Washington's Cozy Cascade Mountain Town Is A Riverfront Gem With Natural Beauty And Outdoor Fun

Swathed in dense forests across the slopes of soaring peaks, Washington state is a magnet for all types of outdoor explorers. There are pleasant hikes to be found in the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve, a peculiar landmark of strange beauty, while intrepid wayfarers can pack their bags and drive along the Olympic Peninsula Loop for a Washington road trip with world-renowned stops. Travelers who crave the serene atmosphere that comes with being surrounded by dramatic landscapes should plan a getaway to Skykomish. This petite Washington hamlet might be a mere dot on the map, but its natural beauty jumps right off the page.

Like many settlements in America's pioneer past, it all started with the railroad. The iron horse first whistled through the forested valleys between the Cascade Mountains in the 1890s, which heralded the rush to establish a smattering of local businesses, and Skykomish was born. Logging was one of the many industries that sustained the town into the next century—copper and gold mines turned Skykomish into a boomtown. Steam engines hauled ore across the state, and at least eight passenger trains made a stop at the Skykomish railroad depot each day.

Skykomish is now quiet, but has retained much of its boomtown character. Clapboard buildings stand along the minuscule main street, and a few of the original saloons and hotels from the town's heyday are still operating. What's more, the glistening curves of the South Fork Skykomish River carves its way through the middle of town, creating a picturesque backdrop. While sightseers can wander the historic district, eager explorers can follow wooded trails to trek through the Washington wilderness, or jump into the water for kayaking, rafting, and fishing. Just over an hour by car from Seattle, a trip to Skykomish is sure to be a thrill.

The Skykomish River is better known as "the Sky," and a visit to Skykomish offers easy access to explore this scenic waterway. From the Skykomish Ballpark east of town, anglers can find a picturesque spot along the riverbank to cast a line for various trout and steelhead, not to mention salmon. Shallow pebble shorelines mean kayakers can easily launch into the water for a day of paddling down the rapids of the Skykomish River.

A short drive northwest of Skykomish is the Money Creek Campground, where a swimming pond means visitors can jump right into the river's depths to cool off. Families with children can bring a hamper to enjoy a picnic from the tables beneath the wizened trees. Meanwhile, hikers eager to increase their step count should spend the day at the Maloney Creek Interpretive Trail. Branching off the Skykomish River, Maloney Creek is framed by old-growth foliage and mossy boulders, creating a serene backdrop around the hiking trail snaking along the creekside. Trekkers can easily access the trailhead from downtown Skykomish, with signage throughout imparting tidbits of local history.

About 30 minutes away by car is the trailhead to reach Beckler Peak, which promises to be a vigorous trek through numerous switchbacks and trickling streams. The challenging ascent is rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding slopes once you reach the top, with jagged peaks rising through the trees creating an incredible backdrop for photos. Keen campers should spend the night at the Beckler River Campground, which offers campsites just steps away from the riverbank. Roast marshmallows over the campfire and bask in the backcountry tranquility of the Cascade Mountains. For more alpine adventures, less than an hour's drive away is Lake Wenatchee State Park, a haven for camping and hiking.

Though Skykomish is certainly a very small town, sightseers will find plenty of distractions here. Train enthusiasts can journey back in time to Skykomish's heyday at the Great Northern & Cascade Railway museum at the heart of town. Head inside the historic train depot to take a peek at the artifacts, and the best part is that visitors can hop on a free ride atop the museum's fleet of steam and electric locomotives. Passengers sit astride the replica rail cars as the train chugs in a short loop through tunnels and across bridges. "My kiddos loved it, and I had lots of fun too," a previous visitor wrote.

From there, take a stroll downtown to soak up more of the railroad era atmosphere. Snap photos with the false-front façades and nostalgic timber architecture backed by the soaring swoop of the Cascade Mountains all around. Walk just north of downtown to the Skykomish Bridge, a metal truss with a pedestrian footpath leading across the South Fork Skykomish River. From here, views of the dazzling emerald currents fringed by swaying woodlands are particularly scenic.

Despite the town's petite footprint, there's no shortage of local watering holes to grab a bite. Called a "gem of a coffee shop" by a previous visitor, Sky River Coffee offers hot beverages and tasty snacks. Fill up on pastries and bagels while enjoying a game of chess from the snug interiors, or sit out on the patio to bask in the mountain view. There's also the Cascadia Café, a historic eatery dating to the 1920s. Tuck into tasty comfort dishes like biscuits with gravy or grilled cheese sandwiches, then book a night at the Cascadia Inn right next door to extend your stay in Skykomish.