Friday, July 13, 2012

Skykomish, WA

The little town of Skykomish lies along US Highway 2, also known as the Cascade Highway. On our way to Leavenworth, we made a quick detour off the main road and checked out this tiny mountain town on the banks of the Skykomish River. In its heyday it was a bustling railroad center that catered to loggers and miners. Now it's like a ghost town - although around 150 people do call it home. It was fun to walk around and read the information boards which share photos and stories of its once colorful past. These days it's mainly a stopping off point for river rafters and kayakers in the summer months and skiers in the wintertime.
The main street...


The bridge connecting the town with highway 2...

The only open hotel and diner in town...


The abandoned Skynomish Hotel...



Just a short drive up Highway 2 from Skykomish, you can view Deception Waterfall and take a pretty hike through the surrounding forest...


Next stop: the Bavarian town of Leavenworth.

2 comments:

Kay L. Davies said...

These are beautiful photos, Linnea. I think I'd prefer Skykomish's old age to Leavenworth's Bavarian styling, but your photos are always a pleasure to see.
K

Cate Riley, Managing Agent said...

Thanks for your Skykomish blog post. The Skykomish Hotel is anything but abandoned. The Town has and continues to prevent owners from renovating this Landmarked historic structure. This once thriving Cascade mountain town has become a ghost town after several decades of chasing businesses, families and jobs away. Sky’s gaping wounds are no accident. They are entirely self-inflicted. For more information visit: www.SkykomishHotel.com. Thanks!
~Cate Riley, Managing Agent