Index isn't for everyone, which is more than a small part of why I like it. Most of the conga line…read moreof tourist cars that plods up and down the scenic Highway 2 corridor each weekend don't even realize the place exists. In the rare case that a particularly inquisitive traveler gets a wild hair up their ass to actually exit the highway and check Index out on a whim, they generally won't know what you're supposed to do there. The wireless signal's not great, there's a noisy train that comes through a bit too frequently for their tastes, and there are only two places to spend money in the whole darn town. The only apparent thing to do there is look at the river, go into the forest and look at the trees, or walk up to any of the massive walls of sheer granite and look at the stones. No fudge shops, no ice creameries, no beer gardens. No point. Of course, if you're a rock climber those walls of granite are the equivalent of a set of keys to a Ferrari. Index, as most of you know, is the best crag in the world. But it's also a uniquely difficult form of climbing that is hard on the fingers and toes, harder on the brain, and harder still on the ego. So even most climbers stay away from Index. (I know, it doesn't seem like it on a busy summer day... but climbing is growing everywhere in the US, and trust me, other places have much bigger overcrowding issues). I spent five summers in Washington, mostly because of Index. It's not just the stone, truth be told. The forest is like something out of a fairy tale. I've been out to the Olympics--the Hoh rainforest, the quietest place on Earth, yada yada--and it's got nothing on this special valley. The Skykomish is one of the cleanest, prettiest rivers I've ever seen. It also happens to be one of the few rivers in the lower 48 that is entirely undammed-- headwaters to outlet. Salmon spawn on the Skykomish in the fall, mushrooms of all shapes and colors (including many choice edibles) grow throughout the year, Bobcats prowl the woods, Banana slugs pepper the forest floor. It's a lovely place to sit, think, and disconnect from the so-called "real" world for a while. That said, I often found Index to be a less than perfect location for a romantic getaway between myself and my fiance. Don't get me wrong, I love the camping. But a pot of ramen and glass of wine only go so far when the folks in the RV next to you are smoking meth out of what seems to be a lightbulb, and coughing and cursing loudly. Well, the days of dumpster diving my dinners and living in an old plumber's van down by the river are behind me now. I'm a married man (or I was to be, before COVID postponed our wedding by a year). My fiancé and I live in Flagstaff, Arizona-- not a bad place itself, if a little dry for my tastes. Since we didn't get to have our wedding this summer, Megan and I hemmed and hawed for a long time about taking a vacation. We finally decided to come back to Washington (where it all began for us almost a decade ago) on a last minute whim. Of course we would spend part of our trip at Index... but in what capacity? The point of our sojourn was not to climb, but to connect. Romantic candlelit dinners, showers, beds, peaceful mornings drinking coffee by the river. That's what we were looking for. What if Index could be all the things it never was for us? It was that question that brought us to the Wild Sky Ranch. And the answer to that question, to both of our elation, was nothing short of an epiphany. "Maybe we could live here some day," are words I never thought I'd hear Meg say. And yet, there she was saying it. Almost every morning and every evening as we sat in our cozy cabin listening to the river, and watching the moss grow. Maybe it was just the sheer relief of being in humidity again (something sorely lacking in Arizona), but I honestly can't remember the last time I saw Meg looking so relaxed. Hell, I can't remember the last time I felt so relaxed myself. So, this is just a very longwinded shoutout to the Wild Sky Ranch. I can't believe it took me almost ten years to finally book a stay at that lovely place. Just like Index, I'm sure it's not for everyone. But if, based upon what I've said, you feel like it may be for you, I couldn't recommend staying there more. Looking back, it's one of the loveliest vacations Meg and I have ever had together. I'm sure that when we come back to Index, we will spend at least a night or two there again.

We hosted a 40+ person event at this site which has a big barn with an adjacent kitchen, several…read morecabins, and an office. The owners were amazingly helpful with all of our requests from start to finish, making sure we had everything we needed right up until the day of the event. The cabins are large and well-stocked with pretty much everything you could need, and the site itself it G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S, with at least 2 or 3 firepits and one overlooking the Skykomish River which is just a stone's throw away. Overall we were really pleased to rent this site and we will definitely be back for any other big events!

Updated 100+ year old inn in Index. Great venue for an office getaway, family reunion, or smaller…read morewedding. Views are stunning when the clouds part. Definitely coming back and staying longer.

This is a special charming place to stay. It's off the grid but well worth the peacefulness and…read morebeauty. The owners are helpful and welcoming people. I so enjoyed my stay there.

Great for koi, pond and aqua garden supply and advice. Great selections…read moreGreat Great Great

Went to Falling Water Gardens today and had the best experience! Lauren helped us and was super…read moreknowledgeable. We learned so much and had a very positive experience. We will definitely be back soon for more koi!

I have acquired three (3) makings from Maia as of today, and will continue to shop her wonderful…read moremakings. Everything that she's made for me has been absolutely spot on. Plus her no hassle shipping is awesome. Due to her work I am back in the #1son slot with both of my moms and finally out of the doghouse with my girlfriend. Thanks Maia, you're the best!!!

From the owner: Florist & Handmade Gift Shop, free shipping nationwide in the contiguous 48 states, free personal…read moredelivery in Snohomish County, experienced event flower and decor provider, serving you since 2018. 5-Star rating on Google and Yelp.

One of the most picturesque and private riverfront campgrounds I've ever experienced on the West…read moreCoast. 3 reasons why I'd camp here again in a heartbeat: 1. Lush campsites with fire rings. 2. Location: Perfectly surrounded by Trout Creek and the North Fork of the Skykomish River which makes for surreal camping, epic trout and salmon fishing, and a great site for rafting/kayaking trips. It feels like you're on an island. Easy location to begin hikes from as well. 3. They even have porto-potties (which makes it easier for the ladies)! Located off hwy 2 past the picturesque town of Index WA and on at the end of the Index-Galena road washout. This private campground is owned and operated by Outdoor Adventure Center right in Index. Reservations are required in advanced with the Outdoor Adventure Center (see link). I've stayed here numerous times with family and friends. Highly recommend for family, fishing, hiking, climbing, naturalist, and photographer camping getaways.

This is a beautiful location and the host are wonderful, helpful fun people who go beyond making…read moreyour adventure an enjoyable adventure.

A group of six purchased Living Social vouchers for the Lopez Island 3 hour Sea Kayak Tour…read more We needed to take a ferry to get to Lopez Island. Plan accordingly. http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ Outdoor adventures keeps the guided groups small (maximum 12 people). I appreciate the small groups since this was my first time kayaking. Three types of kayaks are available: single, double or triple occupancy. Discover is an accepted form of payment. A Discover Pass is required to park at Spencer Spit. If you do not have a pass, a $10 day pass can be purchased with cash or check. There were several rangers checking passes on our visit so be sure to have a pass visibly displayed to avoid being ticketed. WHAT TO BRING - Signed Release of Liability - Bathing suit or non-cotton under layers preferred - A synthetic shirt (capilene, polypro, Under Armor, etc) - Shorts or pants made of a synthetic material (may get wet/damp) - Lightweight fleece jacket or windbreaker/rain jacket to provide warmth - Water shoes or sandals that strap on (or shoes that can get wet) - Sun hat and/or sunglasses - Sunscreen and chapstick - Water bottle - Optional; Camera, Plastic bag for wet items and change of clothing - If you have a gift certificate or prepaid voucher (such as Groupon) please bring a printed copy with you! Dorito Dan was our guide for the day. Dan was friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The first hour is dedicated to introductions, procedures and safety. Be sure to use the restroom before departing. Once on the water, there is no turning back. Kayaking is great for teamwork and communication. Both are required to avoid frustration. I recommend wearing weight-lifting/bicycle gloves in order to prevent blisters. Each person in our group started getting blisters towards the end of the tour. During our 3 mile kayaking trip, we spotted starfish, seals and majestic bald eagles. Thank you Outdoor Adventures for providing a magnificent day of play while surrounded by gorgeous Mother Nature. We all plan to return in the near future for another go-around.

We booked The Bent Horseshoe Bar for a birthday party. This was my first time working with a mobile…read morebar service, so I had no idea what to expect. Barb crushed it! I have pretty high expectations for every vendor that I work with and leave little room for mistakes. I was incredibly impressed by this company! From the cool set up, the custom drink menu, to their friendless, and professionalism. Booking them again is a no brainer! Thank you for making this event memorable!

My experience with The Bent Horse Shoe Bar was great. She…read morewas very helpful, the trailer is very cute and adds fun to any event! I highly recommend.

Simply the best. They came recommended from a friend of a friend in the business. Not only did they…read moreanswer my initial call at 8pm on a Sunday they were genuinely excited to talk about the event and how they had the same day available. The next day I put the deposit down after meeting them and all else was trust. Day of the event they showed up early and everything after that was top shelf professional. All of the cooking was done on site for 185 guests and it was superb. When we had a couple tables disorganized they stepped in and made it seamless. I can't recommend them enough. Husband and wife team that I will am forever thankful we were able to do business with. Thank you for taking my call!

Maverick catered a 100th birthday celebration for my mom. They did an incredible job! They were…read moreeasy to work with in the planning stages, and made great suggestions when I solicited their advice. The party itself was outstanding. The food was fresh and delicious, and they continually replenished the buffet so it looks beautiful throughout the event. They also moved around the crowd with passed apps and clean up in a completely professional way. I could not have been more pleased! We will use them again. Highly reccomend.

It's a beautiful spot for an event. Right off south lake Union with a wall that opens for outside…read moreseating, a bar and area for food. Perfect for a party or as in my visit a celebration of life. It's a good sized room!

I hosted a professional event for a group of about ~120 legal professionals at the Extra Ingredient…read moreand was blown away with the experience working with Kat & Elizabeth and their team. The food was AMAZING, the venue was beautiful, and the staff were amazing. Overall, working with the venue was remarkably easy. Their pricing and policies were clear upfront, and they gave sample menus to help guide pricing estimates. Kat and Elizabeth were very responsive and proactive with logistics, which made planning much easier. As for the space itself, it was perfect for my group because it looks beautiful without extensive decor and has a polished and formal look perfect for a professional event. The outdoor patio was an amazing plus, especially on a gorgeous day. I was worried about the venue being loud, but it is totally quiet inside and on the patio. The staff were incredible professionals who provided a very high level of service. I would highly recommend this venue and look forward to hosting this event at the Extra Ingredient next year!