Snohomish County stands out in the great state of Washington, mainly due to our many small businesses and hard-working, entrepreneurial spirit. Connecting many of our most beautiful locations is Highway 2, an impressive feat of transportation engineering that connects Western Washington to what lies east.

The highway tracks the same route that several wagon roads followed of the Great Northern Railway, the transcontinental railroad completed in 1893, and our Skykomish River, which is a mesmerizing trip in itself. Dotted along Highway 2 are the Skykomish and Snohomish River Valleys which provide the scenic views and small town. Make a few pitstops at the vintage shops, reliable restaurants, and havens of baked goods in the charming communities of Index, Gold Bar, Monroe and Skykomish.

While we frame our photo with Big Foot, don’t just take it from us. Take a look at the adventures of seasoned travel experts with lists of Highway 2 not-to-miss stops and beginner experiences. Take the scenic road and a few roads less travelled as you explore the town of Snohomish’s namesake as the Northwest’s Antique Capital or a refreshing hike of Wallace Falls. Life is made up of hills and valleys, and Snohomish has plenty of both, but take a moment to indulge in the wonders of Skykomish and Snohomish River Valleys.

As always, safety first – Highway 2 often experiences closures due to snowfall. Before your trip, check Washington State Department of Transportation’s website for travel alerts!