Valley Corridor Itinerary: Day 2

The Snohomish and Skykomish River Valleys are forged with communities that celebrate their storied past and vibrant present. Cities like Snohomish and Monroe are where you’ll discover walkable redbrick downtowns full of charm and small businesses operated with love and pride.

Head west on the highway to explore Lake Stevens, a welcoming lakefront community centered around the largest natural lake in Snohomish County. Once a mill town, it has grown into a lively residential area known for its relaxed pace, mountain views, and easy access to the Sky Valley, Cascade foothills, and the Mountain Loop Highway.

Sink your teeth into the culinary treasures that lay about the nooks and crannies of these cities. Then walk (or bike, swim, or play) it off with any of the amazing recreation opportunities at your disposal.

Explore all the hidden gems of our river valleys and lakes to see why life flows a little easer here.

Monroe is ideally situated at the intersection of State Route 2 and Highway 522. Monroe is easy to access, yet if you were to drive on one of these main routes, you might just miss some of the best places and experiences that help to define this charming PNW town.

Head south a few blocks from Highway 2 to experience the magic of Historic Downtown Monroe: art, books, dining, shopping, and scenic riverside parks. Here you’ll begin a new chapter of excitement and imagination (Main St Books Monroe), discover some amazing local spots to grab a bite (Lewis and Main Restaurant and Bar and Las Tres Marias), happen upon your new favorite outdoor sports store (Main Street Mountain Sports), and uncover many other local treasure.

After experiencing the charm of downtown, head across Highway 2 and get lost (literally) at the EscapeGoats escape room. Celebrate your daring escape a with a tasty treat from Sunflower Mill European Market.

Round out your trip to Monroe with a visit to Evergreen State Fair Park, which hosts hundreds of events annually, including the Evergreen State Fair and tons of adrenaline-pumping NASCAR and auto races at the Evergreen Speedway.

Snohomish is where vintage charm meets modern boho boutiques and eateries in this city’s walkable redbrick downtown. You can spend a full day hopping from cafes to bakeries to art galleries and still have more to explore.

Take a break from shopping at the riverside promenade, stroll the Centennial Trail, or hit the links and tee off at the driving range or play a round of mini golf at Snohomish Valley Golf Center. You can even take aim for some recreational fun at the Doodlebug Sportz outdoor paintball park.

Venture out to Lord Hill Park for an evening jaunt at this 1,300-acre county park with paths that welcomes the likes of horses, mountain bikes, and walkers. Now that your endorphins are firing on all cylinders from naturing so hard, bring the natural vibes to your home or garden with a treasured keepsake from McAuliffe’s Valley Nursery.

End your day at Harvey Airfield for a coffee at Airfield Espresso and a satisfying meal at Buzz Inn Steakhouse Snohomish before checking into the Snohomish Inn for a well-earned night of rest and relaxation.

Visitors come to Lake Stevens for the water, nearby trails, family events, or as a low-key base between Everett, Snohomish, and outdoor destinations to the east. With its mix of parks, neighborhoods, and an expanding town center, Lake Stevens offers a friendly small-city atmosphere closely connected to the lake that gives it its name — and we almost forgot to mention that it’s the hometown of A-list Hollywood star actor Chris Pratt.

Lake Stevens has several public access points around the shoreline, with Lundeen Park being its most popular. Spend some time on the lake paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, or swimming. You’ll also find beach areas, playgrounds, docks, and wide-open views ideal for picnics or sunset watching.

After taking a dip, dry off and head to downtown Lake Stevens. It’s an ever-growing city with many cafés, shops, and community spaces that host seasonal events and farmers markets. Local favorites include Dwellers Drinkery, a family-friendly spot for drinks and casual gatherings, along with Chicken Drive-In, Creekside Alehouse & Grill, and L.J.’s Bistro & Bar.

Just outside town, hiking trails, river walks, and scenic drives toward Granite Falls and the Mountain Loop Highway offer even more ways to explore the outdoors.