Located 8 miles east of Everett, in Snohomish County, Washington, Lake Stevens is named for the lake it encircles. The lake itself covers more than 1,000 acres, the largest lake in the county. Rising above the lake to the east is the Cascade Range. Even the most modest homes typically offer dramatic views of Mt. Pilchuck and other snow-toppped mountains.

The City of Lake Stevens is on the northeast end of the lake and is home to 6,100 people. The unincorporated “urban growth area” surrounding the rest of the lake adds another 16,000 people. Despite the numbers, Lake Stevens remains a small town at heart. Although now primarily a bedroom community, the area has managed to retain much of its rural flavor. With so many new faces, community events like cheering for the high school teams, going to school or church related activities, and getting involved in service clubs help keep the hometown ties strong.

A Brief History

The Lake Stevens Historical Museum, located downtown next to the library, offers an insightful look at the town’s history. Photos and displays chronicle the daily life of Lake Stevens residents over the years. Call 425-334-3944 for hours or to arrange a guided tour.

Native Americans likely frequented Lake Stevens for centuries. Pioneers settled it in 1886 on a 160-acre homestead along the east shore. The first town in the area was a little northeast of downtown Lake Stevens today and was called Hartford. It was railway stop for the Monte Cristo Railroad. In 1905 the Rucker Brothers Timber Company opened Rucker Mill along the north cove of the lake and established the town of Lake Stevens to support the hundreds of people working in the mill. The mill burned twice and in 1925 was dismantled. From the 1920’s to the 50’s Lake Stevens was a resort town, with many private resort beaches along the shoreline.

Lake Stevens incorporated in 1960 with only 900 residents. It experienced growth over the next 40 years, as it became a bedroom community for commuters working in Everett, Seattle, Bellevue and beyond. Although Seattle is only 38 miles from Lake Stevens, the commute during peak hours can take anywhere from one to two hours, using Interstate 5. Traveling to the Eastside via Highway 9 and Interstate 405 may take slightly less time depending upon traffic and weather conditions.

Shopping and Dining

Lake Stevens has two thriving commercial districts. “Downtown” Lake Stevens is the heart of the incorporated city, while the “Frontier Village” area at the intersection of Highways 9 and 204 is the business center for the unincorporated portion of the community.

Frontier Village was the first of what are now three large shopping centers, offering three major supermarkets, two large drugstores, post office sub-station, banks, a hardware store, real estate offices, chain fast food joints, gas stations, car washes, auto parts, and a host of other retail establishments. Fire District 8’s main station house is just south of the shopping centers. Downtown Lake Stevens, a beautiful “village” of small shops and businesses, is homey and very accessible. Within a couple minutes walk are the main post office, a grocery store, several independent restaurants, video rentals, barber shop, hardware, florist, Mitchell Community Center (Bingo on Friday nights), the library, city hall, senior center, police station, fire station and the Lake Stevens Journal weekly newspaper.

You will find some excellent dining in the greater Lake Stevens area, including Italian, Greek, Mexican, Chinese, Thai and good old steaks and burgers. Restaurants are located both downtown and in the Frontier Village area.

Utilities

Lake Stevens is served by Community Transit, Snohomish County’s public transportation system. For more information call 425-353-RIDE. Curbside recycling is offered through Waste Management Northwest. The Snohomish County Public Utility District (PUD) supplies water and electricity, telephone service is provided by US West, and natural gas by Puget Sound Energy.

Medical Facilities

For emergency care, Providence General Hospital has two locations in Everett, a short 15-minute drive across the trestle. Local doctor offices include the Everett Clinic, located near Frontier Village at 8910 Vernon Road, and the Lake Stevens Clinic, at 9408 Davies Road. Lake Stevens is also home to a number of dentists and optometrists.

Community Resources

The Lake Stevens Library is located downtown at 124 Main Street and is open Monday through Wednesday from noon to 9 p.m. and Friday & Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Lake Stevens Family Center, located right behind the library, offers family-oriented activities and resources to the community.

Service Organizations

Lake Stevens has many community and service organizations that are eager to involve new members. Among them are Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary, American Legion, Chamber of Commerce, Lake Stevens Junior Athletic Association, and Boy Scouts. The city’s annual festival, Aquafest, is put on by a dedicated team of volunteers with funds raised going to support other community groups.

Religion

Many congregations, including Lutheran, Presbyterian, Baptist, Free Methodist, Evangelical, Foursquare, Assembly of God, and non- denominational churches can all be found around Lake Stevens.