Attractions and Places To See around Startup - Top 8

Startup is a gateway to excellent hiking. You can explore trails within Wallace Falls State Park, which features the lush and steep Woody Trail leading to a series of waterfalls, including Upper Wallace Falls. For more options, check out the hiking guide around Startup, which includes routes like the Wallace Falls and Woody Trail loop or the challenging Wallace Lake to Jay Lake via Greg Ball Trail.

Yes, the area is renowned for its waterfalls. The most prominent is Upper Wallace Falls, a stunning 259-foot drop within Wallace Falls State Park. The Woody Trail in the same park also reveals a series of beautiful waterfalls as you ascend.

Startup is uniquely positioned at the confluence of the Wallace and Skykomish Rivers. The Skykomish River is a popular spot for anglers and whitewater enthusiasts. You can also find public access points like Big Eddy Public Water Access for riverside recreation. The nearby settlement of Sultan is also located where the Wallace, Skykomish, and Sultan rivers meet, offering scenic views.

The Morning Star Natural Resources Conservation Area, an extensive 37,842-acre preserve, is located near Startup. It protects diverse native plant communities, including subalpine meadows and wetlands, and provides habitat for threatened wildlife. Its steep topography offers expansive views of Spada Lake and the Cascade Mountains. You can learn more about it on the Washington State Department of Natural Resources website: dnr.wa.gov.

For families, the Skykomish River offers opportunities for gentle riverside enjoyment. The nearby community of Sultan is also considered family-friendly, with its mountain views and historical context. Osprey Park in Sultan, approximately 6.3 km from Startup, provides additional outdoor space suitable for families.

While Startup itself is a small community, its history as a logging town is notable. The nearby settlement of Sultan has a rich history rooted in mining and the lumber industry, established in 1880. Startup also had a significant early 1900s wood-frame church, which, though no longer standing, remains a historical landmark in community memory. The Startup Event Center, a renovated historic gym, serves as a community hub today.

For easy walks, you can find several options in the easy hikes guide around Startup, including the Woody Trail (though parts can be steep), Sky View Vista Loop, and Osprey Park loop. While specific wheelchair-accessible trails are not detailed, many state parks often have paved or well-maintained sections suitable for varied mobility. It's always best to check the specific park's accessibility information before visiting.

The best time to visit Startup and its surrounding natural attractions is generally during the spring, summer, and early fall months (May to October) when the weather is milder and trails are most accessible. This allows for comfortable hiking and enjoying the waterfalls and rivers. Winter can offer a different, often snowy, experience, but some trails might be more challenging or closed.

Yes, you can find several circular walks in the area. For example, the easy hikes guide around Startup lists options like the Sky View Vista Loop and the Mann Road Trail Loop. The general hiking guide also includes the Wallace Falls and Woody Trail loop, and the Woody Trail and Railroad Grade Loop.

Visitors particularly enjoy the stunning natural beauty, especially the powerful waterfalls like Upper Wallace Falls, and the lush, scenic hiking trails such as the Woody Trail. The area's rivers, forests, and mountain views provide a refreshing escape and opportunities for outdoor adventure, making it a favorite for nature lovers and hikers.

Yes, Jay Lake is a notable lake in the vicinity, marking the end of the Greg Ball Trail. It feeds into Wallace Lake and the North Fork River. The Morning Star Natural Resources Conservation Area also offers expansive views of Spada Lake.