A small community on the north fork of the Stillaguamish River, Swede Heaven is one of the rural areas of Snohomish County with views of Whitehorse Mountain and Mount Higgins. There are woodlands, pastures and several creeks. "It's tucked in the mountains and just beautiful: there are no bad views. It's not super crowded, and it's more affordable for people to move into," says Robin Price, a broker with eXp Realty Seattle.
Swede Heaven is off state Route 530 between Darrington, about 8 miles east, and Arlington, about 25 miles west. Community Transit's bus route from Darrington to the Smokey Point Transit Center stops along SR-530. Otherwise, this is a car-dependent community. Swede Heaven Road, one of the longer stretches, has streets and long driveways branching off it.
According to a Washington state names database maintained by the Tacoma Public Library, "Swede" is part of the name because many of the settlers in the area had Swedish ancestry. "Heaven" may have been in response to the rich soil and long growing season that made a welcome environment for farming. The natural resources are still a draw for people moving here. "What I'm finding is clients are getting back to basics: canning, having gardens," Price says. "It's a little like homesteading, but not so isolated; people still have their creature comforts."
Swede Heaven has a variety of home styles, with everything from ramblers to A-frames and manufactured homes. Lots are typically multiacre, and some have river frontage. The number of properties on the market is limited. Over a year, as of late March 2025, 10 homes had sold in Swede Heaven. They were typically in the $400,000s to $700,000s, though one went for $1 million. Swede Heaven's CAP Index crime score is 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
The area is known for its wilderness vibe and countless opportunities for outdoor recreation, from fishing and rafting on the river to hiking and horseback riding. "There are year-round activities. Every time of year, the area is beautiful. People go snowshoeing and cross-country skiing," Price says. Among several trails in the area, the Whitehorse Regional Trail, built on a former rail line, stretches about 30 miles from Arlington to Darrington. Due to the river and creeks, there may be a potential risk of flooding. "It's at certain times of the year," says Price.
In June, the Darrington Rodeo Grounds presents the Timberbowl Rodeo, an event held since 1962. The Darrington Horse Owners Association and the Darrington Trapshooters frequent the venue. Adjacent Darrington Bluegrass Music Park hosts the Darrington Bluegrass Festival over three days each July. The event, held for close to 50 years, includes workshops and a camping option. In August, the park has Rock the Mountain, a multiday festival affiliated with the Whitehorse Musicians Guild.
For shopping and essential services, many head to Darrington, which has an IGA grocery store, a hardware store and a health care facility. "People gravitate toward Darrington," Price says. "It's a little old-fashioned town with cute stores to explore." Places to eat include the Burger Barn and Dos Agaves Mexican Restaurant. Red Top Tavern, open since 1935, offers karaoke, darts and pool. River Time Brewing, housed in Darrington's former city hall, makes small-batch beer, flatbread pizzas and sandwiches. River Time hosts bingo and trivia nights and is open for most Seahawks and Seawolves games.
Darrington Elementary School earns a C-minus grade from Niche, and Darrington High School receives a C-plus. They are on the same campus and cover kindergarten through twelfth grade. For distinct career pathways, there's Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center, which collaborates with more than a dozen school districts. Transportation is provided from the high school to the center, which is in Everett, about 55 miles to the southwest.
Daniel Emborg
KW North Sound
(360) 467-8178
66 Total Sales
1 in Swede Heaven
$490,000 Price
Lance Otto
KW North Sound
(360) 657-9879
449 Total Sales
3 in Swede Heaven
$400K - $525K Price Range
Sonya Blacker
Windermere RE Arlington
(360) 386-7761
103 Total Sales
7 in Swede Heaven
$450K - $900K Price Range
Brittany Hansen
Keller Williams Realty Bothell
(206) 210-2405
17 Total Sales
1 in Swede Heaven
$319,000 Price
Mickie Barnett
The Preview Group
(425) 249-3790
142 Total Sales
2 in Swede Heaven
$399K - $450K Price Range
Toby Barnett
KW North Sound
(360) 926-7394
133 Total Sales
2 in Swede Heaven
$399K - $450K Price Range
On average, homes in Swede Heaven, Darrington sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Swede Heaven, Darrington over the last 12 months is $700,000, up 26% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
$1,198,950
Genuine Victorian Home, custom built, on 12 acres. Stilly river frontage & surrounded by mountains. Built in 2003 and lives beautifully like an old Victorian farmhouse. Highend touches throughout. Ask for FEATURES LIST. Pastures, fruit trees, RV hookups, etc. Kitchen, dining/living rooms feature moabi woodfloors. 3/4 bath + mudrm on main. Milgard windows. Stay cool w/ AC. Generac generator.
$365,000
Escape to your very own serene retreat on the banks of Squire Creek with this charming A-frame style off-grid cabin. This peaceful setting offers breathtaking views over the creek, complete with your own private sandbar—a perfect spot for relaxation. Surrounded by lush woods, this cabin provides a tranquil sanctuary while also offering room to expand. The loft adds a cozy touch, creating an
Sonya Blacker Windermere RE Arlington
$225,000
Great opportunity to own 2 buildable lots in a small community on the Stillaguamish River. Rustic two-room log cabin on one lot provides a nice weekend getaway spot. Wooded spaces for shade, large open space for sun and new building possibilities. Partial view of Whitehorse Mountain. Septic feasibility study provided, well can be drilled for water.
Robert Grove John L. Scott, Inc.
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Secluded, residential-only lakeside community in Skagit County
Surrounded by wilderness and mountain scenery and close to small-town essentials
Rural expanses and multiacre properties within 5 miles of downtown Arlington
Rural neighborhood in Snohomish County with a peaceful lake lifestyle
Rural life in Snohomish County, a bit north of Arlington
Large properties within a rural neighborhood outside Lake Stevens
