Hike and Bike Weekend in the Stillaguamish Valley

With the weekend almost upon us and sunshine in the forecast, you may be making your weekend recreation plans. One idea is to explore the Stillaguamish Valley during Bike and Hike Weekend.

The area, nestled between Arlington and Darrington, provides year-round hiking and biking opportunities from family-friendly river rambles to heart-thumping peak bagging and everything in between.

We’ve partnered with Washington Bikes to share our suggestions on the best of the valley's hiking and biking. If you're in the area on Saturday, you're invited to participate in an official celebration of the community's ongoing recovery from Highway 530 mudslide between Oso and Darrington. (Event details below.)

Hiking the Stilly

The view from Squire Creek Pass in early October. Photo by MikeOnAHike

With so many great options, choosing your hike will be the most difficult part of your Bike and Hike Weekend. Below are four great trails that offer a variety of hiking experiences.

• Old Sauk River Trail
• Boulder River Trail
• River Meadows Park Trail
• Eight Mile – Squire Creek Pass Trail

To help jump-start the Stillaguamish Valley community's recovery from the Highway 530 slide earlier this year, WTA and a coalition of outdoor and recreation partners also developed a map and guide to outdoor destinations and local businesses to check out in the Darrington area.

Biking the Stilly

Miles upon miles of bike-friendly roads surround the Stillaguamish Valley. Here are Washington Bikes’ suggestions for making the most of your Bike and Hike Weekend.

• Gravel grinds: The latest trend in cycling are gravel grinds, loosely defined as any ride taking place predominantly on loose gravel or dirt roads. Check out Washington Bike’s blog on Stilly Valley gravel grinds to places like North Mountain and Gold Hill.
• Rail-Trails: Snohomish County’s Centennial Trail runs through Arlington. Cyclists say that one of the most scenic stretches of this 30-mile trail goes from Arlington to Nakashima Barn. *Also makes for a great winter or family-friendly hike.
• Whitehorse Trail: Completing the 27-mile Whitehorse Trail will connect Arlington and Darrington through the stunning Stillaguamish Valley and will tie into the Centennial Trail system. Activity to complete the Whitehorse Trail has gained traction in response to the SR 530 slide near Oso. As the residents of the Stillaguamish Valley seek to recover from the tragedy, completing the Whitehorse Trail serves as one economic redevelopment strategy to attract bike travel and tourism to the area. *Also makes for a great winter or family-friendly hike.

>>Read more about biking the Stillaguamish Valley from Washington Bikes

You're Invited! Celebrate trails and community

While out enjoying your hike and bike weekend, celebrate the partnerships, progress, and potential of the Whitehorse Trail for helping to redevelop the Stillaguamish Valley’s economy after the devastating Highway 530 mudslide between Oso and Darrington.

Where: The Whitehorse Trail’s Fortson Mill Trailhead
When: 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 13

Elected officials and staff, as well as leaders from Darrington and Arlington and groups like Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition will be there to recognize the great work already accomplished and the task ahead.