Next to the Stillaguamish River in Snohomish County, the city of Arlington, WA, is known for its location near the Stillaguamish River and the convergence of its North and South Forks. With a current population of approximately 21,300, over time it's built a reputation as a place anchored in nature, industry, and resilient spirit. The settlement transformed from timber and dairy roots into an area characterized by accessible trails, community events, and a mix of local businesses.
Walking along Main Street in town, one quickly senses a blend of past and present. There are echoes of the early sawmill era, but also signs of modern growth. One little-known fact is that the valley beneath the town was shaped by glacial movement thousands of years ago, and that the soil beneath homes and roads was deposited by ancient lahars downstream of the volcano Glacier Peak. A piece of folklore that circulates among long-time residents relates to the old train depot. As the story goes, when the railway decided the town would grow southward, a set of twin towns, Haller City and Arlington, rivaled each other until eventual consolidation in the early 1900s.
The dining scene in this town offers a fine variety of flavors and experiences. Take, for example, Bistro San Martín, well regarded for its elevated American fare and seasonal seafood offerings. Locals mention dishes like halibut and crab cakes paired with refined desserts and wine flights. On the more casual side, there is Fountain Drive-In, a retro burger joint praised for its home-style burgers and fries. It attracts families and folks looking for no-fuss comfort food.
There are plenty of ways to spend time outdoors in this area. The town is situated along two major trail corridors, the Centennial Trail and the future reach of the Whitehorse Trail, both used by walkers, cyclists, and equestrians. Among local customs, you will find that the summer brings the annual Fly-In at the municipal airport, where aviation enthusiasts from around the region converge with small planes and big skies. The downtown area hosts a large Street Fair in July, organized by the business association, which combines vendor booths, food carts, musicians, and family-friendly activities along Olympic Avenue.
An interesting bit of folklore says that older locals speak of a “plane spotter’s bench” near the airport bluff where one could sit and watch the myriad of small craft roll in and out. They say that the best time to catch the “air show buzz” is early August when the skies echo with propellers. The hillside views toward the Cascade foothills also reward visitors in winter with a quiet shimmer of distant mountain peaks.
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