Located along the Skykomish River between Sultan and Gold Bar, Startup developed during the era when timber, railroads, and industry drove growth throughout the valley. Like many communities along the Great Northern Railway corridor, Startup’s early economy was built around the forests that surrounded it and the transportation networks that connected the region to larger markets.

The town’s unusual name has become one of the most recognizable in Washington, but Startup’s history reflects the same determination and resourcefulness that defined many early Sky Valley communities. Loggers, mill workers, railroad employees, and families built lives here while helping fuel the economic growth of the region.

Today, Startup remains an important part of the Sky Valley story, connecting visitors to the area’s logging heritage, community traditions, and the people who helped shape life along the western approach to the Cascades.