Pass through chartreuse farm fields outside of Monroe as you head toward jagged peaks on the not-too-distant horizon! Follow the Skykomish River as you continue on the Stevens Pass Greenway. It winds through the western slopes of the Cascade mountains toward a series of small historic mountain towns: Sultan, Startup, Gold Bar, Index and Skykomish. The Stevens Pass Greenway, a National Scenic Byway in its own right, and also located on the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway, serves up plentiful electric vehicle charging stations in addition to inspirational views, prodigious hikes and jaw-dropping views.

The small community of Sultan is often our travelers’ first visitor information stop — the Sky Valley Visitor Information Center is a great place to pop in and pick up an extra copy of this printed guide and get a little inside scoop on local must-visit locations! Plan to throw on your walking shoes once you arrive in Gold Bar and spend a couple of hours checking out Wallace Falls State Park. The falls are world-renowned and offer a variety of walks to suit each level of fitness and comfort on the trail. In spring and early summer, the Skykomish River becomes an immensely popular whitewater rafting destination as snow melts away from the granite peaks overhead. Fishermen line the riverbanks, and drift boats float the more tranquil waters that surround prized fishing holes. Hikers and backpackers (many are actually Pacific Crest Trail hikers) explore miles upon miles of alpine trails.

Continue driving east and visit the tiny town of Index, nestled on the banks of the Skykomish River, just 1 mile off Highway 2. Are you a rock climber? Get your climbing gear ready and hit up the famous Index Town Wall, considered to be one of the nation’s premier rock climbing spots. The Sky Valley is fast becoming the best bouldering destination in Washington. Outdoor enthusiasts looking to access the backcountry can book with Chinook ATV for guided ATV, hunting and fishing tours. Once you’re back on Highway 2 be sure to stop at the Espresso Chalet, home to Harry, the lovable sasquatch from the movie "Harry and the Hendersons" filmed in part right at this very spot! Look up and see majestic Mount Index from your vantage point on the deck with your delicious cup of coffee. Bridal Veil Falls are those gorgeous falls right below the ominous peak. For hikers with time to spare, this is a gorgeous hike, which can also take you to Lake Serene along the way.

Once your caffeine needs have been met, drive on toward the historic railroad town of Skykomish. The Cascadia Inn is located here — a great place to grab an excellent, handmade diner-style meal served by friendly locals. Looking for a perfect spot to picnic? Deception Falls is located right off the highway but feels like a secret little hobbit forest. It's a fabulous spot to enjoy the falls and for photographers to practice those slowww shutter speeds! Great for all ages and fitness levels!

Next up, ascend 4,061-foot Stevens Pass. The views are mind-blowing here year-round! The ski and snowboard resort operates during winter months. During the summer months, it transforms itself into a mountain bike park and scenic chairlift ride. Autumn (particularly the first weeks of October) welcomes leaf-peepers from around the world, all eager for brilliant hues of gold and orange. Be prepared to encounter snow when traveling in the winter! Check mountain pass conditions at wsdot.com/traffic/passes.

The Stevens Pass Greenway ends once you reach Coles Corner, where you can take state Route 207 to Lake Wenatchee and Fish Lake or Plain. Prepare for more mountainous beauty on the next leg of your journey - Leavenworth/Cascade Foothills!

The Stevens Pass Greenway provides eco-friendly drivers access to multiple electric vehicle charging stations.

Stevens Pass Visitor Services

• Sky Valley Chamber & Visitor Center 360-793-0983
• Snohomish County Tourism Bureau 888-338-0976
• Town of Skykomish
• Skykomish Ranger Station 360-677-2414

Current Info

Traffic Conditions 

WSDOT Traffic Cameras

WSDOT Projects Along US 2

Stevens Pass (Mountain Pass info)

Current Weather

Numerous tribes lived in this region, including the Snohomish Tribe along the western edge and the Snoqualmie River near Monroe and along the Skykomish River. Per the Treaty of Point Elliott in 1855, the tribes were incorporated into the Tulalip Tribes as the federally recognized successors to the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, Skykomish, and other allied tribes and bands. Today, these tribes work hard to maintain their distinctive traditions and ways of life. Euro-Americans first explored the more easily accessible coastal areas, but with the introduction of fur trading, exploration turned inward. The Cascade mountains attracted traders of beaver pelts and other fur-bearing animals in the early 1800s. As more homesteaders arrived in the 1850s, a greater need for reliable transportation arose. In 1888, the Great Northern Railway Engineer John F. Stevens surveyed a more direct route from St. Paul, Minn., to Everett, crossing the Cascade mountain pass that later bore his name.