A lighthouse next to the sea, a ferry cruising through the sound; both are the subjects of many photographs and paintings. These iconic images capture the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. And both can be experienced in the small seaside town of Mukilteo, Washington, which is a 30-minute drive from Seattle, WA.
As a guest of the Silvercloud Inn Mukilteo, I discovered this small seaside town is a mix of history and modernity, making it the perfect locale for a Pacific Northwest escape.
Captain George Vancouver landed on the spot where the lighthouse stands 225 years ago.
Nostalgia Next to the Sea
As a lover of lighthouses, the first stop on my itinerary was the over 100-year-old historic Mukilteo Lighthouse. The day I visited couldn’t have been more picturesque – a sapphire sky, a hint of a salty breeze, and beach lovers flying kites and having campfire lunches at Lighthouse Park.
The lighthouse’s automated Fourth Order Fresnel lenses shines 12 nautical miles into Possession Sound.
First thing on my list, climb the 38-foot lighthouse tower which was first lit in 1906. Only a handful of people can go up to the top at a time, so I had to wait about 10 minutes. The wait was worth it. Not only did I get some alone time at the top, but I had a chance to see the active Fresnel lens up close and get an unobstructed view of the ferry crossing Possession Sound.
Give yourself a little an hour or more to tour the museum displays and grounds.
The working fog horn blasts for 3 seconds every 27 seconds and can detect fog within .5 miles.
Afterward, I toured the museum displays, which are located in a couple of different buildings, including lighthouse keeper quarters. Then strolled along the long stretch of beach and watched as kites darted back and forth and families roasted their lunch over campfires. I made a mental note to come back with some friends and firewood to have my own day at the beach.
To get the full lighthouse experience keep in mind that while the grounds are open year-round tours and the gift shop are open April through September from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. There is also the annual Lighthouse Festival. In 2017, it falls on September 8, 9, 10 and includes live music, food vendors, military tribute, a parade and fireworks.
The reception area and the adjoining room serve as a lounge for guests and in the morning it turns into a breakfast room with a ferry view. Photo courtesy of Silvercloud Inn & Hotels.
An Inn with a Ferry View
When I pulled into the Silvercloud Inn’s ground level parking area, I wasn’t sure what to expect as it gave no indication of the inn’s ambiance. But, once I stepped inside, all I could do was stop and stare. In front of me was an elegant sitting room with red chairs, dark-toned couches, and nautical-themed décor. Beyond that, windows gave the illusion of water beginning where the windows ended, with an incredible view of Possession Sound and Whidbey Island.
I stayed in a king bed room with a semi-view, which featured elegant lines and white bedding, a couch, fireplace, desk, and a partial water view of the ferry landing area. I spent a good portion of my time, gazing out the bay window to watch the ferry glide across the water. At night, when its lights danced across the sea it was particularly beautiful and romantic.
Silver Cloud Inn Mukilteo has 30 rooms with a full view and some feature Jacuzzis. Ten rooms have partial views with fireplaces. Twenty-eight rooms have no water view, and there are two suites; one with and one without a water view. Bedrooms range from king size, two queen bed, and suites with sleeper sofas. All rooms have complimentary wireless internet, a 55” high-definition flat-screen TV, refrigerator, microwave, a safe, and a coffee maker with Seattle’s Best Coffee. During my stay, I peeked into a King Bed Room with a view and was astounded by the marvelous panoramic views of Possession Sound.
When the tide is in, the sea laps against the inn’s base, and when the tide is out, there is a small beach to explore.
If you happen to check-in on a Tuesday, the hotel has a reception for guests from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. It includes complimentary wine, beer, and appetizers. If you like the property, they have 10 others. One is in Portland, the rest are in Washington State. Their Silver Rewards program allows guests to earn points toward future stays, miles with Alaska Airlines, or cash. For guests traveling without transportation to the Mukilteo location, Towncar Service offers rides to and from SeaTac International Airport ($90) and to Seattle ($60). Cost is for the car, not by person, and one-way.
John’s Crab Cake with homemade remoulade and colossal in size.
Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing was voted one of the “100 Most Scenic Restaurants in America” by OpenTable Diners.
At the Mukilteo location, the brewery can produce up to 1,500 barrels of Diamond Knot’s finest each year.
Dining Impressions
When I drove into Mukilteo it didn’t seem to have a traditional downtown, but as I explored on foot the cafes, shops and restaurants became more apparent. Old Town is along the waterfront and mid-town is uphill. If you are not up for walking, the inn provides a shuttle service within a 7-mile radius.
There are a handful of dining options. Next to the inn is Ivar’s, a Washington mainstay, and OpenTable Diners voted it one of the “100 Most Scenic Restaurants in America.”
For Happy Hour, I stopped into the lively Diamond Knot Brewery & Alehouse and ordered a Front Street Cod Taco with cotija cheese, cilantro agave slaw and Sriracha aioli ($3.30) along with one of their delicious beers. For dinner, I wandered up the hill and stumbled upon, John’s Grill, an upscale family-owned restaurant. To celebrate my small town adventure, I had a glass of champagne and John’s Crab Cake ($14.50).
Other dining choices include Arnie’s Restaurant & Bar, The Sydney Bakery & Wine Bar, Sully’s Pizza & Calzones.
For more information on the inn or Mukilteo visit Silvercloud Inn Mukilteo and the Snohomish County Tourism Bureau.
Note: As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodations for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, the writer believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.
I love Mukilteo! A friend’s inlaws live there and it’s just the cutest area. The entire stretch of small towns between Bellingham to Seattle are cute let’s face it 😉
100-year-old historic lighthouse, wow that is sooo cool, the perfect place for pictures as well.
That Inn also sounds so beautiful and the perfect place to relax with some great views.
First of all, your photos are amazing! I have never heard of this part of the world but I’d love to visit. I think I would go just for that crab cake- it looks delicious!
I enjoyed the read. My folks live just south of this area in Edmonds. Whidbey, the other side of the Mukilteo ferry is pretty fantastic. I went there a few year ago. https://www.mikesroadtrip.com/whidbey-island
I would also want to go here for a climb at the lighthouse, and the views, of course. 🙂
That crab cake looks delicious!
Beautiful photos – and the lighthouse is so old! Very cool! And that crab cake looks delicious!
Miranda, I totally agree! So many wonderful towns to visit!
Kevin, The setting of the lighthouse is so picturesque with the beach, ferry and water. I hope you get to visit one day to experience it!
Nathan, Thanks! A couple were compliments of the inn. I hope you get to visit soon!
Mike, I drive through Edmonds a few times a year to catch the ferry, but I haven’t spent much time there. Each time I’m waiting in the ferry line I say I need to come back here and explore. Langley and Coupeville on Whidbey Island are some of my favorite Washington towns!
Jing, The view from the lighthouse is hard to beat!
What an adorable little town! I missed this during my road trip through Washington State. Guess I’ll just have to go back and experience this little hidden gem!
A beautiful looking area. I always like to hear about the history of a place – the lighthouse and the museums sound interesting. It looks like a nice hotel too!
This looks like a really nice spot. So traditional and calm. It somehow represents for me (non-american) the historical US. 🙂
Lynne, There is so much to see in Washington. I hope you get to come back.
Emily, I find the history of places fascinating and Mukilteo’s goes back a long time. I hope you get to visit one day soon!
Julia, I totally get that. The history of this place does go back a long time. Settlers were not here as early as on the East Coast, but it had its share of early explorers.
You had me at lighthouse. I too love those things. They seem magical, fairytale-like. Would have been awesome to spend some time up there by yourself. The hotel looks great, love the reception area with the fireplace and the beautiful chairs. I’d be looking to get a view of the water and the boats.
Your photos are amazing and the hotel which you stayed at looks great! Sounds like a fantastic little town to visit!
Kerri, Sounds like we are the same kind of traveler. It was really nice to have the lighthouse tower to myself. 🙂
Paul, It is! I’m so glad to hear you think so too. Lots of very Pacific Northwest things to do in Mukilteo!