Outdoor Recreation: Explore the Wild Beauty of Skykomish
Surrounded by the stunning peaks of the Central Cascades, Skykomish is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Whether you’re seeking high-adrenaline adventure or peaceful moments in nature, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy the great outdoors right here. Below are featured parks in town and nearby hotspots. Be sure to also check out our nearby campgrounds, and hiking and trail access along the Skykomish River Valley into the Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, the Wild Sky Wilderness, and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area.
Maloney Creek Interpretive Trail – Nature and History in Harmony
Maloney Creek flows as a wild mountain stream from the Maloney Lakes near the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, eventually joining the South Fork Skykomish River. The Maloney Creek Interpretive Trail, located at the end of Thelma Street in Skykomish, offers a serene, family-friendly hiking experience through this beautiful forested corridor.
This easy, well-maintained trail is approximately 0.4 miles round-trip and is suitable for all ages and ability levels. Along the way, interpretive signs share insights into the history of Maloney Creek and its surrounding landscape.
Trailhead: End of Thelma Street, Skykomish, WA
The Skykomish Ballpark
The Skykomish Ballpark is a local gem, featuring campgrounds, an outdoor kitchen, restrooms, playground equipment, and easy access to the beautiful Skykomish River. It’s the perfect place to relax, play, or gather with friends and family. Campsites are available for reservation throughout the summer and fall. This scenic spot is also home to some of Skykomish’s most beloved events, including the annual Music in the Park held every third Saturday in August, drawing locals and visitors from all around the valley.
Stevens Pass Mountain Resort — for Skiing, Snowboarding and summer Mountain Biking
Just 16 miles from Stevens Pass Mountain Resort, Skykomish is the perfect place to stay, fuel up, or relax before or after a day on the slopes. Winter brings fresh powder and thrilling terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. The lofty location on the Cascade Crest puts this resort in the eye of winter’s mightiest storms, resulting in 460 inches of snowfall on average. In summer Stevens is home to Washington’s premier lift-accessed, downhill mountain bike experience, scenic rides, disc golf and more.
Skykomish River for Fishing, Kayaking & Wildlife Watching
The Skykomish River offers numerous opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and spotting local wildlife. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, deer, and salmon during seasonal runs. You may access the river near the bridge into the Town, down the Old Cascade Highway at the “washout”, or at the Maloney Creek campground. Guided river rafting and kayaking is available in the nearby Town of Index through the Outdoor Adventure Center.