Snohomish County · North Puget Sound
Snohomish
More than 175 antique dealers, a 26-block historic district on the National Register, and hot air balloons over Harvey Airfield — Snohomish earns its day trip every time.
Snohomish has been doing what it does for a long time. Founded in 1859 as Cadyville, renamed Snohomish in 1871, it served as the county seat until 1897, when a contested vote moved the government to the much newer city of Everett. That loss might have dimmed another town. Instead, Snohomish settled into its historic riverfront identity and has been refining it ever since.
Today the 26-block downtown historic district — listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974 — packs more than 175 antique dealers into less than a square mile of redbrick storefronts along First Street. Star Center Antique Mall alone represents over 200 individual dealers. The Centennial Trail runs through town, Lord Hill Regional Park offers 30 miles of trails across 1,463 forested acres, and Harvey Airfield hosts the Kla Ha Ya Days Balloon Glow — one of the more visually spectacular summer nights in Snohomish County.
The character is historic and unhurried, with genuine depth if you give it a full day. Most visitors come for the antiques. Most end up staying for the breweries, the river walk, and whatever is happening at the airfield.
Getting Here
Snohomish sits about 37 miles north of Seattle, roughly 40 minutes depending on I-5 traffic. The most direct route is north on I-5 to US-2 east toward Snohomish, then SR-9 south into town. From Everett, it is a straight 10-minute drive south on SR-9.
Downtown parking is generally easy on weekdays. Weekend antique hunting can fill street spaces by mid-morning — arrive early or use the lots a block off First Street.
Things to Do
Shopping
First Street Antique District: 175 Dealers in One Square Mile
Snohomish's historic First Street is the Antique Capital of the Northwest in concentrated form. More than 175 dealers operate within a square mile of redbrick storefronts, with Star Center Antique Mall alone representing over 200 individual sellers. Antique Station at Victoria Village, Yesterday and Today Inc. (open since 1982), and Remember When Antique Mall round out the main stops. A full morning here disappears fast.
Outdoors
Lord Hill Regional Park: 1,463 Acres Above the Snohomish River
Lord Hill is a 1,463-acre upland preserve with over 30 miles of designated trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. The Pipeline Trail ridge and Devil's Butte Lookout offer views across both the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges on clear days. Genuine backcountry forest 10 minutes from downtown.
Trails
The Centennial Trail: 30 Miles of Paved Pathway Through the Valley
The Centennial Trail runs along a former railroad grade for more than 30 paved miles through the Snohomish River Valley. Flat and open to walkers, cyclists, and rollerbladers. The Snohomish segment connects downtown to open farmland scenery north and south.
History
The 26-Block Historic District: On the National Register Since 1974
Snohomish designated its 26-block downtown historic district in 1973 with design ordinances requiring new construction to match the historic character. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Walking First Street today, the visual continuity of those original buildings is immediately apparent.
Craft Beer
Sound to Summit Brewing: 17 Taps and a Covered Patio
Sound to Summit opened in 2014 and has been a Snohomish anchor ever since. Seventeen hand-crafted beers and seltzers rotate on tap, the covered heated patio runs year round, and the place is genuinely dog and kid friendly. Find it at 1830 Bickford Ave.
Farms
Snohomish River Valley U-Pick and Farm Experiences
The agricultural land surrounding Snohomish supports a cluster of working farms open through the growing season: blueberry u-picks, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and sunflower fields rotate through summer and fall, with farm-to-table dining drawing on the same valley harvest.
Events
Kla Ha Ya Days Balloon Glow at Harvey Airfield
Every July, Harvey Airfield hosts the Kla Ha Ya Days Balloon Glow. Hot air balloons inflate and glow against the evening sky starting around 8:15pm, with live music, food trucks, and a night market alongside. 2026 glow: July 25, 4:30pm to 10pm.
River
Kayaking and Walking the Snohomish River
The Snohomish River runs along the south edge of downtown. Pilchuck Park provides river access for kayakers and casual walkers, with a completely different view of the city than the antique-lined streets above it.
“Snohomish served as the Snohomish County seat for 36 years before Everett — a much newer city — took the title in a contested 1897 vote.”
Explore Washington State
Where to Stay
Snohomish Inn
The most central lodging option in town, at 323 2nd Street. Jetted soaking tubs, fresh flowers, and coffee makers in every room — all within walking distance of First Street antique shops.
Countryman Bed and Breakfast
A well-established B&B with a loyal repeat guest following. Air conditioning, wifi, and a location close to downtown antique shopping.
Bella's Bed and Breakfast
A Victorian home with four guest rooms, each with private baths. Full breakfast served each morning — one of the more charming overnight options in Snohomish County.
Pillows and Platters Bed and Breakfast
Housed in the original Methodist Parsonage for the city of Snohomish. Three guest rooms and a notable breakfast in a building with genuine historical presence.
Find a Cabin Near Snohomish
Find a Cabin Near Snohomish
Food & Drink
Sound to Summit Brewing (1830 Bickford Ave) has been a Snohomish anchor since 2014. Seventeen hand-crafted beers and seltzers on tap, a covered heated patio that runs year round, and a genuinely dog and kid-friendly atmosphere. One of the better reasons to end an antique-hunting day in Snohomish.
Trails End Restaurant and Taphouse serves classic American dishes with a rotating selection of local craft beers on tap. Warm interior and a reliable everyday menu.
Spada Farmhouse Brewery — a farmhouse-style brewery that hosts events including the Snohomish Blues Invasion each October.
Skip Rock Distillers — a local distillery worth adding to the itinerary for spirits and cocktail fans.
Festivals & Events
July
Kla Ha Ya Days
Street fair on July 18, 2026, with vendors, entertainment, and community events on historic First Street. The Kla Ha Ya Days Balloon Glow follows on July 25 at Harvey Airfield — hot air balloons, live music, food trucks, and a night market. Glow begins around 8:15pm.
August
Snohomish Block Party
August 14 and 15, 2026 at Harvey Airfield. Music, vendors, and open-air summer festival atmosphere at the airfield.
October
Snohomish Blues Invasion
Select venues on historic First Street host this annual blues festival, with Spada Farmhouse Brewery among the regular venues. Exact 2026 dates not confirmed — check wablues.org for details.
Day Trips
Everett — 10 minutes north on SR-9. The Imagine Children’s Museum, Everett AquaSox baseball, the Boeing Future of Flight tour, and the Everett waterfront all make easy additions to a Snohomish trip. EWS has a full Everett visitor guide.
Monroe — 20 minutes east on US-2. Gateway to the Skykomish Valley and the start of the Stevens Pass corridor. The Monroe Reptile Zoo is one of the top family attractions in Snohomish County.
Wallace Falls State Park — About 30 minutes east near Gold Bar. A series of waterfalls including Upper Wallace Falls with a 265-foot drop, accessed via winding forest trails. One of the more dramatic half-day hikes within an hour of Snohomish.
Planning Your Visit
Snohomish is easily a full-day trip from Seattle or Everett. Arrive by mid-morning, spend a few hours in the antique shops along First Street, break for lunch at Trails End or Sound to Summit, then walk or bike the Centennial Trail in the afternoon. Lord Hill Regional Park adds a half day of serious hiking if you want it.
If timing allows, the Kla Ha Ya Days Balloon Glow in late July is worth building a trip around — the glow begins around 8:15pm at Harvey Airfield and runs about 90 minutes. Book lodging early if visiting during that weekend.
More Snohomish on EWS
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Snohomish, Washington known for?
Snohomish is the Antique Capital of the Northwest, with more than 175 antique dealers operating within a square mile of historic First Street. The 26-block downtown historic district has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974. The city is also known for its river trails, Harvey Airfield events, and working farms in the Snohomish River Valley.
How far is Snohomish from Seattle?
Snohomish is about 37 miles north of Seattle, roughly a 40-minute drive. Take I-5 north to US-2 east, then SR-9 south into downtown. From Everett, it is about 10 minutes south on SR-9.
Is Snohomish worth visiting?
Yes, particularly for anyone interested in antiques, historic architecture, or outdoor trails. The compact downtown is genuinely walkable, the antique shopping takes a full morning at minimum, and Lord Hill Regional Park adds serious hiking just minutes away. It makes an easy and rewarding day trip from Seattle or Everett.
When is the best time to visit Snohomish, Washington?
Summer through early fall is the peak season. The Kla Ha Ya Days Balloon Glow in late July is one of the most memorable events in Snohomish County. Fall brings pumpkin patches and farm activities. The antique shops are open year round.
Was Snohomish ever the county seat?
Yes. Snohomish served as the seat of Snohomish County from 1861 to 1897, when a contested county-wide vote relocated the government to the much newer city of Everett. The move was controversial at the time and remains a notable chapter in the city’s history.
How many antique shops are in Snohomish?
Snohomish’s historic downtown is home to more than 175 antique dealers spread across more than a dozen shops, all within less than a square mile. Star Center Antique Mall alone represents over 200 individual sellers, and First Street offers a full day of hunting for anyone serious about vintage finds.