Index WA

I remember the first time I drove across the bridge to Index, in the foothills of the Cascade Ranges near Seattle.

I was in immediate awe of this picturesque village on the Skykomish River, with a sheer, granite wall rising 1,200 feet behind it. Wow!

Further south I could see the dramatic, snowcapped mountains of Wild Sky Wilderness, and the vertical rock formation of Mt Index.  It was impossibly beautiful!

Index is less than 2 hours drive from Seattle, and started out as a rough and tumble logging and mining town in 1889.  The population soared to 1000 people, but has now dropped to just 200 residents.

It's amazing this this incredible setting remains untouched from a big hotel or housing development. However, apparently the properties are tightly held, and land is hard to come by. Thankfully it remains a sleepy hamlet.

Is Index worth visiting?

The big attraction in Index is the historic hotel known as the Bush House Inn, that has been painstakingly restored. I've enjoyed a few lunches and dinners here at the cosy restaurant, and sat out on the front porch while enjoying coffee and taking in the views.

After a delicious meal, my family enjoys strolling along the quaint streets to admire the cottages, and absorb the incredible surroundings. We pick up some treats for the kids at the general store, then spend some time at the museum.

We haven't quite worked up the energy to do the local waterfall walks, but there are two to choose from. Nearby Wallace Falls is 5.2 miles return, and Bridal Veil Falls is 4.3 miles return.

Index could easily be marketed as an adventure destination, in close proximity to great climbing, skiing, hiking and kayaking.  The Steven’s Pass ski area is a short drive away, and climbers come from all over the world to scale the heights of the Index Town Wall. 

Thrill seekers could also sign up for a kayaking or rafting tour at the local outdoor center, and brave the wild Skykomish River.

Road conditions

Index can get snowed in, so always check road conditions. It's just 1.5 miles drive off Highway 2.

10 best things to do in Index WA

1. Bush House Inn

My first stop in Index is always the Bush House Inn. It's been the heart of the community since 1898, and was one of 5 original hotels servicing the loggers, miners and railway workers. It's hard to imagine the heady days when this was a mining and logging boom town, bustling with people in search of their fortune.

I love to just drive up here, enjoy a meal at the Bush House Inn, walk around a bit, then drive back to Seattle. However I'm seriously considering a future stay at the hotel. I can feel the rich history here reverberating off the newly renovated interiors, and the difficult lives these pioneers had to endure. There's some interesting exhibits in the lobby that detail some of this history.

The hotel was nearly condemned, and closed down in 2010. However it sprung back to life in 2021 after an extensive renovation. Visitors can book one of 10 hotel rooms, a cottage, or a gorgeous event space for weddings.

2. Bush House Restaurant & Cafe

The Bush House Grille and Bar serves hearty meals with yummy cocktails. I love looking up at the restaurant walls lined with historic photos full of pioneers, with the ghosts of yesteryear peering back at us. This hotel has an incredible atmosphere! Check hours.

When we're in a rush,we grab a coffee and pastry from the bar area, and skip the meal. It's also fun to wander outside to the tiny gallery behind the inn, located in the original horse stables.

3. Index Pickett Historical Museum

I had to brush up on my local history, but discovered that the museum in Index is housed in the original home of photographer Lee Pickett.

Lee Pickett is a famous Washington State photographer, who captured incredible images of life in the Cascade Mountains, from the 1900s to 1940s. The museum is full of his photographs and historic artifacts (check hours). He certainly chose a nice setting for himself on the Skykomish River!

4. Skykomish River

No trip to Index is complete without a quick walk down to the river. I discovered that the only public access to the Skykomish River is down a short path near the Index museum. You can also see the river from the bridge.

5. Outdoor Adventure Center

One of the first things we noticed when driving over the bridge to Index WA, was a charming, red building on the Skykomish River with kayaks propped against it. We later figured out that this building houses the Outdoor Adventure Center. It's ground zero for all adventure activities in Index, including kayaking instruction, guided raft trips, and e-bike rentals (check hours).

6. Riverfront Vacation Rentals

I can't wait to spend a weekend in Index WA in a riverfront vacation rental! Imagine listening to the sounds of the river rushing by, while falling asleep in a cosy cabin.

7. Hike to waterfalls

The Cascade Ranges is full of stunning waterfalls!  I discovered that the staff at the front desk of the Bush House Inn are a great resource for information on waterfall hikes near Index WA. Choose from Bridal Veil Falls (4.3 miles return), Wallace Falls (5.2 miles return), or Deception Falls (0.5 miles return).

I was also told about some amazing hikes to alpine lakes near Index, like Lake Serene (8.2 miles return).

8. Walk around Index

The best way to explore Index WA is by foot, with no particular plan in mind. Just see where the quaint streets lined with cottages and historic homes take you! Along the way, you'll see the museum, fire house, town hall and general store.

9. Dolittle Pioneer Park playground

Take your kids to the playground at Dolittle Pioneer Park in the middle of Index WA, just near the school.

10. Expresso Chalet

Our family can't resist a roadside stop at the famous Espresso Chalet near Index. Movie lovers will recognize this location from Harry and the Henderson's (1987).

Take a photo next to the 14-foot Big Foot statue, then pick up a coffee and goodies at the kiosk. Follow the signs to the overlook, where you can see distant views of Mt Index and Bridal Veil Falls.