Index isn't for everyone, which is more than a small part of why I like it. Most of the conga line of tourist cars that plods up and down the scenic Highway 2 corridor each weekend don't even realize the place exists. In the rare case that a particularly inquisitive traveler gets a wild hair up their ass to actually exit the highway and check Index out on a whim, they generally won't know what you're supposed to do there. The wireless signal's not great, there's a noisy train that comes through a bit too frequently for their tastes, and there are only two places to spend money in the whole darn town. The only apparent thing to do there is look at the river, go into the forest and look at the trees, or walk up to any of the massive walls of sheer granite and look at the stones. No fudge shops, no ice creameries, no beer gardens. No point. Of course, if you're a rock climber those walls of granite are the equivalent of a set of keys to a Ferrari. Index, as most of you know, is the best crag in the world. But it's also a uniquely difficult form of climbing that is hard on the fingers and toes, harder on the brain, and harder still on the ego. So even most climbers stay away from Index. (I know, it doesn't seem like it on a busy summer day... but climbing is growing everywhere in the US, and trust me, other places have much bigger overcrowding issues). I spent five summers in Washington, mostly because of Index. It's not just the stone, truth be told. The forest is like something out of a fairy tale. I've been out to the Olympics--the Hoh rainforest, the quietest place on Earth, yada yada--and it's got nothing on this special valley. The Skykomish is one of the cleanest, prettiest rivers I've ever seen. It also happens to be one of the few rivers in the lower 48 that is entirely undammed-- headwaters to outlet. Salmon spawn on the Skykomish in the fall, mushrooms of all shapes and colors (including many choice edibles) grow throughout the year, Bobcats prowl the woods, Banana slugs pepper the forest floor. It's a lovely place to sit, think, and disconnect from the so-called "real" world for a while. That said, I often found Index to be a less than perfect location for a romantic getaway between myself and my fiance. Don't get me wrong, I love the camping. But a pot of ramen and glass of wine only go so far when the folks in the RV next to you are smoking meth out of what seems to be a lightbulb, and coughing and cursing loudly. Well, the days of dumpster diving my dinners and living in an old plumber's van down by the river are behind me now. I'm a married man (or I was to be, before COVID postponed our wedding by a year). My fiancé and I live in Flagstaff, Arizona-- not a bad place itself, if a little dry for my tastes. Since we didn't get to have our wedding this summer, Megan and I hemmed and hawed for a long time about taking a vacation. We finally decided to come back to Washington (where it all began for us almost a decade ago) on a last minute whim. Of course we would spend part of our trip at Index... but in what capacity? The point of our sojourn was not to climb, but to connect. Romantic candlelit dinners, showers, beds, peaceful mornings drinking coffee by the river. That's what we were looking for. What if Index could be all the things it never was for us? It was that question that brought us to the Wild Sky Ranch. And the answer to that question, to both of our elation, was nothing short of an epiphany. "Maybe we could live here some day," are words I never thought I'd hear Meg say. And yet, there she was saying it. Almost every morning and every evening as we sat in our cozy cabin listening to the river, and watching the moss grow. Maybe it was just the sheer relief of being in humidity again (something sorely lacking in Arizona), but I honestly can't remember the last time I saw Meg looking so relaxed. Hell, I can't remember the last time I felt so relaxed myself. So, this is just a very longwinded shoutout to the Wild Sky Ranch. I can't believe it took me almost ten years to finally book a stay at that lovely place. Just like Index, I'm sure it's not for everyone. But if, based upon what I've said, you feel like it may be for you, I couldn't recommend staying there more. Looking back, it's one of the loveliest vacations Meg and I have ever had together. I'm sure that when we come back to Index, we will spend at least a night or two there again. read more

We hosted a 40+ person event at this site which has a big barn with an adjacent kitchen, several cabins, and an office. The owners were amazingly helpful with all of our requests from start to finish, making sure we had everything we needed right up until the day of the event. The cabins are large and well-stocked with pretty much everything you could need, and the site itself it G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S, with at least 2 or 3 firepits and one overlooking the Skykomish River which is just a stone's throw away. Overall we were really pleased to rent this site and we will definitely be back for any other big events! read more

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We will never be able to put into words just how truly incredible Wild Sky Ranch is. Our dream wedding became a reality here this past summer and we are forever grateful for the memories we were able to create with our friends and family. Lodie was so warm and welcoming from the moment we toured the property and made the whole experience stress-free. She kept us in the loop throughout the entire year leading up to the big day and we cannot thank her enough for her kindness and hospitality. The beauty this property has to offer is unlike anything you could ever imagine...our photographer was THRILLED with all the creative spots for photos. There is an unbelievable part of the property that is overlooking the river where we held our ceremony (shown in the pictures with the arch). We still cannot believe how perfect this spot was to hold the ceremony...we knew it from the moment we toured the property we wanted to get married RIGHT there! From the gorgeous cabins, to the stunning views, and the SPACE available for activities...it really is the perfect place for a wedding. We had so much room for food, a dancing area, games, and we even set up our own bar! There is a huge cabin (nicknamed Llama Barn) equipped with a full kitchen & appliances very close to where we had our tent covering the food and tables. It worked out perfect to have a kitchen so close with plenty of counter space to prep drinks/food. We also had a Taco Truck cater our wedding. There was a great spot off to the side of the Llama Barn where the Taco Truck could easily pull into and park. The Llama Barn also has a spacious conference style room where all the girls got ready that morning. We had make up on one side, and hairstylist on the other. The lighting was great in there and the A/C helped ALOT while we got ready. There are high walls which was a saving grace as I was able to hang my dress (with a long train) up without it touching the ground, and leave it there until ceremony time. Plus, it was easy for the bride to stay out of sight from the groom. Months later our friends and family are still raving about how amazing the entire weekend was. Thank you to Wild Sky Ranch for helping us create the most magical wedding we could have ever wished for; our hearts are so full. read more

My wife and I were married at the Wild Sky Ranch in the Summer of 2019. It was truly an incredible experience and I can't recommend it highly enough. The property is breathtakingly beautiful, situated right along the Skykomish River, with a handful of cabins scattered across. We were able to fill the weekend with swimming, fishing, volleyball, pickleball, and dancing all without leaving the property. The convenient location off of Highway 2 also made it easy for all our guests and vendors to find it. Lodie and David were fantastic hosts who had the WSR in amazing shape for our big day. They were also very communicative and supportive in the weeks and months leading up. Overall, I highly recommend the Wild Sky Ranch for anyone seeking a picturesque wedding in the Pacific Northwest. read more

Our first visit to Wild Sky Ranch was three years ago, and we've been back at least twice a year ever since. The location is absolutely idyllic: gorgeous riverfront on the Skykomish, sweeping vistas of the mountains, plenty of space to play, and barely 90 minutes' drive from downtown Seattle.  There are three cabins on the property, each different. Coachman is separated from the other two by a 5-minute walk across the property. It sits up above the river bank with beautiful views and tons of natural light. It's perfect for 2 people +, with a full spacious full kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom.  Caddis and Serendipity are next door to one another and are maybe 20 feet from the riverbank. Caddis is larger, and better for those who need extra sleeping space. Serendipity is also perfect for 2 people and is packed with charm.  We've enjoyed the property at all times of year. In the summer months, we spend our days fly fishing the river right in front of the property, cooking outdoors on the communal patio perched above a bend in the river, and sleeping with the sound of the river rushing through the open windows. In the winter, we bring firewood, curl up into a pair of over-sized armchairs, and hope for snowfall.  Their spot on the river is incredibly private. You can't see any other homes from the river. At most, you may see campers at campsites on the other side of the river, but they're some distance away. Every now and then, in the spring and summer months, you'll see a group of kayakers or a rafting tour float past. But that's about it.  A few tips, from our travels: -Bring all the food and beverage you'll want for your stay. Once you arrive, you won't want to leave. [And there aren't many other places to eat in the vicinity.] Kitchens are very well equipped, but the fridge and freezer in Serendipity are Euro-sized, so pack cold items efficiently.  -The river has excellent fly fishing. Ask Lodie and Dave for tips - Dave is a pro and very generous with his advice! Bring your own gear, and don't forget to purchase your fishing license ahead of time and follow the regulations. Washington State is hardcore about enforcement. -Internet and cellular service are extremely limited. There's a trickle of WiFi at Caddis and Serendipity, and if you need connectivity you can walk to the onsite meeting barn for reliable WiFi. But, do your downloading ahead of time and plan to have minimal connectivity. It's a refreshing break from the always-on connection of normal life - I wouldn't change it if I could. There are landlines in each cabin in case of emergency. -No need to worry about towels, linens, toilet paper, or general supplies. The cabins are stocked. -There are a few hikes within walking and driving distance from Wild Sky Ranch. Check the Washington State DNR website to see what's open.  -Checkout is easy. Best of all, you don't need to haul out your trash and recycling - you can leave them in cans onsite at the property. Lodie and Dave, the owners, are so fantastic that they deserve their own dedicated review. In all our stays, we've never had a problem of any sort, but if we had, I am confident that they would move heaven and earth to resolve it. read more

Wild Sky Ranch is pure magic. In addition to spending many lovely days and nights here with small groups of loved ones, I also hosted a ~30 person Thanksgiving event and a 120+ person wedding on the property! Never once did I feel that anything could have been better. The property beside the river is a true northwest gem featuring goods in all seasons: blackberries, spawning salmon, the occasional bear; long sunny days in the summer and the cleansing rains of autumn. I have spent many special days on the property and can personally attest to the beauty of the landscape, the quality of the nearby fishing and climbing, the coziness of the cabins, and most importantly, the incredible generosity and loveliness of the owners. If you are considering a visit, wait no longer: this place is amazing, and you will not regret it!!! read more