Stevens Pass Greenway: A National Scenic Byway On The Cascade Loop

Follow the Skykomish River as it winds through the western slopes of the Cascades and you ascend to 4,061-foot Stevens Pass, east of Sultan. The Stevens Pass Greenway, a National Scenic Byway on the Loop, is home to inspirational views, hikes and natural landscapes. In late spring and early summer, the Skykomish River is immensely popular for whitewater rafting. Fishermen line the banks and drift boats float the more tranquil waters that surround prized fishing holes. Hikers explore alpine lakes and soaring peaks. Autumn (particularly the first weeks of October) welcomes leaf-peepers eager for shades of gold and orange, while winter ushers in ski, snowboard and snowshoe season. Be prepared to encounter snow when traveling in the winter! Check mountain pass conditions at wsdot.com/traffic/passes.

The highway climbs toward the foothills and passes through the historic mining and logging towns of Sultan, Startup and Gold Bar, each rich in history, local charm and outdoor activities.

Continue driving east and visit Index, nestled on the banks of the Skykomish River, just 1 mile off Highway 2. Home of Outdoor Adventure Center, family-owned rafting and kayaking outfitter, and jumping-off point for world-class guided white water rafting. Get your climbing gear ready and hit up the famous Index Town Wall, considered to be one of the nation’s premier rock climbing destinations. To see stunning views from your vehicle: when in Index simply look up toward Mount Index, neighboring Bridal Veil Falls, the Town Wall or the Skykomish River. Index has been called one of the most photogenic places on earth.

The Stevens Pass Greenway provides eco-friendly drivers access to multiple electric vehicle charging stations. (See the pull-out map for charge station locations.)

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

Heritage & History

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.

Bird of the Week: Trumpeter Swan

Over the years Trumpeter Swans have battled extinction due to hunters and feather collectors decimating the population. In the early 20th century swan feathers were often converted into writing quills, and women used swan skin as powder puffs. As recently as the mid-1900's these birds began to make their recovery, thanks to the help of aggressive conservation. Read More >>>>

Bird of the Week: Chukar Partridge

The chukar is slightly larger than a valley quail and a little smaller than a ruffed grouse. Also known as red-legged partridge and rock partridge. Read More >>>>

Bird of the Week: Bohemian Wax Wing

These full-bellied birdies feature a thick neck and a bushy crest atop their heads. Read More >>>>

My Favorites and Itineraries

On The Loop: Stevens Pass Greenway