Kla Ha Ya! This historical phrase is a term that has been passed down from generation to generation in the rustic, beautiful city of Snohomish. Kla Ha Ya means “welcome” and can be found throughout Snohomish; be it on house windows, river signs, park benches, or simply in the spirit of the locals who welcome everyone to their humble town. Snohomish is located in the emerald gem of the United States: Western Washington.
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The city has been built around history and culture that runs so deep that you can feel it radiating off every ancient building or stunning landmark. Snohomish was originally a prime location for business as a multitude of railroads merged in the city. Today, the railroads have been converted into the 30-mile Centennial Trail which leads the way through a city of beauty. Snohomish has opportunities for all genres of outdoor enthusiasts. The Snohomish River runs throughout the city and provided perfect elements for fishing, boating, and swimming. Eventually, the river will take you to the Snohomish valley. Acres and acres of orchards, flowers, and produce fill the hill-guarded valley. Stocker Farms is a local favorite within the vast expanse of land. The farm provides festivities year-round with pumpkin patches, carnivals, or zombie-paintball corn mazes. Across the street is the home of sky adventures. Harvey Airfield hosts daily hot air balloon flights, skydiving, and plane rides. Whether you prefer to float, fall, or soar above Snohomish, the breathtaking sights are above and beyond anything you could imagine. The valley is dotted with racing horses, while the sparkling river snakes around the city, bordered b thick, lush evergreen forests, all hugged by the majestic Cascade Mountains.
Though the views are best seen from above, the more domestic traveler can enjoy the sights while shopping in historic Downtown Snohomish. Just up the road from the airfield, Downtown Snohomish offers a wide variety of family-run stores. Everything from ma-and-pa diners, to high-end art shops, to antique stores converted from an old opera can be found in this bustling town.
Though Snohomish is the perfect location for a travel destination year-round, the best time to visit is in July when the city “welcomes” you during the Kla Ha Ya Days Festival. The festival kicks off with a parade that runs through Downtown Snohomish. The festivities continue with events that have been a part of Kla Ha Ya for over 100 years. These include a “froggy” kid’s fair, music, beer gardens, a BBQ cook-off, classic car show, river run, and more. No matter what you are looking for in a vacation, Snohomish, Washington has what you need. Come bring the whole family; when you get here, we’ll be waiting with smiles ready to say, “Kla Ha Ya”!
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