10 Hidden Gems of the Sky Valley

1. Reiter Foothills State Forest – An off-roading vehicle rider’s paradise

The 10,000-acre Reiter Foothills Forest is a continuous block of forest land located between Gold Bar and Index providing 4 miles of single-track trail, 2 miles of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trail, and over two miles of challenging 4 X 4 trails with a high density of obstacles. These trails set a new standard for sustainable built ORV trails with quick and easy access to challenge areas, including a 9-acre bike trails area. Reiter Road is part of the Old Highway 2 system. Enjoy the scenic narrow lane as it twists and turns to match the contour of the mountains and river.

Reiter Foothills State Forest
Deer Flats Mainline Road in Gold Bar

2. The Woodshed Espresso & Ice Cream – Your new favorite ice cream shop

Stopping for ice cream in a small town can often conjure thoughts of the usual suspects: vanilla, chocolate, mint chocolate chip. Boring. For those who want a little more pizzaz in their cone, visit The Woodshed in Gold Bar. You’ll find yourself discovering flavors you didn’t even know you needed: kiwi, huckleberry cheesecake, green tea with Oreo. These, among the many other fun flavors you’ll find only at The Woodshed, are all delicious. You might need multiple visits to try them all.

The Woodshed Espresso & Ice Cream
913 Croft Ave in Gold Bar

3. Spada Lake – A lakeside retreat that provides calm, quiet, and amazing scenery

One of the best hikes in the Sky Valley is one of its most scenic: Spada Lake. Located off Highway 2 near Sultan, the Spada Lake trail invites hikers to climb a wooded forest to the Sultan Basin and take in magnificent views of the pristine Spada Lake Reservoir, which sits encapsulated among the Blue and Bald mountains. This trail boasts a variety of terrains that make it fit for all hikers—there’s even a short, flat section that’s suitable for young children. Spada Lake is a great place for a quiet picnic and some great photo ops. It’s also accessible by vehicle for visitors who want to take in the sights without the hike.

Spada Lake
East of Sultan off US SR2

4. Wellington Disaster- Iron Goat Trail - A historic landmark with a scenic hiking trail

The Iron Goat Trail is a beautiful, easy hiking trail found east of Skykomish on the Stevens Pass Greenway. The trail is an excellent example of railroad archaeology as it follows the former rail grade and snow sheds that date back to before the 8-mile Cascade tunnel opened in 1929. The town of Wellington, now known as Tye, shares a tragic past with the Iron Goat Trail, as it was the site of the Wellington Disaster. To learn more, visit our blog on the Iron Goat Trail.

Iron Goat Trail
Between Skykomish and Stevens Pass Recreation area

5. Good Brewing – Family-owned microbrewery that taps into your taste buds

After a full day of exploring all the outdoor recreation the Sky Valley has to offer, it only seems fitting to unwind with an ice-cold beer at a local brewery. Good Brewing is family owned and community focused microbrewery that produces some of the best small batch premium craft beer in the valley. Whether you’re into the light lagers, hoppy IPAs, or fruity sours, Good Brewing has an expansive list of in-house beers on tap that are sure to fit your preferred flavor profile. This all-ages brewery also has a restaurant that serves tasty food and features weekly events with family friendly prizes.

Good Brewing
410 Main Street in Sultan

6. The Haystack Co – Home and garden art with unique treasures

Haystack Company is a very unique little store in Startup, near Sultan. The shop features rustic garden art, including a line of birdbaths, and a great selection of antiques. Most of the art is created by the owner and is made from iron, wood and recycled materials like shovels, saw blades, door hinges and more. If you’re looking for something unique for your home or garden, these one-of-a-kind treasures won’t disappoint you!

The Haystack Co
36701 US SR2 in Startup near Sultan

7.Heybrook Lookout – A historic tower with sweeping views of the Sky Valley from above

The Heybrook Lookout sits atop its namesake ridge at 1,700 feet. The lookout itself rises 67 feet above the ridge line and provides spectacular views of breathtaking glacial peaks surrounding the valley. The first Heybrook fire lookout was a simple tent platform built in 1925. The Forest Service replaced it seven years later with a 45-foot log leg tower, with a ground-level cabin intended as sleeping quarters for fire rangers. However, rampant rodents eventually drove the rangers up into the tower where they lived until a 67-foot lookout was built in 1964. Heybrook Lookout is one of only 106 lookouts left in Washington State and you can reserve an overnight stay there.

8. K8’s on Main – Big-city fashion at a small-town boutique

It’s no secret that Sultan is known for outdoor recreation. It’s also probably the last place you’d expect to find high fashion (no offense to Sultan), but K8’s on Main is making its bid to bring big-city fashion to small-town life in the Sky Valley. K8’s is a boutique that sells stylish new and vintage clothes and accessories. It also stocks popular self-care and grooming products you might otherwise have to travel far and wide to find. K8’s on Main proves that you don’t have to be in a big city to find the latest fashions.

9. Maria’s Mexican Food Truck – Traditional Mexican cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients

Experience the taste of authentic Mexican cuisine in the heart of the Sky Valley with a visit to Maria’s Mexican Food Truck. Maria’s serves up a menu featuring traditional favorites, including classic street tacos, quesadillas, and smothered burritos. One of the many things that make this food truck a favorite among locals is the quality ingredients used in its recipes. Maria’s keeps it fresh with locally sourced ingredients to support the community and reduce its carbon footprint. You can taste the Sky Vally freshness with each bite.

Maria’s Mexican Food Truck
33902 US SR2 in Sultan

10. Kiss the Sky Books – A slice of art and culture amid outdoor recreation

If the hallmark of a great bookstore is quality vintage “bones”, then Kiss the Sky (named after a Jimi Hendrix lyric) has most places beat. It’s a hundred-year-old building filled with old books. In an area of the county that’s more thought of for its hiking and skiing opportunities, Kiss the Sky is a cultural beacon for artists in the community.

Kiss the Sky Books
401 Main Street in Sultan

This list contains several Sky Valley hidden gems, but it doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of all there is to discover in the vast wilderness of this region. I guess all there is to do now is grab your boots, bike, boards, or paddles and meet us in the Sky Valley for some fresh air and fun. Please remember to recreate responsibly!