Baring, WA

Set along the South Fork Skykomish River in eastern King County, Baring is a quiet mountain community framed by steep Cascade peaks. Life here centers around Highway 2, roughly 25 miles west of Stevens Pass and about 45 minutes east of Monroe. With around 250 residents, the area is made up mostly of rustic cabins and wooded properties along a rare flat stretch of the valley floor. It is a peaceful, scenic spot where everyday life moves at a much slower pace.

ATTRWalter Siegmund (talk) / CC BY-SA 3.0

Originally settled as a railroad stop in the late 1800s, Baring has long served as a resting point on the journey over the mountains. The historic Baring Bridge spans the rushing river to connect the highway with secluded homes on the far bank, serving as an everyday lifeline for the neighborhood. Today, the community mainly attracts skiers, hikers, and remote workers who want easy access to Stevens Pass and the great outdoors right outside their door.