By Wade Sheldon
The Tulalip Tribes’ Skyline property, located 8 miles west of Monroe, provides tribal members with new opportunities to reconnect with the land through hunting, fishing, berry picking, and harvesting traditional plants used for medicines and teas. Managed by Tulalip Natural Resources and Forestry, the forested mountain property provides space for outdoor activities while continuing long-term stewardship of tribal lands. Tulalip Forestry Manager Tisen Fryberg said Skyline will allow tribal members to continue practicing traditional activities tied to the mountains.
The rugged terrain and gravel forest roads mean visitors may want a vehicle capable of handling rough conditions. Deer are commonly found in the area, and visitors may also encounter signs of bear, cougar, and elk moving through the forest. Fryberg also noted that about 192 acres within Skyline were recently replanted with young trees as part of Tulalip Forestry’s ongoing forest management efforts.
In addition to hunting opportunities, Skyline offers space for gathering traditional plants that have long been used by Coast Salish people for healing and wellness. Plants such as devil’s club, yarrow, fireweed, cedar, and stinging nettle grow throughout the mountainous forests of the Pacific Northwest and have been used for generations in teas and traditional medicines.
Access to Skyline is managed through a permit system overseen by the Tulalip Tribes Forestry Enterprise. Permits can be purchased at the cashier’s cage inside the Tulalip Administration Building. After obtaining a receipt, the Forestry Department will issue a gate key along with a map, rules and regulations packet, and a mirror hanger pass that must be clearly displayed on the vehicle while accessing Skyline.
One gate key is issued with each permit and provides access through two locked gates along the forest road system. Gate 1 is located off Cedar Ponds Road, while Gate 2 sits approximately three miles farther along the mainline road.
The land between Gate 1 and Gate 2 is not owned by the Tulalip Tribes, so visitors may only travel through that section while heading to Skyline. Hunting, harvesting, or other activities are not permitted in that area.
Permit holders are responsible for opening, closing, and locking both gates when entering and exiting Skyline. Anyone found leaving either gate unsecured may have their permit revoked. Any issues or damage to the gates should be reported to Tulalip Forestry.
Skyline is open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset, although Tulalip Forestry may limit access due to safety concerns, fire hazards, severe weather, or other land protection needs. All hunting, trapping, and fishing must follow Tulalip tribal regulations, and any harvested game must be reported to the Tulalip Wildlife Department within 24 hours.
Fires, open flames, fireworks, barbecues, and smoking outside of vehicles are prohibited to reduce wildfire risk. The use or possession of alcohol, marijuana, or illegal drugs while accessing Skyline is also prohibited. Firewood cutting is not allowed unless specifically authorized by Tulalip Forestry. Littering and dumping garbage are prohibited, and motorized recreational vehicles such as ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and e-bikes are not allowed unless authorized for use on forest roads.
While camping within Skyline is being discussed for the future, it is not currently permitted.
Directions to Skyline
- Leave the Tulalip Administration Building and take Marine Drive to Interstate 5 southbound toward Everett.
- Take Exit 194 east toward Wenatchee and merge onto U.S. Highway 2 East. Continue for about 15 miles.
- Turn right at the Shell gas station across from Mi Tierra Restaurant onto WA-203 South / North Lewis Street in Monroe.
- Continue about 1 mile, crossing the green bridge, then take the second left after the bridge onto Ben Howard Road. Look for the sign reading “Ben Howard River Access.”
- Follow Ben Howard Road for approximately 6 miles, then turn right onto Cedar Ponds Road next to Baylor Farm, recognizable by two blue shacks or stables.
- Travel about ¼ mile, then turn right onto 299th Ave SE / Potson Road (marked with a green sign).
- Continue for about 2 miles, then stay right at the Y in the road.
- Continue another mile until reaching Cedar Ponds Lake, which will be on the left side.
- Bypass the blue gates along the way and continue past the lake. A dock with a slide will be visible on the water.
- Continue until you reach the yellow gate on the right side of the road, which marks the entrance toward Skyline.
- If you have trouble locating the gate, type “Cedar Ponds Lake” into your smartphone navigation system.
Skyline Access – Quick Facts
- Permits: Must be purchased at the cashier’s cage inside the Tulalip Administration Building.
- What you receive: A gate key, Skyline map, rules and regulations packet, and a mirror hanger pass that must be displayed in the vehicle.
- Gate 1 location: Latitude 47.8054, Longitude -121.80402 (off Cedar Ponds Road).
- Gate 2 location: Latitude 47.80704, Longitude -121.78111, approximately 3 miles past Gate 1.
- Important: The land between Gate 1 and Gate 2 is not owned by the Tulalip Tribes, so no hunting or other activities are allowed there. Visitors may only travel through that section to reach Skyline.
- Gate responsibility: Permit holders must open, close, and lock both gates when entering and leaving Skyline. Leaving a gate unsecured may result in permit revocation.
- Access hours: Sunrise to sunset, unless access is restricted by Tulalip Forestry due to safety or weather conditions.
- Report gate issues: Tulalip Forestry – 360-716-4370
- Harvest reporting: Game harvested must be reported within 24 hours to the Tulalip Wildlife Department.