Explore Stanwood and Camano 2023

STANWOOD & CAMANO

Less than an hour away, unique shopping, dining and family recreation

A huge list of family-friendly activities & events

There’s so much to explore around Stanwood and Camano Island. Take a drive, go for a hike, get on the water — you can’t go wrong! Take this magazine with you to help guide your adventures over the next year.

STAFF:

Writer: Craig Parrish, cparrish@scnews.com

Photos: Stanwood Camano News le photos

Advertising: Carrie Paulson, cpaulson@skagitpublishing.com

2023 Explore: Stanwood and Camano, Copyright 2023

Published June 6, 2023

A supplement of Stanwood Camano News PO Box 999, Stanwood, WA 98282

PHONE: 360.629.2155

STAFF:

Writers: Evan Caldwell, ecaldwell@scnews.com; Randi Armstrong ramstrong@scnews.com

Advertising: Derek Smith Explore

7208 267th St NW Ste A-100 Stanwood, WA 98292; 360-629-2155

ON THE COVER: A girl collects crab on Camano Island.

There’s so much to explore around Stanwood and Camano Island. Take a drive, go for a hike, get on the water - you can’t go wrong! Take this magazine with you to help guide your adventures over the next year.

The Magic of Stanwood

Less than an hour north of Seattle and away from the big-city buzz is charming Stanwood — a small town with big connections. The city mixes a rich history with a fresh enthusiasm from a diverse and growing business and event community.

Surrounding Stanwood are quiet agricultural lands and wildlife-rich waterways — all waiting to be explored.

The west side of Camano Island in the foreground is home to Cama Beach State Park, at left, and Camano Island State Park, at center right in this aerial photo looking east.

HISTORY

Originally settled in 1866 as a trading post, the community changed names a few times before merging as Stanwood in 1960. Being situated at the mouth of the Stillaguamish River and near Skagit Bay, the city acted as a base of operations to get logs from the forests to the mills elsewhere in the Salish Sea. Today, you can explore the area’s history at the Pearson House Museum (sahs-fncc.org) at 27108 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood.

You can also read the ongoing Stanwood Camano News series “Exploring History,” which dives into speci c topics of the area’s rich history, at SCnews.com/history.

ADVENTURE

Stanwood also operates as a home base for fun!

Meet friends and family in town to fuel up for a day of biking, hiking, paddling or more at a cozy bakery or co ee shop.

Then take o on a relaxing bike ride through the countryside or walk the waterfront trails or challenge a friend to disc golf or get out on the water. The possibilities abound.

At the end of the day, relax at one of the city’s unique eateries, pubs or bars and soak in one of our quintessential sunsets as a refreshing sea breeze rolls in.

SHOPPING

Spend the day exploring

Stanwood’s unique shopping areas, each lled with treasures for any age.

Several independent shops and restaurants are situated in the west downtown commercial area, near the intersection of 102nd Avenue NW and the brick-covered 270th Street NW.

Another collection of popular independent stores and eateries congregate in the east downtown area along 271st Street NW between Lien Street NW and Marine Drive.

The growing uptown district to the east — near the intersection of Highway 532 and 72nd Avenue NW — features its own collection of independent stores, bakeries, co ee shops and more.

Chill Out On Camano

Enjoy “island time”without sitting in a ferry line.

Hop on Highway 532 and head west until you meet the cool ocean breeze. While mostly dotted with homes, Camano Island does o er a rich array of outdoor activities, a pair of commercial hubs and a thriving arts scene. Even something as simple as the leisurely 40-mile drive around the island is worth the trip.

ON THE WATER

Though you can clam and sh around the island, crabbing is the top attraction. Six boat launches dot Camano (English Boom, Utsalady, Maple Grove, Camano Island State Park, Mabana and Cavalero). But you’ll need a

crabbing license, pots, rope, buoys, bait, patience and an appetite. Boil up the catch around a camp re with some friends. Check wdfw. wa.gov for more info, tips, rules and regulations.

If catching dinner isn’t in the plans, you can still enjoy a blissful boat

Highway 532 runs west through Stanwood toward Camano Island in the center of this aerial photo from April 26, 2020.

trip, brisk kayak adventure or boisterous paddleboard excursion to explore the tranquil waters surrounding Camano.

ADVENTURE

Pristine beaches lure plenty of tourists, but the miles of shoreline aren’t the only attraction.

Camaloch Golf Course o ers 18 picturesque holes (camalochgolf. com). Arrowhead Ranch is home to an axe throwing venue (arrowheadranchcamano.com).

Kristoferson Farms features zip line adventures (canopytoursnw. com).

Campers also nd getaways at two unique state parks — Camano Island o ers traditional camp sites and Cama Beach is a converted resort featuring cozy cabins (parks.state.wa.us).

They are surrounded by miles of family friendly trails. Popular county parks such as Barnum Point also feature miles of fun trails (islandcountywa.gov).

SIP & SHOP

A handful of breweries and wineries o er a unique selection of drinks for those seeking refreshments.

Meanwhile, shops are concentrated at Camano Commons and at the Camano Plaza. The Commons features a marketplace o ering crafts from local artists, ice cream, chocolates, a bakery and more. The Plaza features the island’s lone grocery store, a hardware store, eateries and more.

Edward Lynne Cellars and Dusty Cellars are small, handcrafted wineries. Ale Spike is the island’s lone brewery, and Camano Cider is the only cidery. Plenty of eateries serve locally made drinks and locally grown produce and o er both indoor and outdoor seating. For more, visit camanoisland.org.

LAUNCHES

Public motorized boat launches on Camano (fee required): English Boom, Utsalady, Maple Grove, Mabana, Cavalero, Camano Island State Park.

Public motorized boat launches near Stanwood: Wenberg Park at Lake Goodwin, Kayak Point on Port Susan, Lake Ki, Hat Slough on the Stillaguamish River.

Tues.-Sat.11am-4pm•Sun.11am-3pm 360-629-3006•www.uffdashoppe.com•VikingVillage•Stanwood

Tues.-Sat.11am-4pm•Sun.11am-3pm 360-629-3006•www.uffdashoppe.com•VikingVillage•Stanwood

Public beaches for non-motorized craft: Iverson Spit Preserve, Barnum Point Park, English Boom Preserve, Utsalady, Maple Grove, Mabana, Cavalero, Cama Beach State Park, Camano Island State Park, Leque

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ThereissomethingforeveryoneattheUffDaShoppe, Fromcookwaretoornaments,&t-shirtstoelectriccandletrees...andmuchmore.

Island, Hamilton Park, Hat Slough and Kayak Point Park.

RENT A BOAT

If you don’t have a boat, you can easily rent one. The Cama Beach Boathouse at Cama Beach State Park rents motor boats, sailboats, kayaks, row boats and canoes for as little as $30 for an hour (cwb. org/cama-todo). In addition, you can rent crab pots and catch your dinner without investing in all the gear. Before or after your adventure, be sure to explore the Center for Wooden Boats (free). It o ers classes and displays of the area’s maritime history.

BONUS: Kids can build toy boats from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday.

Crabbing 101

Step 1

You’ll need a license, so visit wdfw. wa.gov or one of the area’s stores. Crabbers 15 or older must carry a current license.

Step 2

Get your gear: a pot, rope, buoy and bait are available at local marine or hardware stores.

Step 3

Get away from shore by using a boat or a pier, usually to areas up to about 20-100 feet. Law requires at least one life jacket for each person on board a boat and for children 12 and younger to be wearing one.

Step 4

Eat! Cook your catch for about 15

minutes in boiling water, transfer to ice bath, and then crack, clean and enjoy.

Step 5

Don’t forget that you must report your catch at the end of the season. Follow the instruction on your license.

LAKES

There are several warm lakes just to the east. Lake Goodwin is the largest, featuring two public parks with swimming, picnicking and playgrounds —including the newly remodeled Wenberg County Park. Water sports and shing can be enjoyed year-round.

RIVERS

The Stillaguamish River is the main river in the region.You can experience the whole river

by taking Highway 530 east to Darrington, or stop at a shady river bend to cool o or cast a line for salmon, steelhead and trout. It’s the same story to the north, where the Skagit River winds its way from the Cascades to the Salish Sea.

FISHING

Between Camano Island and the mainland is a body of water called Port Susan. To the north of Stanwood and Camano is Skagit Bay. To the west, the 4-mile-wide Saratoga Passage separates Camano and Whidbey islands. If you don’t have access to a boat, several charter- shing guides o er shing, crabbing and shrimping trips. Most set their sights on king, silver and blackmouth salmon. Some try their hand at smelt dipping.

Set Up Camp

You don’t have to travel far or ght tra c to nd a place to relax under the stars by a camp re.

If camping isn’t in your plans, the area features a long and diverse list of vacation rental options. Or, just spend the day by taking a moment at one of the many public spaces.

WENGERG

This park on Lake Goodwin’s eastern shore o ers woodland campsites, picnic sites and safe swimming at a sandy beach. A boat launch provides access for water skiing and shing. A new wheelchair-friendly xed dock for walking and shing encircles the swimming beach. It has a railed side ramp that goes into the water,

allowing people with mobility challenges to enjoy the lake. 15430 E. Lake Goodwin Road, Stanwood

CAMA BEACH

Originally a spectacular shing resort built in the 1930s, this state park rents 33 beach cabins and various small boats. Cama Beach Café is open daily in the summer and weekends the rest of the year. This busy park o ers activities such as toy boat building, guided low tide walks, square dances and ranger talks. Cama Beach has 15 miles of walking trails; one trail goes to Camano Island State Park, a mile along the beach. 1880 West Camano Drive, Camano Island

CAMANO ISLAND

This gem of a park has a variety of camping with 77 campsites without hookup, ve cabins and a group camp. Enjoy the beach, hiking and biking trails, game eld, picnic shelter and boat launches.

Island County parks: islandcountywa.gov

Snohomish County parks: snocoparks.org State parks: parks.wa.gov

Those with licenses can clam, crab or sh in season. 2269 Lowell Point Road, Camano Island

KAYAK POINT

Camp in a yurt or tent where the forest towers over the shoreline. Visitors can sh from a 300-foot pier, windsurf, picnic, hike, camp and boat. The park is part of the Great Washington State Birding Trail, with birds on the water, in the trees and in the air. A giant beachside playground awaits kids. 15610 Marine Drive south of Stanwood

Lasting Memories

Adventure awaits at nearly every turn in the StanwoodCamano area. Here are some family friendly ideas to get you started

PLAY AT THE PARK

Camano Island’s Freedom Park and Rotary Playground anchors one end of the popular Terry’s Corner area. The park features lots of territory for kids to explore amid plenty of public art.

In Stanwood, Church Creek Park features a new playground and Heritage Park o ers a skate park, pump track and ball elds.

To the south, Kayak Point Park is a popular waterfront hangout with a playground, a shing pier and shaded picnic areas.

GET ACTIVE

Stanwood’s Vito Z Memorial Skate Park at Heritage Park features an array of modular-style steel ramps. There’s also the neighboring dirt pump track for bicyclists.

DISC GOLF

Dust o that old Frisbee in the garage and head to Stanwood’s Church Creek Park to nd a popular disc golf course. Or head south to the Kayak Point Disc Golf Course, a site boasting several professional public courses along with a pro shop.

HIT A BEACH

Barnum Point Park — Camano’s newest park — has something for everyone. Wide trails, beach access and lots of wildlife. It’s worth the trek at any time of the year.

Much of Camano Island is ringed with a rocky beach. But Iverson

Spit Preserve o ers one of the few public sandy spots. It’s perfect for sunbathing and picnicking. Another hidden gem: English Boom County Park on the north side of the island, which o ers sweeping views of Skagit Bay and Mount Baker.

BONUS TIP: Try out some of the area’s trails. Most are lined with wild salmonberries, huckleberries and blackberries.

TREASURE HUNT

In February, join The Great Northwest Glass Quest where people search public spaces for

clue balls to win unique, handblown glass balls. Technically, it’s year-round because a few clue balls are still out there waiting to be found.

GO BIRDING

The region is one of the state’s premier areas to observe birds.

Hundreds of di erent types of birds call the area home, but the region is probably most famous for snow geese and trumpeter swans that winter in the area lowlands. But new habitat restoration areas, such as Leque Island between Stanwood and Camano have become popular birding destinations.

The Stanwood-Camano area is between two active Audubon chapters: Skagit, based in Mount Vernon, and Pilchuck, based in Everett. Here, birders join either or both. Find information, connections and online presentations through skagitaudubon.org, pilchuckaudubon.org and ebird. org.

CHRISTMAS

Both Downtown Stanwood and the Camano Commons on Camano Island celebrate the holidays with a tree lighting, children choirs and more. Check discoverstanwoodcamano.com for dates.

Meanwhile, to the south at Warm Beach, are millions of twinkling lights at the popular Lights of Christmas display.

WHALES

Whale watching is a popular activity in the Salish Sea area. And while there are companies o ering boat tours that get people a close-up perspective, there are also plenty of viewpoints from land to spot the creatures. Even if you don’t see whales, these sites o er unique views of the region.

See a list of public viewpoints at whidbeycamanoislands.com/ whale-watching-from-land. Gray whales are the most common to be spotted. Orcas are more rare, but typically make a few appearances throughout the year.

AMAZING ART

Stanwood-Camano artists host several events throughout the year. Many operate out of A Guilded Gallery in downtown Stanwood and others are a part of Camano Arts Association.

Keep your eye out for local festivals where many local artists display and sell their creations.

On Mother’s Day weekend, many local artists throw open the doors

to their studios to host the popular Camano Studio Tour.

On The Calendar

There are numerous events throughout the year in the Stanwood-Camano area, many of which have been held for many years. It is recommended that visitors con rm dates, times and details with the source.

JUNE

Stanwood-Camano Pride

12-4 p.m. June 3 at Freedom Park. Parade and Party in the Park. camanoisland.org/event/ stanwood-camano-prideparade-and-party-in-thepark-2023

Soap Box Derby

June 17 at 615 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island. The Soap Box Derby is an annual event held at Arrowhead Ranch on Camano

Island. Children ages 7-19 have the opportunity to build and race an o cial soap box car.

arrowheadranchcamano.com/ soap-box-derby

Summer Solstice Art, Beer & Wine Festival

10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 23-25 at Camano Commons, 848 N. Sunrise Blvd, Camano Island. www. zapplication.org/event-info. php?ID=11006

Camano Crab Dash

9 a.m., June 24. All-ages 5k, 10k, fun run/walk, starting at Camano Center. camanocenter.org

Twin City Idlers Car Show

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 25, 271st Street NW in downtown Stanwood. Free. twincityidlers.org

STANWOOD SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Alternating Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., June 10 through Aug. 26. The city of Stanwood and the o er free evening concerts at rotating locations. stanwoodcommercealliance.org

STANWOOD FARMERS MARKET

2 p.m.-6 p.m. Fridays June 2 through Oct. 6, featuring a mix of new and returning

vendors. The market is in east downtown by the Amtrak station. StanwoodFarmersMarket.org

JULY

Silvana Fair

July 29. Parking and Entrance are free. 1331 Pioneer Highway in Silvana. silvanafair.com

AUGUST

National Night Out

6-8 p.m. Aug 1, Behind the Stanwood Police Station at 272nd St. NW, Stanwood. Free

community-building campaign that promotes public safety, community partnerships, and neighborhood camaraderie.

Stanwood-Camano Community Parade

11 a.m. Aug. 5, 271st NW, Stanwood. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Stanwood/ Camano Island. stanwoodcamanofair.org/ parade

Stanwood-Camano Community Fair

Aug. 5-7. 6431 Pioneer Hwy. The Largest Community Fair in Washington State. info@ stanwoodcamanofair.org

SEPTEMBERDECEMBER

Harvest Festival and Haunted BOOathouse

October. Hosted by State Parks and Center for Wooden Boats. camabeachfoundation.org

Lights of Christmas

Evenings, late November through New Year’s at Warm Beach Camp. The largest Christmas festival in the Paci c Northwest, with over one million lights. 20800 Marine Dr., Stanwood. thelightsofChristmas. com.

Old-Fashioned Christmas

At the Floyd Norgaard Cultural Center. A free community event with holiday themed children’s activities. 27130 102nd Ave. NW. sahs-fncc.org

Afternoon with Santa Mid-December at the Camano Center. A free community event with holiday themed children’s activities. 606 Arrowhead Rd., Camano Island. camanocenter. org

Winterfest

December at Cama Beach State Park. Music and holiday activities for the family. Hosted

by the Center for Wooden Boats and Cama Beach State Park. camabeachfoundation.org

JANUARY-FEBRUARY

First Day Hikes

Jan 1. Hosted by State Parks. camabeachfoundation.org

Great Northwest Glass Quest

Mid-February. A 7-10-day treasure hunt for clue balls hidden in Stanwood and Camano Island communities. Win unique, hand-blown glass balls. thegreatnwglassquest.com

Award-WinningDeli&Bakery

Stanwood-Camano Snow Goose & Birding Festival

Presentations and workshops, bus tours and bird watching in Stanwood and on Camano Island. snowgoosefest.org or DiscoverStanwoodCamano. com, www.facebook.com/ stanwoodcamano snowgooseandbirdingfestival/

MARCH-MAY

The McClinchy Mile Camano Climb Bike Ride

Late April, an annual fundraiser with proceeds going back into local bicycling. Participants have

three routes to choose from. bikeclub.org/mcclinchy

Camano Island Studio Tour

Held Mother’s Day Weekend and the following Encore weekend. A self-guided tour of area studios. camanoarts.org/studio-tour OR camanostudiotour.com

Camano Island Mother’s Day Festival

Mother’s Day Weekend at Terry’s Corner 848 N. Sunrise Blvd, Camano Island. www. artsfestivals.org/festivals