Photo by Phillip McCready.
Adventure Awaits
Just because we offer the small town charm of Stanwood and “the easy island” of Camano does not mean your visit needs to be quiet and mellow (unless of course you want it to be.) There are an abundance of opportunities to explore the beauty of the natural resources in our area and if you are looking to get your adrenaline flowing we can do that too! From ziplining to axe throwing, horseback riding to water sports – your outdoor adventure awaits.
Axe Throwing at Arrowhead Axe
To add to the intriguing mix of outdoor adventure in the Stanwood-Camano area, Arrowhead Ranch has expanded its recreational service line, opening Camano Island’s first and only axe throwing venue – Arrowhead Axe. The vision of Arrowhead Axe is to create a destination where people come together and have the opportunity to play on a just-for-fun level or competitively. For you competitive types – Arrowhead Axe is the only member of the World Axe Throwing League in the state of Washington. You don’t have to be an experienced lumberjack to enjoy axe throwing – but you do have to be at least 15 years old and wear closed toed shoes. Whether you are looking for a fun night out with friends, a unique family outing, an engaging corporate retreat or a fierce competition, you’ll love the thrill of Arrowhead Axe. You can reserve a range (two targets that can accommodate 1-12 people) for $300 or book for a smaller group for a rate of $30/person. Reservations include a lesson with an Axe-pert and 90 minutes of axe throwing.
Horseback Riding at Ready to Ride Training
Horse lover in your family? Or maybe you just want to try it out? Located on the Old Pacific Hwy in Stanwood, Ready to Ride Training welcomes all ages of riders to experience the joy of horseback riding. Based on the belief that horses and riders must work in tandem, Ready to Ride is committed to teaching fundamental riding skills and overall horse care and awareness. You can choose from multiple options for your horse experience – an hour of riding (inside or outside depending on weather) and an additional 30 minutes of social time (brushing, saddling, etc.) is $80/per person; 45 minutes of riding and 15 minutes of social time is $65/per person. Groups of up to four people will enjoy the opportunity to ride for an hour and a half along with 30 minutes of social time ($70/per person). All equipment is provided – including a treat for your horse at the end of your experience.
Paddle, Kayak, Canoe – get out on the water
Surrounded by water, the Stanwood-Camano area has a plethora of opportunities to enjoy water sports from paddleboarding, to kayaking, to crabbing off your boat and catching dinner. If you are lucky you might get a peek at a curious sea lion popping up to say hello and bald eagles flying above. The picturesque backdrop of the snow covered mountains in the distance and the sparkling water underneath you, the water awaits your adventure.
Looking to rent a vessel to get you out onto the water? Check out the Center for Wooden Boats at Cama Beach where you can rent motorboats, sailboats, kayaks, and canoes – and bonus – a free crab pot rental will be included with a full-day rental of a rowboat or motorboat. Camano Island offers four different boat launches – Cavalero, Maple Grove, Utsalady, and Camano Island State Park. Cavalero and Utsalady Point are both located on the eastern side of the island and offer beautiful views of the Cascades. Maple Grove on the west side is a small one acre parcel with beach access but has limited parking for cars and trailers. You can purchase daily or annual boat launch passes online, at the launches, or at the Island County Annex on Camano. Annual passes are $30 for Island County residents and $90 for non-residents; a daily pass is $5/per day for residents and $15/day for non-residents. Camano Island State Park has two boat launches as well as a large parking lot – you must have a Discover Pass and a daily launch permit. In Stanwood, both Kayak Point and Wenberg Park are a boat lovers paradise. Kayak point has a single lane boat launch with access to Port Susan while Wenberg Park is located on the eastern shore of Lake Goodwin and has a newly renovated two-lane concrete launch for your toys. For a fee schedule please visit Snohomish County Parks. Make sure to stay safe during your water adventures – wear a lifejacket and adhere to the rules and regulations. A helpful checklist can be found on the Washington State Parks website.
Ziplining at Canopy Tours Northwest
Update Summer 2020: ziplining is closed however Terra Teams and the Farm Store are both open.
At Canopy Tours Northwest your zipline adventure starts with a ride in a 1963 Unimog into the forest. Zip from tree to tree while guides take care of all of the details so you can sit back and enjoy the ride. Two brief trail walks give a closer view of this incredible setting. In addition to knowledgeable guides, interpretive displays on the platforms highlight forest ecology, management, as well as flora and fauna. Wrap in the fun of the log bridge and the dramatic final descent and you have an experience to remember. All guests must weigh 65lb-300lbs and children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Rates are $103 for adults (age 13+) and $65 for youth (12 and under.) Group rates are also available – for info call 360-387-5807.
Looking to challenge your team? Offering facilitated team building programs, Terra Teams has a series of challenging activities while traversing a beautiful woodland. Teams challenge (always by choice, of course) themselves and each other as they work through elements and group activities….while everyone laughs and has fun!
