Things to Do in Darrington

Darrington is one of the many amazing destinations along the Mountain Loop Highway. With 54-miles of meandering twists and turns through the rural, urban, and wild stretches of Snohomish County and the North Cascades, it’s the perfect setting for daytrip or car camping. We’ve even put together a couple of Mountain Loop itineraries to help you curate an epic weekend trip or a day-long cruise. No matter how you loop the loop, you can’t go wrong.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to stay overnight in a cabin that’s perched atop a tower at the peak of a mountain? North Mountain Fire Lookout provides an adventurous lodging experience for those who want to truly connect with the local history. The lookout was built in 1965 as one of the state’s original fire lookouts and is now one of the few that offers lodging. Climb the tower’s three stories of steps to find a cozy space with a 360-degree panoramic view of the North Cascades.

Mountain bikers rejoice as the North Mountain bike trails feature 14.6 miles of year-round trail riding fun. With a variety of courses and terrains fit for beginner, intermediate, and expert riders, you can take your riding experience to new heights among sweeping views of Whitehorse Mountain and the Stillaguamish Valley.

If you’re looking to explore the true wilderness of the Pacific Northwest, Darrington is a stone’s throw away from several hikes in the Northwest Forest. You’re sure to find a hike that suits your desired length and skill set.

Note: Many of the hikes on National Forest lands require a parking pass. Do yourself a favor and review the 10 essentials before your hike. And do us all a favor and leave no trace.