Skykomish-Snohomish River Project

Skykomish and Snohomish River Wayfinding Project: Snohomish County, WA

The Skykomish-Snohomish River Valley is formed by the Skykomish, Snohomish, and Snoqualmie rivers, with the Pilchuck and Sultan Rivers as additional significant tributaries. The rivers play a very important part in the water cycle, acting as drainage channels for surface water and providing excellent habitats for wildlife and nutrients for the earth. They also support local communities by providing drinking water, irrigation for farmland, and recreational opportunities. The river system is truly at the heart of the history, culture, and natural lifeways of Snohomish County.

In 2015, the Skykomish-Snohomish Rivers Coalition (the Coalition) formed to address the growing recreational pressure on these rivers. The Coalition identified that education and wayfinding signage, especially those aimed at improving safety and limiting user/landowner conflicts, was necessary to improve the existing recreation experience, to protect natural and cultural resources, and improve emergency response times.

To address these concerns our team to developed a Wayfinding Signage Program for 11 access sites designated along the Skykomish-Snohomish River system. The purpose of the Wayfinding and Interpretive Signage Program is to implement safety, recreation, and interpretive information at the access sites to promote a behavioral change that will positively influence how people use and access the river as well as create awareness and respect for the river, the environment, and the heritage and culture of the area. The signage program includes wayfinding and regulatory signage. Together, these sign types serve as the “voice” and presence of the land management agencies and community, when they cannot be there to guide, regulate, or inform people about the site.