Monroe is home of the Evergreen State Fair, one of the largest county state fairs held annually in the Pacific Northwest. But there is so much more to Monroe than just an annually held event. Monroe is home to many local farms and nurseries that provide a multitude of crops ranging from different varieties of fruits and vegetables, as well as beef, poultry and dairy. Aside from all of that, Monroe is also a gateway to many outdoor recreation spots hidden amongst the trees, rivers and mountains that surround the area. It’s the ideal spot to spend a weekend, setting up a home base near the Central Cascades.
Where to Stay
There are only a handful of hotel-type lodging options in the area, such as the Best Western Sky Valley Inn and the Dutch Cup Motel; however, the adventurous traveler can find many campgrounds in the area to pitch a tent or park the RV. There is one lodging option that can accommodate all types of travelers, whether it be a cozy cabin, a space to pitch your tent or a spot to park your RV – Thunderbird RV & Camping Resort – which is a great place to settle for the weekend.
Where to Eat
Don’t let this small town fool you. Monroe has everything from authentic dishes to chain restaurants. Looking for a great steak after hitting the slopes at Stevens Pass? Buzz Inn Steakhouse and Adam’s Northwest Bistro and Brewery are great choices! Looking for authentic cuisine? Check out Bella Balducci’s for Mediterranean dishes, Las Tres Marias for Mexican, Thai On Main Street for Thai, Teriyaki Bowl for Japanese and Saigon Kitchen for Vietnamese. Don’t forget to grab coffee at Vinaccio Coffee Roasters!
Things to Do
From small town shopping and dining to seeking out majestic landscapes, there are many adventures to be had from this gateway town. Stevens Pass is about an hour from the town of Monroe and features great terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels during winter.
Looking for a place to relax, swim, soak up the sun along the beautiful Skykomish River? Eagle Falls is a beautiful to do just that. It’s a very popular spot during summer so be prepared. Love to fish? The Skykomish River provides an abundance of fishing opportunities all season long. Most water access areas require a Discover Pass so be sure to check for signage before leaving your car.
In search of some adrenaline? Whitewater rafting can help with that and is also popular on the Skykomish river when the snow starts to melt in spring and early summer. Outdoor Adventure Center and Alpine Adventures are your go-to outfitters for a well guided rafting trip. Looking for a unique place to visit? The Reptile Zoo is truly a unique place to bring the family. You can also find Sasquatch in Gold Bar, so don’t forget to get a picture with him while you stop and get some coffee at the Espresso Chalet.
Wallace Falls
Looking for a day hike? Wallace Falls in the town of Gold Bar is about a half an hour from Monroe and is surely a sight to see. The trail is a little over 5-miles roundtrip with a moderate elevation gain as you wind up a series of switchbacks. The trail can be busy on the weekends, as it’s one of Washington’s most popular hikes, but seeing the stunning falls is absolutely worth it.
Lake Serene
Bridal Veil Falls and Lake Serene are also a must if you are up for it. The reward after some serious elevation gain will not disappoint. It’s an 8.2-mile hike roundtrip, with 2000 feet of elevation gain, but again, the views are more than worth it. This is such a beautifiul trek in the Central Cascades, and the perfect way to round out a weekend in Monroe.
