Overview
The Skykomish Valley (sometimes Sky Valley) is a rural river valley in Washington State, containing the small communities of Sultan, Startup, Gold Bar and Baring in Snohomish County, and Index and Skykomish in King County.
5 things to do · 2 places to eat · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Skykomish Valley
Wallace Falls State Park
An easy hike through old-growth forest to a series of waterfalls, including the 265 ft showcase.
Bridal Veil Falls
An easy hike to one of the tallest waterfalls in the region. Continue on a steeper hike to alpine Lake Serene.
Deception Falls
A small waterfall, almost under the highway. A trail continues into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
Iron Goat Trail
A hiking trail along a retired stretch of the Great Northern Railway, through the abandoned townsite of Wellington. Learn about life along a mountain railroad stop, and the most deadly avalanche in US history.
Index Town Wall
A huge rock wall, popular for aid climbing.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 78°F; winter lows dip to about 37°F. Wettest: Nov and Jan. (climate data from nearby Seattle)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PAE Seattle Paine Field International Airport, Everett — 37 mi away. Directions
- BFI King County International Airport - Boeing Field, Seattle — 42 mi away. Directions
- SEA Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, Seattle — 45 mi away (major hub). Directions
US-2, commonly called the Stevens Pass Highway, runs through the valley, connecting Monroe to Stevens Pass.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Wallace Falls State Park, Index Town Wall, Bridal Veil Falls
- Lunch Cascadia Cafe
- Afternoon Deception Falls, Iron Goat Trail
- Dinner Zeke's Drive In
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
During the last ice age, glaciers receded, leaving behind the U-shaped Skykomish Valley, and the dramatic peaks framing it, such as Mt. Index, Mt. Baring, Gunn Peak, and Mt. Persis.
In the 1890s the Great Northern Railway was built along the Skykomish River, crossing the crest of the Cascades at Stevens Pass. The railroad is still in use, but more people know the region as the scenic access drive to skiing and wilderness getaways.
Get in
US-2, commonly called the Stevens Pass Highway, runs through the valley, connecting Monroe to Stevens Pass.
For Seattle residents, Leavenworth is a popular weekend getaway, and Stevens Pass is a major ski resort. Because of this, traffic is notoriously bad on weekends. Expect traffic delays eastbound on Saturday mornings, and westbound on Sunday afternoons.
Get around
By car
US-2 is the only through road and connects all car-accessible points of interest.
See and do
Communities
- Sultan
- Startup
- Gold Bar
- Index
- Baring
- Skykomish
Hiking
Most of the surrounding mountains are administered as part of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Most trailheads require a parking pass, such as the Interagency Annual Pass or Northwest Forest Pass.
River rafting
The Skykomish River is a popular rafting area.
Climbing
Buy
Grocery stores are available in Sultan and Gold Bar. Additionally, there are gas stations and general stores in Index and Skykomish.
Eat
- Sultan and Gold Bar each a variety of dining options.
Eat Zeke's Drive In
A solid roadside shake and burger joint with large portions. The burgers and fries are a popular post-hike food.
Eat Cascadia Cafe
A diner, decorated wall-to-wall with photos and artifacts from Skykomish's railroad heritage
Sleep
Camping
The US Forest Service runs the following campgrounds:
Go next
- West to Monroe, then to Everett or Seattle.
- East to Stevens Pass and Leavenworth.
US-2 through Skykomish Valley is part of the North Cascade Loop.
Nearby
Stevens Pass
City / town · 5 listings · 19 mi away
Snoqualmie Valley
Rural area · 9 listings · 22 mi away
Monroe
City / town · 10 listings · 22 mi away
Snoqualmie
City / town · 16 listings · 24 mi away
North Bend
City / town · 15 listings · 25 mi away
Snoqualmie Pass
City / town · 20 listings · 29 mi away
Snohomish
City / town · 6 listings · 29 mi away
Granite Falls
City / town · 8 listings · 29 mi away
My experience
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