Not many artists can say they’ve painted the sky.
Upper Sky Valley
A VALLEY FULL OF EXPERIENCES
Arrive on US SR2 between the towns of Sultan and Stevens Pass and you’ve entered the Upper Skykomish River Valley. Here in the tall trees, waterfalls and granite rock faces is where river, climbing and hiking guides teach and share what they love. This is where seekers of green space find miles of US Forest Service trails, meet friends, and find silence. Here, camp neighbors and night-sky stargazers swap stories about the days adventure. In this place, food, drink and lodging are deliciously reserved for curious lovers of locally-loved historic downtowns. Welcome to Skykomish, Index, Gold Bar, and Sultan, a region of communities loving life off the beaten path.
SKY VALLEY CHAMBER & VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER
In downtown Sultan, right off SR US2 on Main Street sits the Sky Valley Visitor's Center. No cell reception needed here, but you can charge your electric car. This is where licenses for fishing and hunting, WA State Discover Passes, maps, and clean restrooms are had on the daily. Managing this visitor oasis-community-hub-museum is Debbie Copple - one of the rare folks in the world you feel smarter asking super “stupid” questions of. Stop in and test our claim. Be sure to ask about the miniature train and a particular rusty artifact on display – these stories alone are worth the stop. They may also start a new love affair with this wildly iconic region.
P.S. Staying over? Upper Sky Valley lodging spots are small and friendly! Give them a call to book your stay.
Road Trip or Reptile Zoo?
Do both! The Reptile Zoo is on the nationally recognized Cascade Loop route.
The Ultimate Road Trip
Running from salty sea air to flowering fruit trees and friendly towns to miles upon miles of lush evergreen forest along the Stevens Pass Greenway and North Cascades National Park, find out why National Geographic Traveler calls the Cascade Loop, "One of America's grandest, most spectacular drives."
Reptile Zoo
The Reptile Zoo, also known as the Washington Serpentarium, houses over 200 creatures, including 75 species of chameleons, scorpions, turtles, and spiders big and small. The collection of snakes is scary: rattlesnakes, pythons, cobras and mambas. If you're brave enough, you can even hold some of the animals in this zoo!
SKY & SNO ADVENTURE GUIDE
No matter where look—from the shores of our rivers to the peaks of our mountains—natural wonders abound in the Skykomish and Snohomish River Valleys.
View the latest edition of the Sky & Sno Adventure Guide.
Outdoor Stewardship in Index, Washington
The Outdoor Adventure Center in Index is a multigenerational family-owned business. The Corsons practice a "leave no trace" philosophy in all of their guided tours along the Skykomish River in the North Cascades.
Here's how they do it.
Let's Start Exploring
Discover the vintage shops and boutiques, tucked away restaurants and coffee shops, and endless adventure of the Upper Skykomish River Valley.
Stories from the Upper Sky
Meet the people behind the cities, towns and businesses that await you in the Upper Sky Valley. Get local insights on the best hikes and much, much by exploring these great reads.
Getting Here
US State Route 2 links Eastern and Western Washington rolling over the Cascade Mountains. The Skykomish-Snohomish River Valley Region begins on the western side of the Cascade Mountains, at the Stevens Pass. Heading west, US SR2 connects the towns of Skykomish, Baring and Index, with the cities of Gold Bar, Sultan in the Upper Skykomish River Valley. US SR2 is heavily used, and congestion is possible during peak travel, so check conditions, when planning your trip.
Dive into the Regions
Want to hit the beach the beach? How about the mountains? Or perhaps it’s an urban experience you’re looking for? Discover what all four visitor regions of Seattle NorthCountry have in store for you.
An Instagram-worthy Destination
Check out Seattle NorthCountry through the lens of those who are out exploring it.