visitors to experience the authentic Pacific Northwest.

Top Events in the Sky Valley

Trip Inspiration

10 Hidden Gems of the Sky Valley
Land of Loops 4: Skykomish River Valley
Climbing in the Sky Valley
Why Index ​“Rocks” (Literally!)
More Trip Inspiration

Why do they call it the “Skykomish”?

Since time immemorial, the Skykomish River Valley and all of what we now call Snohomish County have been inhabited by many Northwest Coast tribes. The word “Skykomish” (or sq̓ixʷəbš in the Salish language of Lushootseed) means “upriver people.” It’s the name of the Skykomish people.

Is there actually gold in Gold Bar?

Yes! Well...kind of. The small mountain town became a camp for prospectors during the western United States gold rush when a miner found traces of gold on a gravel bar in a nearby stretch of the Skykomish River in 1869 (hence the name). While the city and its surrounding area haven’t produced much gold historically, it’s still one of the state’s most popular areas for mining. Gold figure!

Does the Sky Valley have a connection to Hollywood?

The Sky Valley has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions as the setting for multiple major films: the 1987 Bigfoot fantasy comedy, Harry and the Hendersons starring John Lithgow, and the 2016 comedy-drama Captain Fantastic starring Viggo Mortensen. Both films were shot on location in Index, with extra filming locations in Sultan and Gold bar. In fact, you can even visit a 14-foot-tall wooden statue of Bigfoot that marks an area used during filming of Harry and the Hendersons. The green building was in the film for a scene when Lithgow talks with Don Ameche, the Bigfoot expert. It’s located next to Espresso Chalet in Gold Bar.

Are there indoor lodging options in the Sky Valley?

The Sky Valley region has a huge connection to the outdoors. While there are plenty of amazing spots for camping and sleeping under the stars, you’ll also find some top-notch indoor lodging options. Here you won't find big hotels, but rather big views from your deck or window—and the fitness center is the trail just outside your door. Some of our favorites include A Cabin on the Sky, Bush House Inn, Cascadia Inn, and the Wallace Falls Lodge. And there are so many more great spots. Book your stay today!

What happened during the Wellington Disaster?

The town of Wellington, now known as Tye, is the site of a massive avalanche that struck two trains traveling the Great Northern Railway’s Cascade Line in the middle of the night on March 1, 1910. Both trains plummeted 150 feet down into the Tye River Valley. The avalanche killed 96 people, making it one of the worst train disasters in US history and one of the deadliest natural disasters to have occurred in the state of Washington. The train wreck later became known as the "Wellington Disaster”. To learn more on this ill-fated train ride, visit our blog on the Iron Goat Trail.

What makes the Heybrook Lookout so special?

The Heybrook Lookout sits atop its namesake ridge at 1,700 feet. The lookout itself rises 67 feet above the ridge line and provides spectacular views of breathtaking glacial peaks surrounding the valley. The first Heybrook fire lookout was a simple tent platform built in 1925. The Forest Service replaced it seven years later with a 45-foot log leg tower, with a ground-level cabin intended as sleeping quarters for fire rangers. However, rampant rodents eventually drove the rangers up into the tower where they lived until a 67-foot lookout was built in 1964. Heybrook Lookout is one of only 106 lookouts left in Washington state and you can reserve an overnight stay there. We highly recommend it!