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 indgenous peoples, lumberjack and mining cultures, bluegrass musicians, and legends of outdoor recreation.
Explore the Mountain Loop Highway, a 90+ mile loop via old railways, now a scenic byway, expect stunning alpine lakes, ghost towns, towering timbers, and sweeping views of the Cascade Mountains #TruePNW style.
Looking For Trip Inspiration?
Venture into our neck of the woods and you're sure to discover unforgettable experience. With so much to see and do, we've cued up a few ideas to get you headed in the right direction.
Arlington, WA is a picturesque community nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains at the fork of the Stillaguamish River. It is is a scenic jumping-off point for the 30-Mile Centennial Trail as well as endless outdoor adventures along the Mountain Loop Highway.
Its quaint, walkable downtown offers a full day of local boutique shopping and dining, and with over 35 public works of art, visitors are never far from murals, sculptures, or photo backdrops that lend color and charm. The city is known for its vibrant community events like the Arlington SkyFest and seasonal farmers' markets providing opportunities for year-round fun.
Found amongst the impressive peaks of the North Cascades along SR 530, Darrington, WA is an authentic rural mountain community with spectacular views and world-class recreational opportunities.
Less than two hours from Seattle, it is the gateway to the outdoors, offering countless adventures along three wild rivers--the Stillaguamish, Sauk, and Suiattle--and the vast network of public lands, including three wilderness areas--Boulder River, Henry M. Jackson, and Glacier Peak--where some of the most spectacular views and experiences await.
The town of Granite Falls is your gateway to the Mountain Loop and limitless recreation opportunities in the North Cascades. Located about 40 minutes from Seattle at the base of Mount Pilchuck, near the South Fork of the Stillaguamish River, it is a perfect stop before or after a mountain excursion.
Turn-of-the-century architecture, unique local eateries and shops, and a distinct western foothills atmosphere contribute to the charm of this tiny Snohomish County community. The mountains are only minutes away. Enjoy the full-service downtown and gather whatever supplies you need for your visit to the region, stop for a meal to fuel up for the day's adventure, or enjoy a cold beer with friend's after a long hike.
Stories From The Stillaguamish-Sauk River Valleys
Endless adventure awaits. Get local insights on great hikes, the best places to get "lost" for a few days, mountain culture, and much, much more by exploring 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.
“Long Hearing Farm is named after my grandma’s grandma: Long Hearing Woman. She was resilient in the face of change, adaptive when trouble came her way, joyful in her daily practices, and had a reciprocal relationship to the land she lived on. With my grandmas behind me, I am fortified. Ready for the hard work of feeding as many families as I can while at the same time creating conditions for land-based healing and transformation. ”
— elizabeth
Farmstand
A selection straight from the field to our little Farmstand. Great for a quick stop on your way into or out of town. | Location: Darrington, WA on the corner of Commercial Ave just off of Highway 530 | Summer Hours: Saturday and Sunday 9:30 - dusk
More To Discover
What makes the PNW worth visiting? Step outside of the city and you'll understand why the great outdoors of the Pacific Northwest are legendary. The mountain towns of the Stillaguamish and Sauk River Valleys retain the ruggedness and beauty that makes Seattle NorthCountry an international destination.
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 indgenous 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.