Arlington was first established in the early 1800s as a trading post at the junction of the Stillaguamish and Pilchuck rivers. The original settlers built their homes and farms near this location, naming the settlement after President George Washington's Virginia estate. Samuel Hancock started the American exploration of Arlington in 1851 by bringing his pack of sled dogs over the Cascade Mountains. As time went on, more people moved to Arlington, and it became an official village in the late 1800s.
The population of Arlington increased steadily over time and began to attract businesses such as sawmills, dairies, and logging camps. The development of these industries allowed for more significant economic growth within the area throughout the 1900s. Transportation also boosted the local economy with improved road systems leading to more visitors from outside of town. These visitations contributed to rapid growth in population through 1903, when it was officially incorporated into a city.
Today Arlington continues to be a thriving community, boasting a population of around 20,000. With its pleasant weather patterns, and easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and biking trails, local parks, and recreation centers, it is no surprise that people are drawn to this small-town atmosphere. You can enjoy golf at Gleneagle Golf Course or take your dog on a stroll through the countryside.
Bistro San Martin will satisfy your appetite with a unique blend of Latin American Fusion cuisine. If you love Mexican dishes, La Carreta Mexican Restaurant has you covered. Visit Nutty's Junkyard Grill and enjoy Southern comfort food. Remember to check out the local farmers market every Saturday from May through September for fresh produce and artisanal goods. The city also offers plenty of activities, such as the annual Arlington Fly-In. Arlington is home to various antique shops, thrift stores, and boutique stores like the Seasonal Emporium, where you can find one-of-a-kind items.
Campgrounds Near Arlington, Washington
Mount Vernon RV Campground has 162 RV sites and is close to the coast. You will enjoy these back-in and pull-through-enabled sites with full hookups. Enjoy the site's pool, hot tubs, playgrounds, and dog park. Bike trails will keep you engaged and entertained. The site has Wi-Fi and excellent cell reception.
Visit Burlington/Anacortes KOA, which is 25 minutes from Arlington and is geographically located in the heart of Washington. The picturesque campground is serene and peaceful, with various activities such as mini-golf, bike rentals, a game room, a swimming pool, and a dog park. All sites have full hookups, and the campground has Wi-Fi access. Samish Bay is nearby, and the location is perfect for kayaking, swimming, and fishing.
Friday Creek Campground is another beautiful campground near Arlington, open from May through October. You will find showers, picnic tables, and fire rings at each campsite. The campground has a playground for children and is pet-friendly. There are many trails for biking and hiking to take in the gorgeous scenery. There is good cell reception and Wi-Fi.
State Parks Near Arlington, Washington
Take a 47-mile drive from Arlington to Rasar State Park, which offers various recreational activities like fishing, swimming, boating, and kayaking. Explore its 36-acre lake with two boat access points, perfect for a day full of relaxation or adventure. Anglers will also find plenty to love here, from largemouth bass and rainbow trout to perch and pumpkinseed sunfish. Several trails offer spectacular views across the park for those who want to explore beyond the lake. One of the most popular is Swede Heaven Trail, which allows visitors to discover historic buildings like an old log cabin and homestead. There are also plenty of opportunities for bird-watching during spring or fall migrations and skiing and snowshoeing during winter.
Bay View State Park is 31 miles from Arlington and will take you about half an hour to get there. Here you will find stunning beach views, old-growth forests, and marshes full of wildlife like marmots, mink, and the occasional black bear. Enjoy beachcombing for shells and agates during low tide, or take a stroll along the shore to admire the view of Padilla Bay and the nearby San Juan Islands. This park also features a campground with hot showers, RV hookups, and fire pits, making it the perfect spot for a weekend getaway. Pets are also welcome if they're kept on a leash, and all their waste is collected.
A great addition to any trip to the Arlington area is a visit to Fort Casey State Park, 67 miles away. Visitors will find a replica of the original Admiralty Head Light and two artillery batteries built more than 100 years ago. These preserved fortifications offer stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The park also features several trails and beaches that are perfect for exploring the area.
National Sites Near Arlington, Washington
Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve is 64 miles from Arlington and is the perfect spot to explore some of Puget Sound's most breathtaking coastal scenery. Learn about the 14th-century native American cultures who lived in the area while hiking along trails that offer stunning views of mountains, forests, and meadows. Take a picture of one of the oldest surviving lighthouses in Washington, where you can see birds like bald eagles and osprey nesting on its rocky shores.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is only 47 miles from Arlington for those looking for a fun day out. Discover the history of this period in American history, from the struggles and successes of those who took part in the gold rush to the vibrant culture that developed in the wake of this mass migration. Here, visitors can see life during the gold rush as they explore the park's exhibits, museums, and historical sites. In Seattle, you can explore the two floors of exhibit galleries and learn more about the Klondike Gold Rush period.
Located 70 miles northwest of Arlington, San Juan National Historical Park is an excellent destination for RVers. The site was established to commemorate the events of the Pig War between the United States and Britain. It provides fantastic views of Haro Strait and the San Juan Islands. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks such as English Camp and American Camp. These two camps served as headquarters for the forces during the war and stand today as a reminder. Other points of interest include Mount Finlayson viewpoint and South Beach Trail Loop.
National Forests Near Arlington, Washington
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is a large, sprawling forest that covers nearly 2 million acres of land in the North Cascades mountain range. This great area offers a multitude of opportunities for outdoor lovers, from camping to hiking to fishing and beyond. It has over 500 campgrounds and some 2,500 miles of hiking trails. Enjoy the forest's spectacular scenery, like lush forests, wildflower meadows, crystal clear lakes, glacier-fed streams, cascading waterfalls, and majestic peaks.
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest spans an impressive 3.8 million acres across Okanogan and Wenatchee counties, offering endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Explore over 1,500 miles of hiking trails, hundreds of sparkling lakes, raging rivers, and streams. There are views of alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers, snow-capped mountains capped with glacial ice, and various wildlife, including bears, elk, deer, and bald eagles. There are numerous dispersed camping locations that are free to use. Be aware that many areas require permits from the local ranger station before heading out on your journey.
Olympic National Forest stretches from the Pacific Ocean on the western slope of the Olympic Mountains to the foothills of Puget Sound. You will drive 77 miles from Arlington to explore the 633,000-acre forest. It has many campgrounds offering access to fishing spots in nearby rivers stocked with trout and other fish species. You can enjoy direct access to trails that lead into pristine old-growth forests. The forest is home to countless animals, including elk, deer, bears, bobcats, cougars, and even birds like eagles and hawks. Visit Hurricane Ridge, which offers incredible views across the Olympic Mountains. You can enjoy these mountains by traveling up a steep 4-mile road ending at a 5,400-foot elevation viewpoint. On clear days you can see down to Hood Canal and farther east toward Seattle.
