Need your car tabs renewed? The SC Auditor's Office is a hidden gem in my opinion. While the…read morevarious private agencies around town seem to have long lines and semi-crabby service, the Auditor's Office is rarely busy, the staff are more-than-helpful, and it's easy to get in and out in a matter of minutes. On my most recent visit, it was the day before Thanksgiving so they were a little busier than on my previous visits. But after a relatively short wait, I soon had my car tabs in hand. I also had a question about a new fee I was being charged this year (grumble grumble), and the employee actually called Olympia for me to verify that the fee was valid! It was absolutely amazing to me, as I had expected to be given a form to fill out and never hear back from anyone. A+ service there! The Auditor's Office is also the place to come for all sorts of other things. Getting married? They had a very 90s-esque little station to sign up for your marriage license. Want to see some cool, vintage Skagit County pics and vintage items? They have those on display, too. What is probably the coolest thing, though, is the gorgeous mid-century design of this space. Oh, and hot tip: there's a small parking lot off of 3rd street, which you can use for free while conducting official County business.

It has been about two days since I did this hike and my legs/random parts of my body is still super…read moresore.....If you're a beginner/average hiker like me (aka, hike once in a while), just note that this is a pretty tough hike, despite the short round trip mileage (approx. 5.4miles total). Overall hike difficulty rating: Intermediate Recommendations: 1. Make sure to have the NW Forest Pass when parking 2. Hiking boots highly recommended! 2/3 of the trail is super rocky and if you choose to climb the risky rocks at the end, traction on your shoes = important. 3. Due to the steepness / slopes of the rocks, I do suggest wearing capri/longer shorts for the ladies, if you choose to do some butt sliding down the rocks. 4. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds and buggies. 5. Make sure you have enough battery life to take pictures of the magnificent views :) 6. Bring sunscreen + bug spray! ~ Hiking Experience: The drive to Mt Pilchuck = rough. As you pass the Heather Lake trailhead, the unpaved road gets super rough with the gravel and potholes. For regular/small cars, this road is doable for driving, but make sure to take it slow. Upon arrival at around 830ish (am), the parking lot was more than half full. Came here with a group of 10 and overall, we made it! We aren't super regular hikers, so this trail definitely had all of us working our entire body out. Beginning of the trail = as you leave the dirt path, you will notice the trail getting rockier with each step. Steepness of the trail wasn't too bad, especially with the various switchbacks in between. As you hit the bigger rocks along the trail (midway through), it gets a bit harder since you may have to use your hands at some points to help balance and such. Finally, when you get to the lookout tower, this is where your bouldering/rock climbing skills will be tested. There is no "flat" way to get the tower. You will have to use your body, hands, arms, and legs, as you climb up the rocks. After you scale the rocks, there is a ladder for you to climb on for the tower. Views from the tower = Beautiful. On a super clear sunny day, you will see the various mountain points. Areas to explore: For the adventurous people - I do recommend getting out on the rocks near the tower and do some mini explorations. You'll get awesome views, neat pictures and it's fun. Just be super careful since one wrong step can send you over the edge. When you're done with the tower, the hike down = tedious. For me, I had a few slides down the rocks (despite hiking boots on), so just remember to take it easy and slow. Bugs definitely were more apparent in the afternoon so keep moving if you don't want the bites. =] Love this hike and would definitely recommend it for everyone who likes a challenge.

This is a tough hike, temp in the mid 70s. First off, the drive to the trailhead is very bad, at…read moreconstant risk of parting was with your oil pan..the pot holes are deep. Drive slow and careful. I took my bordercollie on this climb, we are both avid runners, and in good shape, but this climb was tough! It is a 3 mile climb to the lookout, and the first mile or so it was fairly strait forward, shaded, beautiful, and doable. As you climb higher, you break into the scree which crescendos into climbing on, over and around some pretty hefty boulders, I wore Hoka trail shoes , and fell twice, sliding down, rock. Sometimes the trail is barely discernable, and limited visibility conditions such as nighttime or poor weather, I can see where one could easily get off track. There were a couple of streams, where there is water access for my dog..but take EXTRA water, as you'll need it. A few times I had to physically hoist my collie up some rock, by her harnesss. We could only make it to the base of the lookout as it was to difficult to get my dog up the short distance into the lookout, and I wished I had a dog sitter in order for me to go into the lookout. That being said, despite the hard work, the view, beauty, challenge and tranquility were amazing. Enjoy, pack your 10 essentials, plenty of water and make sure your dog is of the forgiving ilk.

A beautiful sight along the Everett shoreline. The majestic sight of Navy warships along the pier…read morereminds you of the awesome power that is right here in the Puget Sound. For those who can access the base, there is a small Navy Exchange and barber shop for your essentials. There is a robust MWR office and marina here. You can rent recreational equipment and get discount tickets. There is a pretty impressive single sailor program to keep you entertained and occupied in your spare time. All in all, a nice smaller surface ship base.

As I have literally been on every Navy base in the world I can say without a doubt this base is…read morepretty nice looking. Every time I come here it reminds me of a college campus. The all brick buildings with green roofs is what gives me that impression. Most bases have random looking buildings scattered throughout the base. They appear to have ample parking which considering this is a carrier base is unusual. The base admin buildings are easy to find and they have a decent amount of direction signs to help you find sites. What is lacking is with the Exchange. It was on the puny side and had minimal items for sale. I was surprised for the amount of people that can be at the base they the NEX would be so small. The food court is sad and despite being here on numerous occasions I always eat out in town.

This small, quaint library does just fine for this small, quaint town. In a neighborhood, in…read morebetween multiple schools, it's a good location for after-school pit stops and midday story time, which they do offer. Lots of events for teens, toddlers, and families. Despite being a smaller library, it serves as a great pick-up location for items put on hold online. Two self checkout stations make self-service super easy. Hold area is always organized, and I can easily find my holds for a quick checkout. A few areas to sit and work in the teen section, not as much as Marysville library but I've never seen it completely full. Computer use stations I have seen fully occupied however. Staff has always been helpful and polite. Ample parking, including street parking, private lot, and the gravel lot. Inside has always been clean and free of offensive odors. The sidewalk out front is old and uneven, as is the parking lot - most likely from the huge tree roots but if you're watching where you're going, it shouldn't be an issue. Hoping it doesn't cause complications for those needing level ground.

I love this library and appreciate the staff's help and the resources they make available for all…read morepatrons! Thank you!

Small but can feel comfortable and safe. Easy self checkout. Plenty of parking great for old lake…read morestevens location Thanks Steve Ok

Such an amazing and wonderful environment! I always find great books, movies, and CDs/ audiobooks!…read moreI highly recommen!

This library is great for so many reasons. First, right off the bat, they don't charge late fees…read moreand report you to the credit agencies if you don't pay, like the Mount Vernon library. They have a great selection of books, audio books, music and movies. If you're a member, they even have classes you can take with the online part of the library. They have so many things that the offer, most people don't even know about them. Also, they sell books in the lobby that are one of the best book selections around. People that read interesting material bring there books there to donate. I've purchased one or two books every time I'm there. And those prices beat out Value Village and Goodwill. This is a library worth the trip and you'll enjoy the nice quiet experience and the friendly and helpful staff! Highly recommend making this part of your days.

Absolutely love this library. Clean and well taken care of. Staff is nice and helpful. The only…read moredrawback is that they close early.

Serving the community of 100 or so people. Small office with a dirt parking lot. Overlooks the…read morenearby park.

You like sitting in an office for two hours while the "clerks" open and close their stations to do…read morewhat? If that is you, this is the place. Tried to get a disability card, Dr did what he thought was correct no no you need another piece of paper. So asked the clerk if we have to wait in line once we have the missing doc, oh no we dont do that, just take a number. I call horse pucky on this place. They wont see me again and I am in the car business so I will tell all I know of the professionals at Amsi.

Thank the Lord that this place exists! Vanessa and her customer service skills were truly…read moreexceptional. We visited the State-run location first - what a nightmare that was! AMSI was actually able to help *solve* our problem, not just create more problems for us. Grateful!