Media Contact: Amy Spain, 425-348-5802 x. 101, [email protected]
“Snow-homish” Winters in Snohomish County, Washington
Our "quiet season" is magical because in our valleys it's warm enough to rollerblade the Centennial Trail, kayak our quiet urban wetlands, or fish for winter Blackmouth salmon on Puget Sound. Yet in less than an hour's drive you'll find a fresh night's snowfall up in the Cascade Mountains.
But long before the first snow flies in the Cascades, nature puts on a more colorful display. Autumn. We'll tell you where to see exploding fall colors, and where to find the biggest pumpkins too.
After Halloween, Christmas can't be far off! Discover where to find a U-cut tree worthy of your hard work.
We get a good snowstorm or two every year even in the lower elevations of Snohomish County, but it never sticks to the ground for long. However, up U.S. Hwy 2 or the Mountain Loop Highway, you'll find loads of the fluffy stuff by Christmas, sometimes even as early as Thanksgiving. Learn about guided snowshoe hikes, snowmobile routes you can really rip on, a highway you can sled down (when it's closed to cars!) and some great backcountry skiing spots.
Fall Colors & Festivities The leaf show begins almost on cue in mid-September. The Big Leaf Maples are first to begin turning vivid yellow. Then the Vine Maples start raging with red, and so do the Huckleberry bushes. Cottonwoods put on a closing act in yellow along about early October. Just about any country road in Snohomish County will yield good fall foliage after mid- September. But, the prettier the drive, the more you'll appreciate the autumn colors. So head to two of our favorite spots for back road beauty: • The Mountain Loop Highway. Start in either Darrington (off SR 530) or further south in Granite Falls (off SR 92). The trip takes about 3 hours with no stops. But we bet you'll want to get lots of pictures along the way of the fall colors. Be advised: the last section of this route closes once the first big snow hits, so it's wise to call ahead to the Darrington Ranger District at (360) 436-1155, call the toll-free pass conditions hotline at 511, or visit the Washington State Department of Transportation's website for the latest Page - 2
road conditions and closures at www.wsdot.wa.gov. • Stevens Pass Greenway leading to the Cascade Loop-It starts in Everett on I-5 and passes through the towns of Snohomish, Monroe, Sultan, Gold Bar and Index on US Hwy 2 then crosses scenic Stevens Pass to the east. Then it brings you back over the North Cascades Scenic Highway. This stretch of road also closes due to avalanche danger once the first big snowfall hits, normally by mid-to-late October. Again, check the above listed number before you start your trip.
Find Your Perfect Pumpkin Grocers have piles of pumpkins, but there's nothing like wandering a pumpkin patch to get people in the mood for the fall harvest season. Local pumpkin growers are usually open to pickers on weekends by mid-October. Most are only open midweek by appointment for groups. Here's a listing of local patches: • Bob’s Corn & Pumpkin Farm, 10917 Elliott Rd, Snohomish. Corn maze, hayrides and tethered hot air balloon rides. (360) 668-2506 • Baylor Farm, 28511 Ben Howard Road, Monroe. Indian corn and gourds also available. (360) 793-0822 • Biringer Farm, (360) 435-5616. Hwy 530, Arlington. Trolley rides, hay mazes, gourds, honey and more. https://www.facebook.com/Biringerfarm • Carleton Farm, 830 Sunnyside Blvd, Everett. Corn maze and farm trivia. (425) 334- 2297 • Craven Farm Pumpkin Patch, 13817 Short School Road, Snohomish. A "live" pumpkin and a friendly harvest witch serve cookies and tell stories. Also a petting farm. (360) 568-2601 • Foster’s Produce and Corn Maze, 23324 Dike Rd, Arlington. Themed corn maze with moonlight walks, fall decorations, farm animals and antiques and gifts. (360) 435-5095 • Fairbank Animal & Pumpkin Farm, 15308 52nd Ave W, Edmonds. Also farm animals and an educational farm tour for $5. (425) 743-3694 • Kurt's Produce, 17819 SR 203, Monroe. (360) 794-5940 • Schuh Farms, 9828 Hwy 532, Stanwood. Farm stand with employees in costume. (360) 629-6455 www.agrilicious.org/Schuh-Farms-Stanwood • Stocker Farm, 10622 Airport Way, Snohomish. Corn maze, pony ride, pumpkin chunkin and air jumpers. (360) 568-7391 • The Farm at Swan’s Trail, 7301 Rivershore Rd., Snohomish. Wagon rides, hay maze, petting zoo, story trail, putting golf course, u-pick flowers and old-fashioned family fun. (425) 334-4124
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Off-season on the Centennial Trail The late fall and winter months are actually ideal times to get out on the Centennial Trail, a 30- mile stretch of paved path linking the town of Snohomish to the Nakashima Barn trailhead by Snohomish/Skagit County line.
In off-season, gone are the throngs of families tooling along the trail. This time of year is perfect for rollerblading, or just for plain old walking when the summer greenery is gone and the views are more open. That also means the sunlight can get through to warm you on the trail (provided you pick a sunny day of course!). All you need for warmth is your cross-country ski garb: a breathable layer underneath and something windproof on top, plus a hat. There are lots of benches and other places to stop for a warm cup of cider or hot cocoa too. Snohomish County Parks (425) 388-6600.
Prime-time for Steelhead Fishing October, November and December are considered prime time for steelhead fishing on the Stillaguamish and Skykomish rivers. These rivers have some of our state's most famous steelhead runs. Fall and winter months are when the biggest runs make their way back upstream to spawn. (Steelhead of course are a sea-run trout). After gorging themselves for several years in the ocean, steelhead caught in our cold clear waters can weigh in at over 20 pounds. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a novice angler, you'll find the steelhead fishing experience of a lifetime.
Winter Blackmouth Fishing No, it's not a disease. A Blackmouth is a juvenile King salmon. There's quite a healthy Blackmouth fishery in Puget Sound in the winter months. People don't think of salmon fishing in the winter, but its really possible year- round on Puget Sound. Contact one of our fishing charter operators out of Edmonds or Everett. They will be happy to take you out for salmon and crabbing. Puget Sound Charter Operators/All Star Fishing Charters (425) 252- 4188, (800) 214-1595.
When the Snow Flies Some people just feel the need for speed, and sledding down an empty, snow-covered highway can sure fill it. An hour east of Granite Falls on the Mountain Loop Highway, the road ends, closed because of winter snow. But it becomes a mecca for sledders, snowmobilers and backcountry skiers. It's one of only a few approved snow play areas on the West Side of the Cascades.
Downhill Fun Skiers and snowboarders get more than a little excited when the first snow begins to fall in the Cascades. The lifts usually start cranking up at the Stevens Pass Ski Area by Thanksgiving, and stay open until Easter. Stevens Pass is located about an hour and a half east of Everett on US Hwy 2. Steven's 37 runs (1,125 acres) have something for everyone; thrilling chutes and bumps up high, and wide-open long groomed runs for beginner. Stevens has the most chairlifts Page - 4 of any ski area in Western Washington (11), including 2 high-speed quads. They're open 9am- 10pm Thurs-Mon, Tues-Wed 9am-4pm. They also have a day lodge and offer ski lessons and rentals. Ticket prices vary depending on the hours you ski or board. Stevens Pass (360) 973- 2441 or (206) 812-4510. www.stevenspass.com
Backcountry Boom One of the hottest new sports is snowshoe hiking, probably because it's a workout in the wilderness. There are an unlimited number of routes to take in the Cascade Range where just about all you'll hear is yourself panting. We don't recommend going it alone though in the wilderness, and you may like a little company. The U.S. Forest Service offers free naturalist-led snowshoe hikes on weekends from January to March. They start at noon near the Stevens Pass Ski Area parking lot, and interpreters point out historic and natural sights along the way. There's an easier mile-long route along the Pacific Crest Trail, or a more diverse two-mile route toward Grace Lakes. U.S. Forest Service (360) 677-2414.
Cross-country skiing was once the poor stepchild of downhill skiing in the Northwest. No more, says retailer REI. Sales of cross country equipment and clothing parallel those of alpine skiing. The appeal seems to be an escape to a quiet, peaceful setting away from the crowds at the ski lifts.
Snohomish County has a lot of ungroomed backcountry skiing for those who want rugged, untracked terrain. But if you prefer staying in the groove, try the 15 miles of groomed traditional tracked trails and skating lanes at the Stevens Pass Nordic Center. They've got trails for beginners to experts, and there is a separate novice area. You can even take a chairlift ride up to groomed trails on the mountain, offering spectacular views on clear days. The Nordic Center is 5 miles east of the Stevens Pass Ski Area on US Hwy 2, and offers ticket sales, rental equipment, lessons, and simple food and drinks. Stevens Pass Ski Area (206) 812-4510.
Sledding Safety Tips For Kids • Never let them sled where they can enter traffic. • Never let them sled unsupervised. • Choose a hill without obstacles. • Look for a slope with a gradual upturn at the bottom that allows the sledder to slow to a stop. • Make them ride facing forward, with feet first. Children riding face forward on their stomachs are more prone to head injuries. • Remind your kids to get out of the way of other sledders they reach the bottom of the hill. • Don't attempt to stop your child's sled with a foot or leg.
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Christmas Tree Traditions For a lot of families, the holiday season doesn't start with shopping, it starts with cutting and trimming their family Christmas tree. Corner lots are fine, but there's nothing like that first whiff of pine as you cut down one you've hand picked in the forest. All you need is a $10 permit to cut in specified areas in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Buy your permit in person at ranger stations in Sedro-Woolley, Darrington, North Bend, Skykomish, Glacier, Verlot and White River or REI in Lynnwood. They are open for permit sales weekdays from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., and the last weekend in November and first weekend in December only. Permits come with maps and instructions on where you can cut legally. We can tell you where to get more details with the Forest Service.
There are also many local Christmas tree farms where you can cut your own. Many also sell wreaths and loose pine and cedar boughs. Some offer visits with Santa and gift shops. For a detailed listing look in the Choose & Cut Christmas Tree guides put out by the Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association or the Puget Sound Christmas Tree Association.
Or create your own holiday tradition by shopping at the Alderwood or Everett Mall, and visit Santa there; take in the Olympic Ballet Theater's performance of Nutcracker in Edmonds or Everett; check out the Lights of Christmas in Stanwood; after a hot toddy or latte, cozy into one of our comfy hotels or inns and spend the night, then cut your tree before heading home for the holidays.
Winter on the water Our marine climate means we have milder Kayak Safety winters than most places. Even getting out on the water is downright comfortable, provided Plan your route ahead of time, and carry a you dress right. map.
Explore in pairs, either two per boat or two In winter, Everett's hidden waterways belong to boats. wildlife...and to kayakers. The Snohomish River Estuary is the largest urban wetland on Always check tide charts, currents and the Pacific Coast. It's home to Great Blue weather and dress appropriately. Heron, Bald Eagles, mink, sea lions, and File a float plan before leaving; departure and hundreds of species of migrating birds. expected arrival time, and place, where you are going and with whom. There are fewer boats out in winter, and the Try to stay on inside corners to take friendly fowl don't seem to mind kayaks, so advantage of easier currents and avoid your wildlife viewing is at its peak. Sunrise and motorboats. sunset are prime times for photo opportunities with wildlife. There are lots of places to put-in Carry standard safety equipment: personal and take-out, and lots of routes to take. You floatation devices, flares, compass, hand bilge also have to plan your trip to take advantage of pump, and safety line (toss bag). the tides. Contact us and we can help you design a trip. (888) 338-0976. If possible, bring a cellphone or VHF radio.