A "loop" really doesn't have a starting point -- but when you begin your Cascade Loop vacation in Seattle NorthCountry, that's officially Region One of our Loop! Snohomish County has 2,000 square miles of mountains and rivers, cities and towns, farmlands and coastlines in Snohomish County. Look for three distinct environments in this part of the Loop: coastal communities, river valleys, and urban centers.

Book a flight to Seattle-Tacoma International in Seattle, jump in your rental, and hit the open road!

With amazing communities like coastal Mukilteo and the largest metropolis on our scenic byway, Everett, plus charming communities like Snohomish and Monroe, you can enjoy incredible outdoor recreation as you follow the byway toward our second region, Stevens Pass Greenway, a nationally designated scenic byway in it's own right!

Sultan is the perfect place to gather intel -- the helpful folks at the Sky Valley Visitor Center can point you in the right direction for whatever winter activities you seek, and help with any permits. As you climb toward the peaks to the east, you'll pass through Startup, Goldbar, and Index. Stop for a jolt of java at the Espresso Chalet, and snap a selfie with Sasquatch. Not joking!

The last place for food, fuel and accommodations before hitting the slopes, or heading into the backcountry is in Skykomish. For information about outdoor recreation on forest lands, contact Skykomish Ranger Station.

If downhill skiing, snowboarding or cross-country skiing are on your itinerary, Stevens Pass Ski Area can set you up.

Seattle NorthCountry

Mukilteo

This coastal community is located on the shores of the Salish Sea. Even in the winter, the weather is agreeable for a walk the beach -- keep your eye out for resident orcas, or gray whales migrating March through May! Snap photos of Washington State Ferries, and, of course, don’t miss the always photogenic lighthouse while at Mukilteo’s iconic Lighthouse Park.

Dine overlooking the water at several establishments known for their fresh seafood!

Recommended Lodging: Silver Cloud Hotel - Mukilteo Waterfront

Everett

Travel north to the Cascade Loop's largest metropolitan area, tucked between the Salish Sea and the Cascade mountains.

Everett is a vibrant urban center known for its wealth of international cuisine and funky downtown activities. (So many take-out options!) Love pop culture? Funko—one of the leading pop culture collectibles creators—is headquartered here. The building’s exterior is an awesome spot to snag a fun selfie and, of course, the souvenirs here are pretty epic, too.

Everett’s growing waterfront is another must-see with the largest public marina on the West Coast, plus outstanding seafood dining, and lots of wildlife viewing, from the typical seabirds, to heron and harbor seals. Learn more at Visit Everett.

A favorite wiggle-stop is the Imagine Children's Museum (Closed Mondays) with three floors of unbeatable play spaces for children 1 to 12 years of age.

Arlington

Just north of Everett you'll find the quaint town of Arlington, and here you can travel another scenic byway connected to the Cascade Loop, Mountain Loop Scenic Byway. This is another region steeped in logging history. Stop by the Stilly Valley Chamber of Commerce for more information

Snohomish

Continuing your journey, head east toward Highway 2 along the Snohomish River and into Historic Downtown Snohomish. Snohomish is listed on both the state and national registries of historic places and is a treasure trove of antique dealers, boutique shops, and wine tasting rooms, all within a six-block area.

The historic district is surrounded by stately Victorian and Craftsman-style homes built around the turn of the 20th century. There are also many historic buildings, including the Blackman Museum and Waltz Building, which houses the Snohomish Historical Society, as well as the Alcazar Theater, and the infamous Oxford Saloon (see our Haunted Places Blog for more info!).

Recommended Lodging: Snohomish Inn

Monroe

Just 10 miles east along Highway 2, Monroe is a regional hub for outdoor enthusiasts and racing fans! Venture off the highway to explore the unique shops in Historic Downtown including breweries and locally made treasures. Even during winter months you can enjoy strolling trails along the river, and spot kingfishers, herons and songbirds, deer and rabbits.

Great downtown shopping events like Mistletoe Madness, Light up Monroe and Artisans Holiday Fair are great ways to enjoy the area, and as with most river valleys on the Cascade Loop -- watch for migrating bald eagles starting in December!

Stevens Pass Greenway

The Stevens Pass Greenway is not only one of the regions on the Cascade Loop National Scenic Byway, it is also a designated Scenic Byway in its own right.

The 90-mile byway follows Highway 2 stretching from Monroe in through the Sky Valley, then over Stevens Pass elevation 4,061 feet), through the Tumwater Canyon, and into Region 3 of the Cascade Loop, Leavenworth in Chelan County.

The landscape and environment changes from semi-urban to open river valley, lush evergreen forest and granite rock faces. You travel through several small communities as you begin the ascent over Stevens Pass. Don’t let their size fool you -- they each have amazing opportunities for lodging and dining, and more outdoor recreation than you might imagine!

Sultan

The helpful folks at the Sky Valley Visitor Center can help you find winter activities, and with hundreds of trails in the area, it will be a good idea to check conditions in winter, as well as pick up Discover Pass or Northwest Forest Pass. Their great staff can also help you with maps and trail guides, and local insight.

If you need a sweet pick-me-up, the Sultan Bakery is one of our favorite stops in this region (with luck, they won’t be sold out of their Bigfoot Donuts!)

As you climb toward the peaks to the east, you'll pass through tiny towns like Startup and Goldbar, and just off the highway, stop in the quaint town of Index.

Stop for a jolt of java at the Espresso Chalet, and snap a selfie with Sasquatch. Not joking!

Index

Explore local mining and logging history at the Pickett Interpretive Museum, and plan a visit to the Bush House, a historic hotel, renovated with loving care and a perfect basecamp for winter adventures in this region.

Just a bit farther up the highway, stop for a jolt of java at the Espresso Chalet, and snap a selfie with Sasquatch. Not joking!

Skykomish

Another quaint town steeped in railroad history -- the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad still runs through town daily, hauling freight as well as passengers on Amtrak's Empire Builder. The Skykomish River flows next to the town center, and offers amazing scenes, especially with a touch of snow. Overnight in Skykomish, plus enjoy breakfast and/or lunch at the historic Cascadia Inn and Cafe.

For information about outdoor recreation on forest lands, contact Skykomish Ranger Station.

Stevens Pass

As you ascend 4,061-foot Stevens Pass, you will experience amazing views, and during winter, lots of snow! The Stevens Pass Ski Area has downhill skiing and snowboarding, and the nearby Nordic Center has 17 groomed cross-country and snowshoe trails.

Be prepared to encounter snow when traveling in the winter! Check mountain pass conditions at wsdot.com/traffic/passes.

Once over the top, you wind your way down through the Tumwater Canyon into Bavarian Leavenworth, and Region 3 of the Cascade Loop!

Mukilteo Ferry Dock

Winter in Snohomish County