Lake Stickney, WA
- About the City
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks
- Transport
- Museums
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Healthcare and Medical Institutions
- Sport and Sports Legends
Lake Stickney is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Snohomish County, Washington, located between Everett and Mill Creek, centered around the small lake it's named after.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Official Name: Lake Stickney, Washington.
- Administrative Status: Lake Stickney is a census-designated place (CDP) in Snohomish County, Washington, United States . This means it is an unincorporated community defined for statistical purposes and does not have its own municipal government. Prior to 2010, the area was known as the Paine Field-Lake Stickney CDP .
- Regional Context: It is located in Snohomish County, part of the Seattle metropolitan area in the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S. state of Washington .
Historical Names and Nicknames
- Historical Names: The CDP was officially known as Paine Field-Lake Stickney until the 2010 United States Census, after which the Paine Field airport area was removed from the CDP boundaries .
Date of Foundation and Age
As an unincorporated area, Lake Stickney does not have an official founding date. The name likely originated from the small lake at its center, which has been a residential area for decades. It has been recognized as a CDP since at least the 2000 census .
Geographical Position and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 47°52′17″N 122°15′26″W (47.871429, -122.257204) .
- Location: The community is situated in western Snohomish County, approximately 20 miles north of Seattle. It is located between the cities of Everett to the north and Mill Creek to the east, and is bordered by the neighborhoods of Martha Lake and Meadowdale . The area is within the Snohomish River watershed.
- Elevation: Approximately 135 meters (443 feet) above sea level .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Lake Stickney is primarily a residential community within the Seattle metropolitan area. Its economy is linked to the broader region, with many residents commuting to jobs in nearby cities like Everett, Lynnwood, and Seattle . Key local employment sectors are likely in retail, healthcare, and education, serving the surrounding communities.
Population and Demographics
- Population: 15,413 at the 2020 census .
- City Classification: Based on its population, Lake Stickney would be considered a small town or a medium-sized unincorporated community.
- Demographic Snapshot (2000 data): Historical census data shows a diverse community with a significant Hispanic or Latino population (17.47%) and a median age of 31 years .
"City's Calling Card" (In a Nutshell)
Lake Stickney is a quiet, residential enclave in Snohomish County, offering a suburban lifestyle centered around the small, eponymous lake. Its primary appeal is as a bedroom community with easy access to the job centers and urban amenities of the greater Seattle area, as well as its own local parks and community-focused atmosphere.
Geography
Water Bodies (Lakes)
The primary water feature is the community's namesake.
- Lake Stickney (Stickney Lake): A small freshwater lake centrally located within the CDP . It covers 25.0 acres and has a maximum depth of 34 feet . The shoreline is primarily residential, with a wetland bordering the southern third of the lake . The lake is managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), which stocks it with fish, making it a local spot for fishing .
- Nearby Lakes: Several other small lakes are located in the immediate vicinity, including Lake Serene and Martha Lake .
Parks and Recreation
- Lake Stickney Park: A local park located northwest of the lake, offering green space for residents .
- Lake Stickney Dog Park: Adjacent to Lake Stickney Park, this is a dedicated space for dogs to exercise off-leash .
- Martha Lake Airport Park: A county park situated about 2 km southeast of Lake Stickney. It features open fields, a playground, and access to Martha Lake .
- Ash Way Park: A park located in the area, accessible by public transport and serving the local community .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Lake Stickney has a marine west coast climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers . It is heavily influenced by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and Puget Sound. The area is known for its cloud cover, especially in the cooler months.
Average Temperatures Throughout the Year
Temperatures are moderate year-round, with little extreme heat or cold.
- Warm Season: Lasts from late June to mid-September, with average daily highs above 69°F (21°C). The hottest month is August, with an average high of 74°F (23°C) and low of 56°F (14°C) .
- Cold Season: Lasts from mid-November to late February, with average daily highs below 51°F (11°C). The coldest month is December, with an average high of 45°F (7°C) and low of 37°F (3°C) .
Precipitation and Humidity
- Rainfall: The region experiences significant seasonal variation in rainfall. The wettest months are from October to April. November is the wettest month, with an average rainfall of 8.1 inches (205 mm) . The driest months are July and August, with August averaging only 1.0 inch (24.6 mm) of rain .
- Snowfall: Snow is infrequent but possible during winter. The snowiest period is from early December to late January, with December averaging 1.6 inches (3.6 cm) of snow .
- Humidity: Humidity levels are generally moderate year-round, contributing to the overcast conditions in winter.
Sunny Days and UV Index
- Cloud Cover: The area is significantly cloudier in winter. The clearest month is August, with 69% of days being sunny or partly sunny. The cloudiest month is December, with 72% overcast skies .
- Daylight: The longest day of the year is around June 20, with 16 hours and 2 minutes of daylight. The shortest day is around December 21, with only 8 hours and 23 minutes of daylight .
Seasonality and Best Time for a Visit
- Summer (Late June - Early September): This is the most pleasant time to visit, with warm, dry, and sunny weather. It's ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, visiting parks, and enjoying the lakes .
- Autumn (October - November): Increasing clouds and rainfall, with cooler temperatures. The fall colors can be beautiful, but expect wet weather.
- Winter (December - February): Cold, very cloudy, and wet. While snow is rare, the region experiences frequent rain and gray skies. This is the least favorable time for outdoor tourism.
- Spring (March - May): Gradually warming with a mix of rain and sunny breaks. The landscape becomes lush and green. Rainfall begins to decrease by late spring.
- Best Time to Visit: For warm-weather activities, the best time is from mid-July to late August .
Landmarks
Community and Natural Landmarks
- Lake Stickney (Stickney Lake): The central natural landmark of the community. It's a focal point for local residents, offering opportunities for fishing, walking, and enjoying the residential shoreline. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife manages its fish populations, making it a quiet spot for anglers .
- Lake Stickney Community Club: While not a physical landmark, this organization is a key social landmark, fostering communication and a sense of community among residents living near the lake .
Parks
- Lake Stickney Park & Dog Park: These adjacent parks serve as the primary public recreational spaces directly within the community, providing a place for relaxation and for residents to walk their dogs .
- Martha Lake Airport Park: Located nearby, this unique county park is built on the site of a former airport and offers expansive grassy areas, sports fields, a playground, and access to Martha Lake. Its history as an airfield makes it a point of local interest .
Museums and Historical Sites Nearby
- Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum: Located about 3.5 km northwest of Lake Stickney, near Paine Field . This museum is a major regional attraction, housing a vast collection of rare military aircraft, tanks, and combat vehicles from World War I to the modern era, all meticulously restored to operating condition.
Transport
Major Airports
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): The nearest major international airport, located approximately 40 miles south of Lake Stickney. It is the primary airport for the region, serving numerous domestic and international airlines .
- Paine Field (PAE) / Snohomish County Airport: Located just northwest of Lake Stickney. This airport offers limited commercial passenger service in addition to being a major Boeing manufacturing and flight test facility. It was previously part of the CDP but is no longer within its boundaries .
Public Transportation (Bus)
Public transit in Lake Stickney is primarily provided by bus services, connecting it to the broader Snohomish County and Seattle area.
- Community Transit: Operates local and commuter bus routes throughout Snohomish County. Key routes serving the Lake Stickney area include the SWIFT Bus Rapid Transit line, which provides high-frequency service along the Highway 99 corridor .
- Sound Transit: Operates regional buses, including routes that connect to Lynnwood City Center Station, a major transit hub with connections to light rail .
- Key Stops: Important transit points in the area include the Ash Way Park & Ride, and stops along Ash Way and Airport Road .
Major Highways
Lake Stickney is strategically located between two major north-south arteries, providing excellent road connectivity .
- Interstate 5 (I-5): The primary interstate highway on the West Coast, running just west of Lake Stickney. It provides direct access north to Everett and Vancouver, B.C., and south to Lynnwood, Seattle, and beyond.
- Washington State Route 99 (Highway 99): A major alternate route running parallel to I-5, located just east of the community. It is a busy surface arterial lined with businesses and services.
Commuting Patterns
Given its residential nature, commuting is a significant aspect of life in Lake Stickney.
- Average Commute Time: The average one-way commute time for residents is 30.7 minutes, which is longer than the U.S. average of 26.4 minutes .
- Mode of Transport: The vast majority of residents commute by car, with 62.5% driving alone and 17.9% carpooling. Public transit (buses) accounts for 9.2% of commutes, and 4.7% of residents work from home .
Museums
Lake Stickney and the surrounding area offer a surprising variety of museums, from history and aviation to military heritage. Here are some notable ones you can explore nearby.
[Blackman House Museum]
Housed in a historic building dating back to the early 1900s, the Blackman House Museum offers a glimpse into the history of the Snohomish area . Visitors can explore exhibits highlighting the region's cultural significance, including vintage photographs, artifacts, and a notable collection of local artwork and handicrafts .
- Address: 118 Avenue B, Snohomish, WA 98290
- Phone: +1 360-568-5235
[Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum]
For history and aviation enthusiasts, the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum is a must-visit . Located in a beautifully restored hangar, the museum's collection focuses on the era of 1935 to 1945, featuring a wide range of meticulously preserved aircraft from World War II, including fighter planes and bombers, each with a unique story to tell .
- Address: 3407 109th St SW, Everett, WA 98204
- Phone: +1 877-342-3404
[Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Museum]
This waterfront museum provides a unique look into the lives of early settlers with its collection of homesteader artifacts and pioneer history exhibits . The Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Museum showcases the daily life, challenges, and triumphs of those who pioneered the Stillaguamish Valley through farming tools, household items, and detailed exhibits .
- Address: 20722 67th Ave NE, Arlington, WA 98223
- Phone: +1 360-435-7289
[Lake Stevens Historical Museum]
Tucked away in the town of Lake Stevens, this museum offers a comprehensive look at the area's development . The Lake Stevens Historical Museum features a diverse collection of photographs, documents, clothing, and tools. A highlight is its interactive exhibits, including a replica pioneer cabin, allowing visitors to experience the life of early settlers firsthand .
- Address: 12301 N Lakeshore Dr, Lake Stevens, WA 98258
- Phone: +1 253-261-8678
[Northwest Veterans Museum]
The Northwest Veterans Museum serves as a tribute to the men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces . It showcases artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia highlighting their sacrifices and contributions throughout various conflicts. The museum also features interactive displays that allow visitors to experience a simulation of combat, offering a deeper understanding of a soldier's experience .
- Address: 19921 Poplar Way, Lynnwood, WA 98036
- Phone: +1 206-390-9982
[Museum of Flight Restoration Center & Reserve Collection]
For a unique behind-the-scenes look at aviation history, visit the Museum of Flight Restoration Center & Reserve Collection . This airfield learning center allows visitors to view a wide range of aircraft, from vintage warplanes to commercial jets, in various states of restoration. The evolving collection provides insight into the meticulous work and history of aviation restoration .
- Address: 2909 100th St SW, Everett, WA 98204
- Phone: +1 425-745-5150
Universities and Educational Institutions
While Lake Stickney itself does not host a university campus, it is within easy commuting distance of a wide array of higher education institutions in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area . Over 35 colleges and universities are located within a 50-mile radius .
Colleges and Universities Nearby
Edmonds Community College, located just 5 miles away in Lynnwood, is the closest higher education option . It is a public two-year college with an open admission policy, enrolling over 6,000 students .
A short drive further opens up a wealth of opportunities, including the University of Washington Bothell Campus (8 miles) and the main University of Washington Seattle Campus (15 miles) . The University of Washington (often called "U-Dub") is the region's flagship public university and a major employer, enrolling over 55,000 students and consistently ranked among the top public universities in America .
Other notable institutions within a 15-20 mile radius include:
- Everett Community College (10 miles)
- Bastyr University (10 miles), a private university known for natural health sciences
- Shoreline Community College (10 miles)
- Lake Washington Institute of Technology (12 miles), a public four-year college offering technical education
- DigiPen Institute of Technology (14 miles), a private college focused on video game development and computer simulation
- Seattle Pacific University (16 miles), a private Christian university
- Seattle University (18 miles), a prominent private Jesuit university
- Bellevue College (20 miles), a public four-year college
The presence of these institutions, particularly the University of Washington with its strong technology and medical programs, contributes to the region's robust knowledge economy, attracting major companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing .
Healthcare and Medical Institutions
Information on specific medical institutions directly within Lake Stickney is limited in the search results. However, as part of the Seattle metropolitan area, residents have access to a vast network of world-class healthcare facilities. The region is a major hub for medical research and specialized care, largely anchored by the presence of the University of Washington .
Major Medical Centers Nearby
Residents of Lake Stickney would typically seek medical services in the larger surrounding cities such as Everett, Lynnwood, and Seattle.
Providence Regional Medical Center Everett is a major hospital located just north in Everett. It is a comprehensive medical and surgical center and is known as one of the busiest hospitals in the region, particularly for its cancer care, cardiac services, and neurosciences.
In Seattle, the University of Washington Medical Center is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. It is a leader in many specialties, including cancer, cardiology and heart surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, and pulmonology. As a teaching hospital for the University of Washington School of Medicine, it is at the forefront of medical innovation and research .
Another renowned institution in Seattle is the Seattle Children's Hospital, which provides exceptional pediatric care across all specialties and is also a highly respected research center.
The presence of these institutions and the concentration of healthcare employers in the area ensure that comprehensive medical services are accessible to the Lake Stickney community. The economic strength of the region is partly driven by these large healthcare and technology employers .
Sport and Sports Legends
Lake Stickney, as a smaller community, does not have its own professional sports teams or major stadiums. However, it is situated in the heart of the Seattle metropolitan area, granting residents and visitors easy access to a full range of professional and collegiate sports .
Major Sports Venues in the Seattle Area
The major professional sports venues are located about 15-20 miles south in Seattle .
Lumen Field in Seattle is the home of the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL) . Known for its energetic atmosphere and the famous "12th Man" fan base, the stadium has hosted numerous memorable moments, including the team's first Super Bowl victory in 2014. It is also the home ground for Seattle Sounders FC of Major League Soccer (MLS), who have a passionate following and have won the MLS Cup multiple times.
Adjacent to Lumen Field is T-Mobile Park, home to the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball (MLB) . This retractable-roof ballpark, which opened in 1999, is celebrated for its classic design and stunning views of the city. The Mariners' history includes legends like Ken Griffey Jr. and Ichiro Suzuki.
The Seattle Kraken brought the National Hockey League (NHL) back to Seattle, playing their home games at the Climate Pledge Arena. This historic venue, originally built for the 1962 World's Fair and located under the iconic Space Needle at the Seattle Center, underwent a massive renovation to become a state-of-the-art, carbon-neutral facility .
For basketball and women's professional sports, the Seattle Storm of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) play their home games at the Climate Pledge Arena. The Storm is one of the league's most successful franchises, with multiple championships. College sports are also significant, with the University of Washington Huskies competing in the NCAA Division I at facilities like the Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium and the Alaska Airlines Arena .
Sports Teams Based in the Region
Here is a summary of the major professional sports teams in the immediate Seattle area:
- Seattle Seahawks (NFL): Play at Lumen Field.
- Seattle Mariners (MLB): Play at T-Mobile Park.
- Seattle Kraken (NHL): Play at Climate Pledge Arena.
- Seattle Sounders FC (MLS): Play at Lumen Field.
- Seattle Storm (WNBA): Play at Climate Pledge Arena.
- Washington Huskies (NCAA): Represent the University of Washington in various sports.
Sports Legends Connected to the Region
The Seattle area has been home to numerous legendary athletes across various sports.
- Ken Griffey Jr. and Ichiro Suzuki are iconic figures in baseball history, having spent the majority of their Hall of Fame careers with the Seattle Mariners.
- In football, Steve Largent, Walter Jones, and Russell Wilson are among the all-time greats for the Seattle Seahawks.
- The University of Washington has produced a plethora of sports legends, including Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Steve Emtman and numerous Olympic gold medalists in rowing and other sports . The region's corporate landscape also includes major companies with a global sports footprint, such as Boeing and Microsoft, which are heavily involved in sports technology and sponsorships .