Kick off your Cascade Loop vacation in Seattle NorthCountry, with 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.
The coastal community of Mukilteo is located on the shores of the Salish Sea. Walk the beach, treat your sweetheart to a seaside picnic, snap photos of Washington State Ferries, and, of course, don’t miss the always photogenic lighthouse while at Mukilteo’s iconic Lighthouse Park.
Traveling with your canine companion? Schedule some time to visit Tails and Trails Japanese Gulch Dog Park, a ¾-acre, fully fenced, gated off-leash dog area featuring agility equipment.
Next, travel north to the Cascade Loop's largest metropolitan area – Everett. 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, outstanding seafood, and the beloved summery, sandy Jetty Island.
Continuing your journey, head east toward Highway 2 along the Snohomish River Valley, passing through emerald farmlands 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 also surrounded by stately Victorian and Craftsman-style homes built around the turn of the 20th century.
Just 10 miles east along Highway 2 you’ll discover the active city of Monroe, a regional hub for outdoor enthusiasts and racing fans. Venture off the highway to explore the unique shops in Historic Downtown and see all Monroe has to offer. Enjoy a stroll around Lake Tye, swim in the lake, rent a kayak or paddleboard during the summer or visit the street-style skateboard park. Take your pup to Wiggly Field Dog Park. Grab lunch and head to Al Borlin Park for a riverside picnic or utilize Monroe’s numerous Skykomish River access points to enjoy kayaking, rafting, fishing and more. Check out Evergreen Speedway at Evergreen State Fairgrounds, which features NASCAR and specialty events.
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