Index, WA

Set deep in a river valley along Highway 2, Index is a tiny mountain town of around 150 residents sitting directly beneath the dramatic peaks of the Central Cascades. Life here is quiet and unhurried, framed by thick evergreen forests and the North Fork Skykomish River. It started out as a logging and granite quarrying outpost in the late 1800s, but today it is a peaceful retreat for people who want to step away from the bustle of the Puget Sound region.

The outdoors take center stage here. The massive granite cliffs of the Index Town Wall bring in rock climbers from across the country, while the river offers great kayaking and rafting throughout the warmer months. Living here means being part of a very small, close community, right down to the local school that teaches just a couple dozen students. It is a wonderful fit for anyone who values mountain scenery, fresh air, and deep peace and quiet over suburban convenience.