Index, Washington

Prior to settlement by European Americans, the Skykomish people had many villages along the Skykomish River between Sultan and Index. One large and important village of the {{Langx|lut|bəsx̌əx̌əx̌alč|label=none}} band was at {{Langx|lut|x̌əx̌aʔusalʔtxʷ|label=none}} (derived from {{Langx|lut|sx̌aʔus|label=none}}, meaning "sawbill duck"){{cite book |last=Roe |first=Joann |title=Stevens Pass: The Story of Railroading and Recreation in the North Cascades |publisher=Mountaineers Books |year=1995 |isbn=0898863716 |location=Seattle |page=150 |oclc=32199366}} in modern-day Index.{{cite book |last1=Hollenbeck |first1=Jan L. |last2=Moss |first2=Madonna |year=1987 |title=A Cultural Resource Overview: Prehistory, Ethnography and History: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest |publisher=United States Forest Service |pages=161–164 |oclc=892024380 |url=https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/005998596 |via=HathiTrust |access-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-date=March 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329085846/https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/005998596 |url-status=live}} At the village were several longhouses, including a large potlatch house. {{Langx|lut|x̌əx̌aʔusalʔtxʷ|label=none}} was the base camp for people traveling into the Cascades for hunting and gathering. The Skykomish people were signatories of the 1855 Treaty of Point Elliott and many were moved to the Tulalip Indian Reservation, where they later amalgamated with the Snohomish and Snoqualmie tribes. Some members of the tribe elected to stay in the Skykomish Valley, primarily near Gold Bar and Sultan.{{cite web |last=Lindgren |first=Louise |date=November 21, 2019 |title=Index incorporates on October 11, 1907. |url=https://www.historylink.org/File/20911 |work=HistoryLink |accessdate=February 4, 2025}}

The first non-native settlers in the area were prospectors who placed individual mineral rights for claims in the Cascades, beginning with a gold rush in 1874 along Silver Creek near what later became the community of Galena. Amos Gunn, a Civil War veteran from Illinois, arrived at the fork of the Skykomish River with his wife and six children in 1889 and bought a squatter's claim to establish a homestead. He constructed a home that also served as a hotel for prospectors and railroad workers on the Great Northern Railway.{{cite news |last=Warren |first=James |date=November 8, 1983 |title=Gunn family traveled west to found the town of Index |page=D2 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}{{harvp|Roe|1995|p=151}} His wife Persis named their site "Index" for nearby Mount Index (later renamed Baring Mountain),{{cite book |last1=Cameron |first1=David A. |last2=LeWarne |first2=Charles P. |last3=May |first3=M. Allan |last4=O'Donnell |first4=Jack C. |last5=O'Donnell |first5=Lawrence E. |year=2005 |title=Snohomish County: An Illustrated History |page=96 |publisher=Kelcema Books LLC |location=Index, Washington |isbn=978-0-9766700-0-1 |oclc=62728798}}{{cite book |last=Meany |first=Edmond S. |author-link=Edmond S. Meany |year=1923 |title=Origin of Washington geographic names |page=119 |publisher=University of Washington Press |location=Seattle |url=https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015027074981;view=1up;seq=135 |via=HathiTrust |access-date=August 14, 2016 |archive-date=May 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510143132/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015027074981;view=1up;seq=135 |url-status=live}} itself named for its resemblance to an index finger.{{cite news |last=Graydon |first=Don |date=September 6, 1997 |title=Small town 'on brink of change' |page=D1 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}{{cite book |last=Phillips |first=James W. |year=1971 |title=Washington State Place Names |page=[https://archive.org/details/washingtonstatep00phil/page/65 65] |publisher=University of Washington Press |isbn=0-295-95158-3 |oclc=1052713900 |url=https://archive.org/details/washingtonstatep00phil |url-access=registration |via=The Internet Archive |access-date=November 18, 2019}} Mount Persis and Gunn's Peaks were also named for the family.{{cite news |last=Slager |first=Melisa |date=December 4, 2005 |title=Tiny town's school endures |page=B1 |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-tiny-towns-school-endu/164737601/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 4, 2025}} Mines in the area yielded gold, silver, copper, and galena among other minerals, which spurred further settlement around the North Fork Skykomish River.

Index was assigned a post office in November 1891 and Amos Gunn was appointed its first postmaster. He initially delivered mail and parcels by horseback from Wallace (now Startup) on a {{convert|12|mi|km|adj=mid}} overland trail.{{cite book |last=Burgstahler |first=Ruth |year=1980 |title=Index: A Historical Perspective |page=8 |publisher=Index Historical Society |oclc=6384024}} The Gunns' hotel was expanded two years later to accommodate an increasing number of prospectors who arrived on the Great Northern and traveled onward towards Galena and Mineral City. The railroad across Stevens Pass had been completed in January 1893, and was followed within a few years by a stagecoach road from Index to Galena. The town plat for Index was filed by Amos Gunn on April 25, 1893, shortly after a controlling interest in the settlement was acquired by the Everett Terminal Land and Milling Company.{{harvp|Roe|1995|pp=154–155}} The plat reserved {{convert|100|ft|m}} for the main street, which had been surfaced with gravel due to frequent flooding from the Skykomish River and was sought for use for a branch railroad to Galena. A fire destroyed the Gunns' hotel, general store, and several residences in the town on July 22 of that year, but had not damaged the Great Northern depot. The town's buildings were rebuilt as mining activity had temporarily subsided due to the Panic of 1893 and was eclipsed by logging and farming as the main local industry.{{cite web |last=Lindgren |first=Louise |date=September 4, 2009 |title=Index — Thumbnail History |url=https://www.historylink.org/File/9143 |work=HistoryLink |accessdate=October 29, 2014}} The Copper Bell and Sunset mines were opened in 1898 and brought the town to its peak population of 1,000 in 1900. The Sunset Mine was the largest in the area and produced {{convert|1,500|oz|kg}} of gold, {{convert|156,000|oz|kg}} of silver, and {{convert|12.9|lbs|kg|disp=preunit|million |million }} of copper during its lifetime.{{harvp|Cameron|LeWarne|May|O'Donnell|2005|p=154}}

File:Index panorama, 1912 (PICKETT 104).jpeg

Amos Gunn sold his properties in Index in 1899 shortly after the death of his wife Persis.{{cite book |last=Whitfield |first=William M. |year=1926 |title=History of Snohomish County, Washington |pages=611–612 |publisher=Pioneer Historical Publishing Company |location=Chicago |oclc=8437390 |url=https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/102122401 |via=HathiTrust |access-date=April 30, 2020 |archive-date=June 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629200801/https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/102122401 |url-status=live}} The town continued to grow with the arrival of social clubs, a schoolhouse, and its first newspaper, the Index Miner (later the Index News), in 1899. In November 1902, a second major fire destroyed several buildings in the town, including the assay office, and killed one person. A granite quarry also opened east of Index in 1904 and later provided materials for the Washington State Capitol building in Olympia. It became one of the main employers in the area, along with logging to supply a new sawmill that was later acquired by the Index-Galena Lumber Company.{{harvp|Burgstahler|1980|pp=21–24}} Plans to build a hydroelectric dam and a pulp mill at sites along both forks of the Skykomish River were proposed but never began construction. Index was also promoted as a tourist destination for sport fishing and mountaineering; by 1905, it had five hotels and drew hundreds of visitors by train during the summer season.

Index was incorporated as a fourth-class city on October 11, 1907, with several hundred residents. A volunteer fire department was established and moved into a permanent fire station in 1913; its old facility was converted into a town hall with a jail. An unpaved county road was completed from Gold Bar to Index in 1911, which brought regular automobiles to the area and scheduled bus service. The road included a bridge over the Skykomish River that was destroyed by one of two major floods in 1917 and later rebuilt. The Stevens Pass Highway (now part of U.S. Route 2) opened on July 11, 1925, and opened the area to skiing with the development of a new ski area a few years later.{{harvp|Roe|1995|p=125}} The Great Northern's local trains, nicknamed the "Dinkies", made daily stops in every Skykomish Valley settlement and provided Index with passenger and postal service until they were discontinued in 1925 after the highway opened. The Stevens Pass Highway was rebuilt by the state government in 1933 and bypassed Index, which reduced tourist traffic to the town and caused several businesses to close.{{cite news |last=Eals |first=Clay |date=June 2, 2022 |title=Index's only inn perseveres amid historic charm and challenge |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/indexs-only-inn-perseveres-amid-historic-charm-and-challenge/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=February 6, 2025}}

The town's major industries saw reduced business during the early years of the Great Depression, which resulted in the shutdown of lumber mills and mines in the area.{{harvp|Roe|1995|pp=158–159}} The granite quarry closed permanently after a fire destroyed its warehouse in May 1932; it was not rebuilt due to the decreased demand for granite. A Civilian Conservation Corps camp was established east of Index in 1934 to provide jobs for unemployed men and improve lands owned by the United States Forest Service in the Cascades. On August 16, 1939, a wildfire that formed west of Index swept into the town and destroyed the church and seven residences;{{cite news |date=August 17, 1939 |title=Fires Still Threaten Index |page=1 |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-fires-still-threaten-in/164887559/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 6, 2025}} hundreds of firefighters from the United States Forest Service and local fire departments in the region prevented the fire from causing further damage before it retreated into the forests.{{cite news |date=August 19, 1939 |title=300 State and Federal Men on Fire Lines Continue to Fight Flames Near Index |page=1 |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-300-state-and-federal-m/164887604/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 6, 2025}} The Sunset Mine, the last remaining copper mine in the area, had financial issues and was taken over by its workers after a dispute over unpaid wages; it was shut down in 1942 by a federal order to halt mining of non-essential materials during World War II. A natural hot springs near the town continued to draw tourists and was developed into a major resort named the Garland Mineral Springs; during World War II, it was converted into a Coast Guard training camp.

File:Index, WA. (1702484342).jpg, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and destroyed in 2009]]

Index entered a period of economic stagnation and reduced employment following the Great Depression and World War II, as most of its industries had closed and were not replaced. Local families left the town and were replaced by a population of retirees and urban residents who maintained vacation homes; by 1975, there was a permanent population of 171 residents in Index and the surrounding area.{{cite news |last=Carrick |first=Ned |date=March 21, 1975 |title=She's Indexed 34 years of her life |page=4A |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-shes-indexed-34-years/165040152/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 8, 2025}} After Index's high school closed in 1942, students were moved to Sultan Senior High School. The other school buildings were condemned by the state fire marshal in 1952 and replaced three years later by a new consolidated school.{{harvp|Burgstahler|1980|pp=33–34}} From 1962 to 1964, Great Northern rebuilt its railroad through Index on an embankment with a wider curve that cut off several streets and split the town into two halves.{{cite news |last=Hagman |first=Tye |date=March 15, 1964 |title=Index—A Town Split in Two by a Railroad |page=4 |work=The Seattle Times}} The original railroad depot in the town was also demolished and the lone grade crossing was made steeper, creating a blind hill.{{cite news |date=December 8, 1964 |title=Index Seeks RR Crossing Safety |page=1B |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-index-seeks-rr-crossing/164888275/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 6, 2025}}

The town has been frequented by rock climbers since routes on the Index Town Wall, a set of granite cliffs that face the Skykomish River, were mapped in the 1950s and developed in the early 1970s by enthusiasts from Seattle.{{cite news |last=Sjong |first=Angele |date=November 13, 2009 |title=Index Club |url=https://www.climbing.com/news/index-club/ |work=Climbing |accessdate=February 8, 2025}}{{cite news |last=Scruggs |first=Gregory |date=November 14, 2023 |title=WA climbers purchase 20 acres of popular climbing walls in Index |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/life/outdoors/wa-climbers-purchase-beginner-friendly-crag-in-index/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=February 5, 2025}} A replacement of Index's wooden water main and reservoir system, which are supplied by a mountain spring, began in 1967 and was completed a decade later by the town government using federal and state grants.{{cite news |last=Carrick |first=Ned |date=December 30, 1967 |title=Snohomish, Skykomish Valleys Look Ahead to Snowball Growth |page=8C |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-snohomish-skykomish-va/165043091/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 8, 2025}}{{cite news |last=Carrick |first=Ned |date=April 2, 1977 |title=Index completes new water system |page=4A |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-index-completes-new-wat/165044094/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 8, 2025}} The Bush House, a historic hotel that opened in 1898 and closed in the 1930s, was renovated and reopened as a restaurant in 1975 and for lodging two years later.{{cite news |last=Hayes |first=Bruce |date=August 8, 1975 |title=Bush House serves history along with its food |page=11A |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-bush-house-serves-histo/165043974/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 8, 2025}}{{cite news |last=Carrick |first=Ned |date=November 23, 1977 |title=Turn back to the Index |page=3B |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-turn-back-to-the-index/165042170/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 8, 2025}} It was among the few active businesses in Index along with a general store and tavern; the town had become a destination for retirees and vacationers by the 1970s and had few permanent residents.{{cite news |last=Frisino |first=Joe |date=March 18, 1979 |title=Mountain's Magic Looks After Index |page=C1 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}} The Red Men Hall, traditionally a meeting place for the local chapter of the Independent Order of Red Men, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.{{cite news |date=December 28, 1974 |title=Red Men's Wigwam and Index boost colorful past |page=4 |work=The Everett Herald |department=Panorama |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-red-mens-wigwam-and-in/166308763/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=May 3, 2025}}

On December 26, 1980, heavy rainfall caused the North Fork Skykomish River to flood Index and the surrounding area with up to {{convert|24|ft|m}} of water.{{cite news |last=Lewis |first=Peter |date=December 31, 1980 |title=Index flood victims get little help |page=E3 |work=The Seattle Times}} The flood washed away seven homes, a portion of Avenue A, and the town's water main, with damage estimated at $691,000 (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US-GDP|691000|1980}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars){{inflation-fn|US-GDP}} by local officials.{{cite news |last=Gullien |first=Tomas |date=December 27, 1980 |title=Index residents keep wary eye on surging Skykomish |page=A3 |work=The Seattle Times}}{{cite news |last=Bray |first=Kari |date=July 6, 2016 |title=Darrington historians, UW students create mudslide archive |page=A1 |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/darrington-historians-uw-students-create-oso-mudslide-archive/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 8, 2025}}{{cite news |last=Flatt |first=Sherri |date=December 31, 1980 |title=Flood disaster relief main concern of Index residents |page=3A |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-flood-disaster-relief-m/165033880/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 1, 2025}} Buildings and roads were later rebuilt by residents, while a temporary riprap was installed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.{{harvp|Cameron|LeWarne|May|O'Donnell|2005|p=348}}{{cite news |last=Lewis |first=Peter |date=April 8, 1981 |title=Index dispute pits neighbor against neighbor |page=B1 |work=The Seattle Times}} The town government had previously requested aid to repair an existing riprap along Avenue A that had been damaged in a 1975 flood as well as remove a {{convert|100|ft|m|adj=mid}} log jam that had formed in the river upstream from Index.{{cite news |date=August 8, 1980 |title=Mayor says Index needs flooding help |page=7D |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-mayor-says-index-needs/167017377/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 1, 2025}}{{cite news |last=Harden |first=Mark |date=April 12, 1981 |title=Corps won't reimburse owner of washed-out Index home |page=5A |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-corps-wont-reimburse-o/167101774/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 2, 2025}} The Army Corps of Engineers constructed a new, {{convert|500|ft|m|adj=mid}} riprap along Avenue A in April 1981 but denied responsibility for the flood damage, which it described as a "natural occurrence".{{cite news |last1=Maxwell |first1=Blanche |last2=Harden |first2=Mark |date=July 26, 1981 |title=Index, resident reach deal on flood project |page=3A |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-index-resident-reach-d/167101784/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=March 2, 2025}}

The town recovered from the 1980 flood and had organized emergency medical services and a new historical society within a few years. A total of 19 business licenses were issued by the town government, mostly to cottage industries and home businesses, in 1984.{{cite news |last=Harrison |first=Brenda |date=October 2, 1985 |title=They came, they saw, they stayed |page=AE2 |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-they-came-they-saw-th/164888571/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 6, 2025}} The reopening of the Bush Hotel was credited with the increase in local businesses, but the nearest gas station and medical clinics remained further west on U.S. Route 2.{{cite news |last=Lebow |first=Dennis |date=May 28, 1984 |title=Few agree on valley's tour trade |page=1A |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-few-agree-on-valleys-t/171663453/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=May 3, 2025}}{{cite news |last=Shaw |first=Linda |date=October 28, 1987 |title=Main Streets: Index plays against rugged backdrop |page=H1 |work=The Seattle Times}} After Burlington Northern Railroad proposed the use of herbicide 2,4-D along their tracks through the town, local residents protested by blocking access until the railroad agreed to not spray near Index.{{cite news |last=Bailey |first=Gil |date=August 24, 1980 |title='To Tracks, to Tracks, the Sprayers Are Coming!' |page=A3 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}} A total of 11 residents were randomly selected by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services for urine testing, which found the herbicide was not present in their bodies.{{cite news |last=Von Sternberg |first=Bob |date=September 4, 1980 |title=Herbicide tests turn up negative |page=1A |work=The Everett Herald |department=Western Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-herbicide-tests-turn-up/171663120/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=May 3, 2025}} The town council adopted a resolution to support the Nuclear Freeze campaign, which proposed a halt to development of new nuclear weapons, in 1983 amid rumors that some nuclear warheads would be transported on the railroad through Index.{{cite news |last=Maxwell |first=Blanche |date=March 22, 1983 |title=Index shouts 'yes' for nuclear freeze |page=1A |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-index-shouts-yes-for/165037294/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 8, 2025}}

The Index Town Wall was the site of a drilling experiment in 1984 for a local company that planned to supply a new machine to an Australian diamond mine. The experiment created a {{convert|12|ft|m|adj=mid}} tunnel that ran {{convert|200|ft|m}} deep into the granite face of the Town Wall; the tunnel was later repurposed by the University of Washington for physics experiments.{{cite news |last=Folkerts |first=Dale |date=April 15, 1984 |title=Mining juggernaut not boring to folks around Index cliff |page=3A |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-mining-juggernaut-not-b/164888656/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 6, 2025}} The use of the Town Wall for the experiment and the expedited environmental review process for the project was criticized by The Mountaineers and other outdoor recreation groups.{{cite news |last=Hessburg |first=John |date=February 20, 1984 |title=Climbers fear loss of rock playground |page=C2 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}} The Skykomish River around Index began to attract rafting excursions and operators in the 1980s, which led to conflicts with local residents due to increased traffic and litter as well as the use of town facilities without payment.{{cite news |last=Browder |first=Seanna |date=January 25, 1986 |title=Rapids up ahead for Skykomish rafters |page=1A |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-rapids-up-ahead-for-sky/171663262/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=May 3, 2025}} In 1986, the town government approved a plan to build a paid boat ramp and parking facilities for rafting companies as part of a compromise to address the traffic and litter issues.{{cite news |last=Browder |first=Seanna |date=March 4, 1986 |title=Index to build rafter facilities and charge fees |page=1B |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-index-to-build-rafter-f/171663291/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=May 3, 2025}}

From 1980 to 1990, the town's population declined by 5.4{{nbsp}}percent despite a boom in the number of new vacation homes built in Index and the surrounding area. Most permanent residents continued to commute out of Index to job centers in western Snohomish and King counties.{{cite news |last=Brooks |first=Diane |date=June 5, 1991 |title=Living the quiet life |page=H1 |work=The Seattle Times}} The town's lone road crossing over the Skykomish River, a one-lane timber bridge, was replaced in September 1999 by a modern concrete bridge. The $4{{nbsp}}million project (equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US-GDP|4000000|1999}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars){{inflation-fn|US-GDP}} was primarily funded by the county and federal governments and had been initially opposed by local residents.{{cite news |last=Moriarty |first=Leslie |date=September 30, 1999 |title=Taking a ride: Bridge's namesake goes for first drive across new span, last spin across old |page=B1 |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-taking-a-ride-bridges/164813421/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 5, 2025}} Index's population had declined to approximately 150 by 1997, but the town government began planning infrastructure projects that would accommodate future population growth, including the replacement of septic tanks with a modern sewage system and a wastewater treatment plant. A new hiking trail to Lake Serene was constructed by the United States Forest Service with a large parking lot and other amenities in anticipation of high demand.

The state government began purchasing land around the Index Town Wall in the early 1990s and formally proposed the creation of a new {{convert|1,300|acre|ha|adj=mid}} state park.{{cite news |last=Haley |first=Jim |date=June 6, 1999 |title=Index area soon may be gateway to new state park |page=1B |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-index-area-soon-may-be/171664299/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=May 4, 2025}} It was named Forks of the Sky State Park and the Town Wall was donated to expand the park in 2010.{{cite news |last=Dominguez |first=Alejandro |date=September 20, 2010 |title=Crag now part of park |page=B1 |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-crag-now-part-of-park/171664317/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=May 4, 2025}} A nearby portion of the Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest was designated as the Wild Sky Wilderness by the federal government in 2008 to protect over {{convert|106,000|acre|ha}} of alpine habitat for wildlife.{{cite news |last=Sheets |first=Bill |date=May 31, 2008 |title=Victory lap at Wild Sky |page=A1 |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-victory-lap-at-wild-sky/171664614/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=May 4, 2025}} The Skykomish River flooded portions of Index on November 6, 2006, and caused $7{{nbsp}}million in recorded damage locally, including washouts on portions of Index–Galena Road that were not fully repaired until 2023.{{cite news |last=Velush |first=Lukas |date=November 24, 2006 |title=Route will need years of repair |page=A1 |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-route-will-need-years-o/171664815/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=May 4, 2025}} Additional recreation areas around the town were developed in the 2000s through a nonprofit conservation group that was organized in response to a 2006 proposal to begin clearcutting for timber harvesting on Heybrook Ridge. The group raised $600,000 to acquire the land and partnered with the county government to develop Heybrook Ridge County Park, which opened in 2017.{{cite news |last=Nile |first=Amy |date=October 24, 2014 |title=Index hoedown aims to blaze new trails |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/index-hoedown-aims-to-blaze-new-trails/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 5, 2025}}{{cite news |last=King |first=Rikki |date=April 10, 2016 |title=New trails with easier access coming to park near Index |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/new-trails-with-easier-access-coming-to-park-near-index/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 9, 2025}}

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, in a partnership with the Tulalip Tribes, published plans in 2021 to construct a fish hatchery near Sunset Falls. The hatchery aims to increase the population of native steelhead trout in the Skykomish River, which had been stocked with imported trout from the Columbia River basin.{{cite news |last=Sanders |first=Julia-Grace |date=March 4, 2021 |title=New hatchery on Skykomish to end practice of importing fish |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/new-hatchery-on-skykomish-to-end-practice-of-importing-fish/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=May 4, 2025}}

File:North Fork Skykomish River from US Highway 2 near Index, WA.jpg in Index]]

Index lies in the western foothills of the Cascade Mountains on the north side of the North Fork Skykomish River, just above its confluence with the main channel of the Skykomish River. The town is in southeastern Snohomish County, approximately {{convert|7|mi|km}} east of Gold Bar and {{convert|30|mi|km}} west of Stevens Pass.{{cite report |date=September 2015 |title=Snohomish County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, Volume 2: Planning Partner Annexes |pages=7{{hyphen}}1, 7{{hyphen}}2 |url=https://snohomishcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14608 |publisher=Snohomish County Department of Public Works |access-date=April 12, 2020 |archive-date=April 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425114138/https://snohomishcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14608 |url-status=live}}{{cite WSDOT map |year=2014 |link=yes |accessdate=February 9, 2025}} It is connected to nearby areas by U.S. Route 2, a major highway that runs {{convert|1|mi|km|spell=in}} south of the town and travels {{convert|36|mi|km}} west to Everett and east across the Cascades. Index is bisected by the Scenic Subdivision of the BNSF Railway, a railroad originally built by the Great Northern Railway that carries freight trains and Amtrak's Empire Builder passenger service.{{cite news |last=Upchurch |first=Michael |date=June 3, 2005 |title=Climb aboard for an easy trip from Seattle to Chicago

|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2002295825_traintrip05.html |work=The Seattle Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060324105339/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travel/2002295825_traintrip05.html |archive-date=March 24, 2006 |accessdate=February 9, 2025}}

The town has a total area of {{convert|0.23|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, all of it land, according to the United States Census Bureau.{{cite web |title=2018 U.S. Gazetteer Files |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2018_Gazetteer/2018_gaz_place_53.txt |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=February 16, 2020 |archive-date=September 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915010450/https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2018_Gazetteer/2018_gaz_place_53.txt |url-status=live}} Index and its outlying unincorporated areas are surrounded by the Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest and other protected lands; the Wild Sky Wilderness area is east of the town.{{cite map |date=October 22, 2021 |title=Lands Useful for Public Purpose |url=https://www.snoco.org/v1/services/Docs/SCD/PDF/PDS_GMA_FLU/Map5_LandsUsefulPublicPurpose.pdf |publisher=Snohomish County Planning and Development Services |accessdate=February 9, 2025}}{{cite map |date=June 2021 |title=Motor Vehicle Use Map: Skykomish & Snoqualmie Ranger Districts, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest |url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd903855.pdf |publisher=United States Forest Service |accessdate=February 9, 2025}} The southern boundary is the North Fork Skykomish River, while the northern border is defined by the Index Town Walls and Forks of the Sky State Park.{{cite map |year=2015 |title=Snohomish County General Reference Map: Quadrangle 10 |url=https://www.snoco.org/v1/services/Docs/SCD/PDF/PDS_GenRef/GenRef__10.pdf |publisher=Snohomish County Planning and Development Services |accessdate=February 9, 2025}} The Town Walls are a series of granite cliffs in Forks of the Sky State Park that rise {{convert|360 to 600|ft}} above the valley and are popular with rock climbers.{{cite web |date=June 2017 |title=Forks of the Sky State Park: Index Town Walls Technical Rock Climbing Management Plan |page=1 |url=https://washingtonclimbers.org/wp-content/uploads/Index-climbing-management-plan-June-2017.pdf |publisher=Washington State Parks |via=Washington Climbers Coalition |accessdate=February 9, 2025}} The cliffs are also home to nests for peregrine falcons, which necessitate occasional closures to climbing for protection.{{cite news |last=Wootton |first=Sharon |date=June 5, 2014 |title=Some routes on Index Town Wall closed for falcons |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/life/some-routes-on-index-town-wall-closed-for-falcons/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 8, 2025}}

Index sits at an elevation of {{convert|500 to 540|ft|m}}, while the surrounding mountains range from {{convert|5,464 to 6,244|ft|m}} in height. These include Mount Index to the south at {{convert|5,991|ft|m}} and Gunn Peak to the east at {{convert|6,240|ft|m}}. The mountains around Index are primarily batholiths that formed from cooled magma lifted to the surface approximately 34{{nbsp}}million years before present. The town also lies near the Straight Creek Fault, a major strike-slip fault that generates seismic activity.{{cite book |last1=Alt |first1=David D. |last2=Hyndman |first2=Donald W. |year=1995 |title=Roadside Geology of Washington |edition=11th |pages=70–73 |publisher=Mountain Press Publishing Company |location=Missoula, Montana |isbn=9780878421602 |oclc=246175271}}{{cite tech report |last1=Tabor |first1=R.W. |last2=Frizzell Jr. |first2=V.A. |last3=Booth |first3=D.B. |last4=Waitt |first4=R.B. |last5=Whetten |first5=J.T. |last6=Zartman |first6=R.E. |year=1993 |title=Geologic Map of the Skykomish River 30-by-60 Minute Quadrangle, Washington |page=34 |url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/imap/i1963/skypampa.pdf |publisher=United States Geological Survey |accessdate=February 10, 2025}} The area southeast of Index includes several waterfalls on the South Fork Skykomish River. Sunset Falls is {{convert|1|mi|km|spell=in}} south of Index and comprises a {{convert|104|ft|m|adj=mid}} drop in a {{convert|275|ft|m|adj=mid}} granite chute.{{cite web |last=Dougherty |first=Phil |date=November 16, 2007 |title=Al Faussett rides over Sunset Falls (Skykomish River) in a dugout canoe on May 30, 1926. |url=https://www.historylink.org/File/8348 |work=HistoryLink |accessdate=February 9, 2025}} Eagle Falls is {{convert|4|mi|km}} southeast of the town and is the site of frequent rescues due to its popularity and fast-moving rapids.{{cite news |last=King |first=Rikki |date=July 24, 2016 |title=Eagle Falls near Index risky for swimmers, rescue crews |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/eagle-falls-near-index-risky-for-swimmers-rescue-crews/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 9, 2025}}{{cite news |last=Watanabe |first=Ben |date=July 30, 2020 |title=Despite drownings, TikTok fame draws hordes to Eagle Falls |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/despite-drownings-tiktok-fame-draws-hordes-to-eagle-falls/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 9, 2025}}

The Index area has a moderate summer climate with approximately 213 frost-free days and average annual precipitation of {{convert|180|in|cm}}. It receives more snowfall than most populated areas of the county, with an annual average of {{convert|59.3|in|cm}} from 1948 to 1957.{{cite web |title=Period of Record Monthly Climate Summary: Index 1 SSE, Washington |url=https://wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?wa3909 |publisher=Western Regional Climate Center |accessdate=March 1, 2025}} The area north of the town is designated a "high risk" area for wildfires, while other areas are within the 100-year flood zone for the Skykomish River.{{cite news |last=Hansen |first=Jordan |date=September 20, 2023 |title=After Maui wildfires, Sky Valley locals look warily at US 2 |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/after-maui-wildfires-sky-valley-locals-look-warily-at-us-2/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 6, 2025}} Index and neighboring areas were placed under mandatory evacuation orders on September 10, 2022, due to the nearby Bolt Creek Fire.{{cite news |last1=Turner |first1=Nicholas |last2=Zhou |first2=Amanda |last3=Brunner |first3=Jim |date=September 11, 2022 |title=Index residents told to leave as Bolt Creek fire spreads |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/index-residents-told-to-leave-as-bolt-creek-fire-continues-to-spread/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=September 24, 2022 |archive-date=September 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923050610/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/index-residents-told-to-leave-as-bolt-creek-fire-continues-to-spread/ |url-status=live }} The order was modified two days later to allow residents to return to their homes, but U.S. Route{{nbsp}}2 remained closed to most travel for several days.{{cite news |last=Gutman |first=David |date=September 13, 2022 |title=Index evacuation order eased; residents allowed home amid Bolt Creek fire |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/index-evacuation-order-eased-residents-allowed-home-amid-bolt-creek-fire/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=September 24, 2022 |archive-date=September 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924023848/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/index-evacuation-order-eased-residents-allowed-home-amid-bolt-creek-fire/ |url-status=live }} The fire burned approximately {{convert|15,000|acre|ha}} and was contained in late October.{{cite news |last=Haun |first=Riley |date=November 17, 2022 |title=Work begins to stabilize Bolt Creek burn scar for winter weather |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/work-begins-to-stabilize-bolt-creek-burn-scar-for-winter-weather/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 10, 2025}}

File:Index Granite Works, ca 1911 (PICKETT 66).jpeg

The area had several granite quarries that were used to supply building materials for the Washington State Capitol Building and the base of the Smith Tower in Seattle.{{cite news |last=Jones |first=Iris |date=January 28, 1999 |title=Index draws visitors year-round |page=8 |work=The Bellingham Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bellingham-herald-index-draws-visito/140625308/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 9, 2024}} Since the 20th century, the local economy has transitioned from resource extraction industries to tourism, particularly outdoor recreation in the summer months.{{cite news |last=Bryan |first=Zachariah |date=June 6, 2021 |title=Wilderness awaits beyond the washout on Index-Galena Road |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/wilderness-awaits-beyond-the-washout-on-index-galena-road/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=December 23, 2023}} Index's residents are a mix of retirees, commuters to other areas, and those who work in cottage industries and businesses that cater to tourists.{{cite news |last=Sanders |first=Julia-Grace |date=May 23, 2020 |title=The town the virus seemed to miss: No cases counted in Index |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/the-town-the-virus-missed-no-virus-cases-counted-in-index/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=May 23, 2020 |archive-date=June 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601105700/https://www.heraldnet.com/news/the-town-the-virus-missed-no-virus-cases-counted-in-index/ |url-status=live}} Paradise Sound maintained a recording studio where albums were recorded by Alice in Chains and The Walkabouts.{{cite news |date=July 21, 1999 |title=Studio Directory |page=15 |work=The Rocket |location=Seattle}}

As of the 2023 American Community Survey estimates, the most common employers for Index residents are in the retail sector, followed by construction and educational services.{{cite web |year=2024 |title=Selected Economic Characteristics: Index, Washington |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDP5Y2023.DP03?q=Index%20town,%20Washington |work=American Community Survey |publisher=United States Census Bureau |accessdate=February 9, 2025}} Approximately 62 residents are employed outside of the town; the most common commuting destinations are Seattle (17.7%), Monroe (14.5%), and Everett (11.3%).{{cite web |title=Destination Analysis — Workers: Living in Index town, WA |url=https://onthemap.ces.census.gov/cgi-bin/report.py?report_id=otm_805b1c169b5c4623a95b3b5ee3eb7397&heading=Destination+Analysis%0AWorkers%3A+Living+in+Index+town%2C+WA%0AShowing%3A+Employment+locations+grouped+by+Places+%28Cities%2C+CDPs%2C+etc.%29&mode=details&settings=%7B%22selection%22%3A+%5B%22otm_b998d58009264d54940569a051689dfd%22%5D%2C+%22n_rollups%22%3A+%22all%22%2C+%22color%22%3A+%5B%22%230000AA%22%5D%2C+%22rollup%22%3A+%22us_plc%22%2C+%22destination_rollup%22%3A+%22us_plc%22%2C+%22job_type%22%3A+%22jt00%22%2C+%22labor%22%3A+%22s000%22%2C+%22ac_segment%22%3A+%22s000%22%2C+%22origin_dir%22%3A+%22home%22%2C+%22geom_operation%22%3A+%22ignore%22%2C+%22fid%22%3A+%22-1%22%2C+%22year%22%3A+%222022%22%2C+%22analysis_type%22%3A+%22destination_report%22%2C+%22drilldown%22%3A+%22%22%2C+%22ap_segment%22%3A+%22s000%22%2C+%22origin_app%22%3A+%22text-only%22%2C+%22origin_type%22%3A+%22home%22%2C+%22comparison_geom%22%3A+%22us_plc%22%7D&format=full_html |publisher=United States Census Bureau |via=OnTheMap |accessdate=February 9, 2025}} The mean one-way commute for the town's workers was 39.3{{nbsp}}minutes; 81{{nbsp}}percent of commuters drove alone to their place of employment.

{{US Census population

|1910= 417

|1920= 412

|1930= 381

|1940= 217

|1950= 211

|1960= 158

|1970= 169

|1980= 147

|1990= 139

|2000= 157

|2010= 178

|2020= 155

|estyear=2023

|estimate=157

|estref=

|align-fn=center

|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web |title=Census of Population and Housing |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=July 26, 2013}}

}}

Index has a permanent population of 155 residents as of the 2020 census, many of whom are retirees or work locally. The town also has seasonal residents living in vacation homes or other accommodations, bringing the area's population to an estimated 500 people during the summer months. Index is the smallest municipality in Snohomish County and Western Washington.{{cite news |last=Thompson |first=Joseph |date=August 13, 2021 |title=2020 Census: Snohomish County grows by more than 114,000 |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/2020-census-snohomish-county-grows-by-more-than-114000/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 22, 2024}} The town's population had peaked at 1,000 residents near 1900 and declined since, remaining relatively unchanged since 1960.

As of the 2020 U.S. census, there were 155 people living in the town, which had a population density of {{convert|673.91|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of Index was 85.2% White, 1.9% American Indian and Alaskan Native, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 11.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race was 4.5% of the population.{{cite web |title=Index town, Washington – 2020 United States Census Table P2: Hispanic or Latino, And Not Hispanic or Latino By Race |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALPL2020.P2?g=160XX00US5333175 |publisher=United States Census Bureau |accessdate=February 6, 2025}}

As of the 2010 U.S. census, there were 178 people, 80 households, and 44 families living in the town. The population density was {{convert|773.9|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 116 housing units at an average density of {{convert|504.3|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the town was 95.5% White, 1.7% Asian, 0.6% Pacific Islander, 0.6% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.5% of the population.{{cite web |date=September 2011 |title=Decennial Census Tables |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/data/tables.2010.html |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=May 26, 2020 |archive-date=July 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716141754/https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/data/tables.2010.html |url-status=live}}

There were 80 households, of which 26.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.3% were married couples living together, 12.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 45.0% were non-families. 41.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 3.02.

The median age in the town was 42 years. 22.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.1% were from 25 to 44; 35.5% were from 45 to 64; and 12.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 47.2% male and 52.8% female.

File:Index Town Hall, 2021.jpg

Index is an incorporated town with a mayor–council form of government.{{cite web |title=Washington City and Town Profiles |url=https://mrsc.org/research-tools/washington-city-and-town-profiles |publisher=Municipal Research and Services Center |accessdate=February 6, 2025}} The mayor and five-member town council are elected to four-year terms by residents who are eligible to vote. {{As of|2025}}, Norm Johnson is the town's mayor.{{cite web |title=MRSC Officials Directory |url=https://mrsc.org/mrsctools/officials-directory/city.aspx?ci=i |publisher=Municipal Research and Services Center |accessdate=February 6, 2025}} Index's government has three employed positions: a clerk for day-to-day management, a maintenance person, and a water distribution manager to oversee the water supply. The town contracts with the county government to provide additional services such as fire and building inspections and land use planning. The Snohomish County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement and search-and-rescue services,{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Debra |date=November 14, 2008 |title=Sultan eliminates its police department |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/sultan-eliminates-its-police-department/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 9, 2025}} while Sky Valley Fire is contracted for firefighting and protection in a partnership with the volunteer firefighter district.{{cite news |last=Davis-Leonard |first=Ian |date=September 4, 2020 |title=Many more searches and rescues: First responders are busy |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/recent-rescues-part-of-uptick-for-county-first-responders/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 9, 2025}}

The town had the highest voter turnout of any municipality in Snohomish County from 2013 to 2023, with 60{{nbsp}}percent of residents returning a ballot in the 2023 general election.{{cite news |last=Hansen |first=Jordan |date=December 4, 2023 |title=Index, smallest town in Snohomish County, is No. 1 in voter turnout |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/index-smallest-town-in-snohomish-county-is-no-1-in-voter-turnout/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=December 23, 2023}} At the federal level, Index is part of the 8th congressional district, which encompasses the eastern portions of the Snohomish, King, and Pierce counties as well as the entirety of Chelan and Kittitas counties.{{cite map |author=Census Bureau Geography Division |year=2023 |title=118th Congress of the United States: Washington – Congressional District 8 |scale=1:368,000 |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/cong_dist/cd118/cd_based/ST53/CD118_WA08.pdf |publisher=United States Census Bureau |accessdate=January 16, 2024}} It was part of the 1st congressional district until 2022, when the 8th district was extended into Snohomish County.{{cite news |last=Cornfield |first=Jerry |date=October 25, 2022 |title=Snohomish County in middle of key battle for control of U.S. House |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/snohomish-county-in-middle-of-key-battle-for-control-of-u-s-house/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=January 16, 2024}} At the state level, the town is part of the 12th legislative district, which also crosses the Cascade Mountains and includes Skykomish, part of Snoqualmie, and all of Chelan County except for Wenatchee.{{cite map |date=July 2024 |title=Washington State Legislative & Congressional District Map |url=https://www.sos.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-07/Road%20Map_01.pdf |at=[https://www.sos.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-07/Road%20Map%20Inset_01.pdf Puget Sound inset] |publisher=Washington State Redistricting Commission |accessdate=October 24, 2024}}{{cite news |last=Cornfield |first=Jerry |date=November 24, 2021 |title=Proposed political map links cities from Monroe to Wenatchee |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/proposed-political-map-links-cities-from-monroe-to-wenatchee/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=January 16, 2024}} Index was previously part of the 39th legislative district until it was moved into the cross-mountain district as part of a redistricting compromise in 2022.{{cite news |last=Cornfield |first=Jerry |date=December 3, 2021 |title=State Supreme Court declines to draw new redistricting plan |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/state-supreme-court-declines-to-draw-new-redistricting-plan/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=January 16, 2024}} The town also lies within the Snohomish County Council's 5th district, which includes the Skykomish Valley, Snohomish, and Lake Stevens.{{cite map |date=May 12, 2022 |title=Snohomish County: County Council Districts |url=https://snohomishcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/99589/County-Council-Districts-PDF |publisher=Snohomish County Elections |accessdate=January 16, 2024}}

File:Index, WA - Bush House 06.jpg

The town's museum, the Index-Pickett Historical Museum, opened in June 1986 and is maintained by the Index Historical Society. The museum is named for Dorothy Pickett, a local schoolteacher and wife of Great Northern Railway photographer Lee Pickett.{{cite news |last=Carrick |first=Ned |date=June 9, 1986 |title=Museum displays Index's 1st century |page=1B |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-museum-displays-indexs/165029483/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 8, 2025}} It was originally located in a toolshed the Picketts used until the museum was moved to their former home. The Red Men Hall, a fraternal lodge and the largest building in Index, was constructed in 1903 and served as the center for social life in the town. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 but collapsed in 2009 after a severe snowstorm and was subsequently demolished.{{cite news |date=July 5, 2012 |title=Designated historic sites in Snohomish County |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/designated-historic-sites-in-snohomish-county/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 8, 2025}}{{cite news |date=January 4, 2009 |title=Index landmark collapses under weight of snow |url=http://www.skyvalleychronicle.com/INDEX/INDEX-LANDMARK-COLLAPSES-UNDER-WEIGHT-OF-SNOW-4172 |work=Sky Valley Chronicle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030033305/http://www.skyvalleychronicle.com/INDEX/INDEX-LANDMARK-COLLAPSES-UNDER-WEIGHT-OF-SNOW-4172 |archive-date=October 30, 2014 |accessdate=February 8, 2025}} Another historic building in Index, the Bush House, was opened as a hotel in 1898 and closed multiple times throughout its history, leading to its listing as an endangered landmark by the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation in 2009.{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Debra |date=May 31, 2009 |title=Saving a historic hotel in Index |url=http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20090531/NEWS01/705319904 |work=The Everett Herald |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090605003212/http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20090531/NEWS01/705319904 |archive-date=June 5, 2009 |access-date=July 24, 2019}} A major renovation began in 2012 and the Bush House reopened for use as a hotel and event venue in 2017;{{cite news |last=Muhlstein |first=Julie |date=July 3, 2017 |title=Couple faithfully renovating historic 1899 Bush House in Index |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/couple-faithfully-renovating-historic-1899-bush-house-in-index/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 9, 2024}} a new restaurant at the hotel was opened in June 2023.{{cite news |last=Haun |first=Riley |date=June 30, 2023 |title=Get a modern taste of Index history at North Fork Kitchen |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/food-and-drink/get-a-modern-taste-of-index-history-at-north-fork-kitchen/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 9, 2024}}

The Index Arts Festival was founded in 2004 and is held annually at Doolittle Pioneer Park during the first weekend in August.{{cite news |last=Fiege |first=Gale |date=August 15, 2015 |title=Still time to head for the hills |page=A11 |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-still-time-to-head-for/164882601/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 6, 2025}} It includes exhibitions, outdoor musical performances, poetry, and live demonstrations of specialty arts.{{cite news |last=Goffredo |first=Theresa |date=August 5, 2010 |title=Index festival celebrates art without the 'snoot' |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/life/index-festival-celebrates-art-without-the-snoot/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 6, 2025}}{{cite news |last=Goffredo |first=Theresa |date=July 30, 2009 |title=Head up U.S. 2; party with Index artists |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/life/white-house-urges-halt-to-spilling-of-war-secrets/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=August 30, 2023}} The Index area has been used for several film and television productions, including the 1987 film Harry and the Hendersons and 2016 film Captain Fantastic.{{cite news |last=Schucht |first=Eric |date=August 26, 2023 |title=BigFoot, Zombies and Viggo Mortensen: What's been filmed near Index? |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/life/bigfoot-zombies-and-viggo-mortensen-whats-been-filmed-near-index/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=August 30, 2023}}

The town is home to the Aquarian Tabernacle Church, a Wicca church that was established in Seattle and moved to Index in 1979. The church was among the first modern Pagan institutions to be recognized by the state government; it also operates an online seminary based in Index.{{cite news |last=Barker |first=Annie |date=March 16, 2024 |title=Pagan church finds 'sacred space between the worlds' on Index riverfront |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/pagan-church-finds-sacred-space-between-the-worlds-on-index-riverfront/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 16, 2024}} The Aquarian Tabernacle also organizes Wiccan holiday events at nearby state parks that draw more than 200 worshippers.{{cite news |last=Sheets |first=Bill |date=December 1, 2012 |title=Where nature worshippers gather |page=B1 |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/where-nature-worshippers-gather/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 5, 2025}} The town is also home to a Protestant Christian church. The Snow Mountain Monastery, a Buddhist monastery and retreat, moved from Skykomish to Index in 2013.{{cite web |last=Donn |first=Lily |translator-last=Lee |translator-first=Lotus |date=August 2015 |title=A New Look for Snow Mountain Monastery |pages=44–45 |url=https://www.drbachinese.org/vbs/publish/543/vbs543p044.pdf |work=Vajra Bodhi Sea |publisher=Dharma Realm Buddhist Association |accessdate=February 9, 2025}}

File:Index Town Wall (304761156).jpg

Index lies along the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway and is {{convert|30|mi|km}} west of Stevens Pass, which has a ski area and other winter activities.{{cite news |last=McQuaide |first=Mike |date=June 29, 2011 |title=A mile-by-mile driving, hiking and roadside-wonders guide to scenic Stevens Pass |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/outdoors/2015459519_nwwstevenspass30.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=March 2, 2019 |archive-date=March 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306061802/http://old.seattletimes.com/html/outdoors/2015459519_nwwstevenspass30.html |url-status=live}} The Index Town Wall, a set of granite cliffs that face the town, is among the most popular crags in Washington and draws climbers from the Puget Sound region. It includes 402 routes for climbing and bouldering that range in difficulty, including beginner's courses that are nicknamed the "classroom".{{cite news |last=Heller |first=Seth |date=December 4, 2017 |title=The Best Climbing Spots in America |url=https://www.mensjournal.com/travel/the-35-best-climbing-spots-in-america-w481605#gid=ci02b8d14da0082605&pid=the-midwest-vertical-endeavors--glendale-heights |work=Men's Journal |accessdate=February 8, 2025}} Most of the area was acquired by private climbing organizations, who collected $250,000 in pledges, and donated in 2010 to the state government for inclusion in Forks of the Sky State Park.{{cite news |last=Connelly |first=Joel |date=September 18, 2010 |title=Index Town Wall: Climbers' classroom preserved |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/seattlenews/article/index-town-wall-climbers-classroom-preserved-889054.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |accessdate=February 5, 2025}} The {{convert|20|acre|ha|adj=mid}} Lower Town Wall was acquired by the Washington Climbers Coalition in 2010 to prevent it from being sold to a quarry operator; it was added to the state park later that year.{{cite news |last=Gilmore |first=Susan |date=August 27, 2010 |title=Climbers group buys famed Index Lower Town Wall, saves it from quarry |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/climbers-group-buys-famed-index-lower-town-wall-saves-it-from-quarry/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=May 12, 2025}} Non-profit climbing groups have purchased parcels near the Town Wall for recreation and conservation, including donations to expand the state park.

The Skykomish River is a popular whitewater rafting corridor with several companies based out of Index that operate along the river and within the Wild Sky Wilderness area.{{cite news |last=Mapes |first=Lynda V. |date=September 28, 2008 |title=The Skykomish: A case study in why protection as a Wild and Scenic River matters |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/pacificnw/2008206149_pacificprivers28.html |work=The Seattle Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201011843/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/pacificnw/2008206149_pacificprivers28.html |archive-date=December 1, 2008 |accessdate=February 8, 2025}}{{cite news |last=Sheets |first=Bill |date=August 20, 2013 |title=Those who pushed for Wild Sky Wilderness celebrate its 5-year mark |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/those-who-pushed-for-wild-sky-wilderness-celebrate-its-5-year-mark/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 8, 2025}} The river includes sections that are rated from Class III to V on the international scale.{{cite news |last=Burge |first=Erik |date=May 15, 2003 |title=Hike, climb, paddle: Index keeps outdoor recreationists happy |page=S17 |work=The Bellingham Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bellingham-herald-hike-climb-paddl/165034510/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 8, 2025}} The river is also used for fishing, particularly for steelhead trout, and has swimming areas around waterfalls east of the town. The sole urban park in Index is Doolittle Pioneer Park, which includes a picnic shelter and public barbeque.{{cite web |title=Doolittle Pioneer Park |url=https://www.cascadeloop.com/account/doolittle-pioneer-park |publisher=Cascade Loop Association |accessdate=February 6, 2025}} Doolittle Pioneer Park was opened in 1976 for the national bicentennial and displays a rock-cutting saw from the former granite quarry near Index. A rail trail, named Crescent Trail, follows the former trackbed of the Great Northern Railway west of the town.{{cite report |date=January 30, 2025 |title=Town of Index 2024 Comprehensive Plan |pages=55–58, 72 |publisher=Town of Index}}

The surrounding area also includes several hiking trails maintained by the United States Forest Service and the Snohomish County Parks & Recreation Department. The Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest includes the Lake Serene Trail, which records 45,000 visitors annually and leads to the base of Mount Index.{{cite news |last=Van Sistine |first=Ta'Leah |date=December 11, 2023 |title=Near Mt. Index, Forterra secures key piece in conservation puzzle |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/near-mt-index-forterra-secures-key-piece-in-conservation-puzzle/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 9, 2025}} An outdoor shooting range on national forest property near Index was opened in 1947 and operated until 2004, including for several decades without a valid special use permit from the Forest Service. The range was permanently closed due to lead contamination.{{cite news |last=Bray |first=Kari |date=April 3, 2016 |title=Forest Service to get the lead out of former Index shooting range |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/forest-service-to-get-the-lead-out-of-former-index-shooting-range/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 11, 2024}} Heybrook Ridge County Park, which has several trails and a historic fire lookout, opened in 2017 after nine years of development by the county government.{{cite news |last=Bryan |first=Zachariah |date=July 14, 2021 |title=In Index, Erinswood Trail will be a place for everyone |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/in-index-erinswood-trail-will-be-a-place-for-everyone/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 5, 2025}}{{cite news |last=Bray |first=Kari |date=August 16, 2016 |title=Heybrook Lookout near Index vandalized again |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/heybrook-lookout-near-index-vandalized-again/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 5, 2025}} The land was acquired in a public–private partnership with a volunteer conservation group in 2008 to prevent the area from being clearcut.{{cite news |last=Nohara |first=Yoshiaki |date=August 11, 2008 |title=Index spared clearcut view of neighboring hill |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/index-spared-clearcut-view-of-neighboring-hill/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 5, 2025}} Another trail in the county park, Erinswood Trail, opened at the bottom of the ridge in 2021 with full accessibility for wheelchairs.

The Index School District serves the town and surrounding areas in the southeast corner of Snohomish County.{{cite map |date=December 21, 2017 |title=Snohomish County School Districts Map |url=http://www.snoco.org/docs/scd/PDF/PDS_CFP/Snohomish%20County%20School%20District.pdf |publisher=Snohomish County |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629202505/http://www.snoco.org/docs/scd/PDF/PDS_CFP/Snohomish%20County%20School%20District.pdf |archive-date=June 29, 2020 |accessdate=March 15, 2022}} It has a single combined elementary–middle school with an enrollment of 23 students and three full-time teachers {{as of|2023|lc=y}}.{{cite web |title=Public School District Directory Information: Index School District |url=https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/district_detail.asp?Search=2&ID2=5303720 |publisher=National Center for Education Statistics |accessdate=May 12, 2025}} The school district was established in 1892 and built its first schoolhouse in 1899 for a class of 40 students; the schoolhouse was replaced in 1908 by the Index School, a larger building with four classrooms. A high school was opened in 1918, but was only used until 1942 as enrollment declined; high school students have been bused to Sultan Senior High School since Index High School was closed. A new school building was constructed in 1955 to replace the condemned Index School and remains in use; its original courtyard was later replaced with an indoor computer lab. Most of the building was renovated in 2019 using a grant from the state government.{{cite news |last=Davey |first=Stephanie |date=June 18, 2019 |title=Come fall, Index students will see changes to the old school |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/come-fall-index-students-will-see-changes-to-the-old-school/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 15, 2022 |archive-date=March 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315074159/https://www.heraldnet.com/news/come-fall-index-students-will-see-changes-to-the-old-school/ |url-status=live}}

The town is part of the Sno-Isle Libraries system, which operates a twice-monthly bookmobile service to Index.{{cite web |title=Book Mobile |url=https://indexschooldistrict.net/book-mobile/ |publisher=Index School District |accessdate=February 6, 2025}} Index's original public library was established in 1913 and was one of several small-town libraries to receive a donation of used books from the Seattle Public Library system. It was later dissolved due to low patronage and the collection was donated to a nearby resort.{{harvp|Burgstahler|1980|pp=25–26}}

File:Wes Smith Bridge 03.jpg]]

Index is located {{convert|1|mi|km|spell=in}} northeast of U.S. Route 2 (US{{nbsp}}2), which connects Everett to the Skykomish Valley and Stevens Pass. The town is connected to US{{nbsp}}2 by Index–Galena Road, which continues northeast into the Wild Sky Wilderness. A flood in November 2006 washed out a section of the road beyond Index at milepost 6.4.{{cite news |last=Haglund |first=Noah |date=January 15, 2018 |title=Work on damaged Index-Galena route could begin in 2019 |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/work-on-damaged-index-galena-route-could-begin-in-2019/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=March 2, 2019 |archive-date=March 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043518/https://www.heraldnet.com/news/work-on-damaged-index-galena-route-could-begin-in-2019/ |url-status=live}} The road was reopened in November 2023 after a three-year repair project that relocated sections to higher ground and added new culverts and bridges. The project cost $29 million to complete and was mostly funded by the federal government.{{cite news |last=Hansen |first=Jordan |date=November 5, 2023 |title='The best day in 17 years': Locals revel in Index-Galena Road reopening |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/the-best-day-in-17-years-locals-revel-in-index-galena-road-reopening/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=December 22, 2023}}

The town's bridge over the North Fork Skykomish River is the Smith Bridge, a {{convert|265|ft|m|adj=mid}} tied-arch bridge that carries two lanes of 5th Street to Index–Galena Road. It opened in September 1999 and was the first tied-arch bridge in Snohomish County, with a height of {{convert|65|ft|m}}. The Smith Bridge replaced the earlier Index Bridge No. 122, a timber bridge that was constructed in 1918 and only carried one lane of traffic. The old bridge had been moved {{convert|30|ft|m}} from its original site in April 1998 to be used during construction of the new bridge;{{cite news |last=Moriarty |first=Leslie |date=April 27, 1998 |title=Bridge relocation draws a crowd at Index |page=B1 |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-bridge-relocation-draws/164813520/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 5, 2025}} the relocated bridge was also closed entirely for several days in October 1998 to prepare for flood control measures, leaving Index with only a winding gravel road to connect to the rest of the world.{{cite news |last=Moriarty |first=Leslie |date=October 8, 1998 |title=Index readies for bridge work |page=A1 |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-index-readies-for-bridg/164813567/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=February 5, 2025}}

Electric power for Index is provided by the Snohomish County Public Utility District (PUD), a consumer-owned public utility that serves all of Snohomish County. The utility derives most of its electricity from hydroelectricity that it purchases from the federal Bonneville Power Administration or generates on its own.{{cite web |date=April 2024 |title=Quick Facts & Figures |url=https://www.snopud.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/QuickFacts_424.pdf |publisher=Snohomish County Public Utility District |accessdate=February 5, 2025}} The PUD's plan to build an inflatable dam near Sunset Falls east of Index was abandoned in 2018 due to opposition from environmentalists and local residents, who sought a wild and scenic designation for the river.{{cite news |last=Pailthorp |first=Bellamy |date=June 19, 2013 |title=Proposed hydro-energy project has Index saying 'no dam way' |url=https://www.knkx.org/environment/2013-06-19/proposed-hydro-energy-project-has-index-saying-no-dam-way |publisher=KNKX |accessdate=February 9, 2025}}{{cite news |last=Stevick |first=Eric |date=April 11, 2018 |title=Snohomish County PUD scraps Skykomish River hydroelectric dam |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/snohomish-county-pud-scraps-skykomish-river-hydroelectric-dam/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=March 2, 2019 |archive-date=March 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305160011/https://www.heraldnet.com/news/snohomish-county-pud-scraps-skykomish-river-hydroelectric-dam/ |url-status=live}} Another plan by the PUD to harness geothermal energy northeast of Index at Garland Mineral Springs was shelved in 2012 after test drills found bedrock instead of more favorable underground conditions.{{cite news |last=Sheets |first=Bill |date=July 22, 2012 |title=Geothermal energy project a bust after drilling hits bedrock |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/geothermal-energy-project-a-bust-after-drilling-hits-bedrock/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 13, 2025}} Natural gas for the town's residents and businesses is provided by Puget Sound Energy, a private company that serves most of the Seattle metropolitan area.{{cite web |title=About us |url=https://www.pse.com/en/about-us |publisher=Puget Sound Energy |accessdate=February 5, 2025}}

The town's main water source is a spring that draws from groundwater and is collected by wells and stored in an underground vault. The drinking water is not treated or filtered due to its minimal contact with human contamination and is regularly monitored for safety.{{cite web |date=July 2011 |title=Town of Index Annual Newsletter and Consumer Confidence Report |pages=3, 10–11 |url=http://www.indexwa.org/annual/2011/2011newsletter.pdf |publisher=Town of Index |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318091255/http://www.indexwa.org/annual/2011/2011newsletter.pdf |archive-date=March 18, 2012 |accessdate=February 10, 2025}} In the 1980s, the town government considered a proposal to collect and sell bottled water from its municipal source.{{cite news |last=Browder |first=Seanna |date=April 11, 1986 |title=Index may be selling sips |page=1A |work=The Everett Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-index-may-be-selling-si/171664698/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=May 4, 2025}} The water supply has 129 connections, including 119 residential customers. Index lacks a sewage treatment plant and instead relies on individual septic tanks. The town's curbside solid waste and recycling pickup is contracted out to Waste Management.{{cite web |title=Solid Waste: Service Provider Map |url=https://snohomishcountywa.gov/482/Curbside-Collection |publisher=Snohomish County Department of Public Works |accessdate=February 9, 2025}}

Index has limited telecommunications service that is primarily provided by satellite and mobile broadband companies.{{cite web |title=FCC National Broadband Map |url=https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/location-summary |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |accessdate=February 5, 2025}} Ziply Fiber provides landline telephone and internet service to customers in the town. In 2024, the county government approved a contract with Ziply Fiber to provide broadband internet service to Index using an existing fiber line. The $4.3 million program, which also includes Verlot, is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and is expected to be completed in 2025.{{cite news |last=Hansen |first=Jordan |date=January 31, 2025 |title=Rural internet project moves forward near Index |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/rural-internet-project-moves-forward-near-index/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 5, 2025}}

{{reflist}}

• {{Commons category-inline}}
• [https://www.indexhistoricalsociety.org/ Index Historical Society]

{{Snohomish County, Washington}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Towns in Washington (state)

Category:Towns in Snohomish County, Washington