6 Arlington Spots That Fly Under the Radar
Tucked between the Cascade foothills and the Stillaguamish River, Arlington, Washington is one of Snohomish County’s most walkable and surprising small towns. It’s the kind of place best explored at ground level—by bike or on foot—where every side street reveals something new: a funky antique shop, a riverside trail, a vintage bar tucked into an old Masonic lodge. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a day trip from Seattle, Arlington rewards curiosity. Here are a few local favorites and hidden gems to get you started on your own adventure.
Before you visit a place it’s only an idea. When you arrive at a novel destination, the concrete reality can be at odds with what you thought the place was going to be like.
For this reason, I love to explore a new destination on foot or by bicycle. Getting down to the street level to look in windows, people watch, roam the back alleys, and roam around the backs of stores.
Arlington, Washington is full of tiny delights worth seeking out. I’ve curated a list of some good bets. When you visit Arlington, you may find your own treasures. When you do, let me know what you find.
Arlington Pickers
How do you describe a place that defies classification? If you combine a salvage store, a pet store, an antique store, and a flea market you may have something close to Arlington Pickers. This is where you’ll find unexpected gems that you didn’t even know you were looking for.
Mirkwood
Continuing in the spirit of a store that is “something that is everything” Mirkwood is an old stucco Masonic Lodge converted into a bar, music venue, and tattoo shop. Are you with me so far? Cool. Now understand that “Mirkwood” is a reference to “Lord of the Rings” and that the interior decor is a deep fantasy nod to Tolkienesque fandom. Sold yet? It’s one of those places that you won’t find anywhere else. And the food is good!
Fauxy Fur
This is peak boho chic: handmade felt hats with all of the trimmings. Fauxy Fur specializes in the kind of super-not-fast fashion that makes for a bold statement piece. Check out their store for western-inspired garb and wardrobe staples that will make your friends ask you, “where did you get that?”
Stillaguamish River Dipping
Never underestimate the power of a good summer dip spot. The Stillagumash River is one of the best places for a quick dip, a longer float, a general wade, or just a super chill cooldown. Plus, there’s something super romantic about a river during the summer, especially toward sundown when the fish are jumping, the light is hitting you square in the feels and Tom Petty is running down a dream on the boombox.
You’re feeling that too, right?
Whitehorse Saloon
While you could tip a glass at a modern drinking establishment like Lighthouse or In the Shadow, we put our money on Whitehorse Saloon. The decor at Whitehorse is effortlessly minimalistic and features blood red floors and billiard tables, as well as mountainous murals, ceramic equestrian statuary, and cottage core white curtains. It’s a place out of time and cool without trying to be cool. If the hipsters discovered this place, it would absolutely be game over for this little establishment that flies under the radar.
The Whitehorse Trail
Gravel bike much? If so, you’ll love ripping down this 27-mile trail from Arlington to Darrington as it follows the curvature of the Stillaguamish River. While sections of the route are paved, many sections are not, so a mountain bike, gravel bike, or at least hybrid bike is recommended. Road bikes can hang, but it’s a bumpy ride.
Lodge in comfort at the Whitehorse Campground at the end of the line.
