Chain Lake is a rural community in Snohomish County with a mix of wooded foothills, mountain views and residential pockets north of Monroe. Housing ranges from suburban-style streets with closely spaced homes to secluded multiacre lots, with older ramblers and split-levels and newer contemporary homes featuring multicar garages. Luxury subdivisions such as Garibaldi, Woods Creek Vista, and gated Trombley Ridge Estates feature traditional and Craftsman-inspired homes, and some properties sit on 5- to 20-acre parcels suited to equestrian use.
Many residents rely on Monroe, about 5 miles away, for shopping, dining and entertainment. Chain Lake itself is roughly 40 acres, allowing fishing and boating with restrictions on gasoline-powered motors. Nearby things to do include Lake Tye Park with a beach, skate park, sports fields and courts, and Al Borlin Park with Skykomish River access and trails. Outdoor enthusiasts also head about 20 miles to Wallace Falls State Park and 35 miles to Mount Pilchuck State Park, while Stevens Pass ski resort is about 50 miles east along U.S. Route 2. Chain Lake has scattered businesses, including Feral Brewing’s beer garden, restaurants, event venues, a dog-training facility and an equestrian center. More options are clustered near U.S. 2 and West Main Street in Monroe.
Some addresses are assigned to the Snohomish School District, and others are part of the Monroe School District. Commuters use U.S. 2, SR-522, and SR-203, with bus service available from Monroe Park & Ride.
