The cities of Mukilteo, Everett, Snohomish and Arlington are located about 30 minutes north of of Seattle and are home to to some of the most significant displays of flight history and modern aeronautical innovaton in the U.S.
Eight miles west of Everett, the Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at 747s, 777s and 787s being assembled on the factory floor. Take a 90-minute walking tour through the facility, then head over to the interactive galleries to design your own plane and learn about everything from engines to in-flight entertainment systems.
At neighboring Paine Field, the Flying Heritage Collection and Historic Flight Collection put vintage aircraft and warbirds on display in airport hangars. Visit during a summer fly day or Paine Field Aviation Day in May to see the restored planes soar back into the sky.
More neck-craning action is available during the Arlington Fly-In in July. Aircraft displays, daily air shows and radio-controlled flights give festivalgoers plenty to ooh and aah about, and overnight camping lets visitors spend more than a day indulging their aviation cravings.
For those looking to get airborne, a scenic flight or helicopter tour from Snohomish Flying Service in the city of Snohomish is a relaxing option. Chart your course to downtown Seattle, the San Juan Islands or even Mount Rainier for a one-of-a-kind photo op. Airial Balloon Company also provides hot air balloon rides over the Snohomish River Valley, where gentle breezes carry riders over picturesque rivers, lakes and treetops.
And, for adrenaline junkies looking for the ultimate thrill, Skydive Snohomish serves up wind-in-your-face tandem jumps and heart-pumping static-line skydives.
Learn more about aviation in Snohomish County.
—Angela Cabotaje
