Exploring the Sky Valley? There’s an app for that

Sky Valley visitors have a new tool for touring the area’s natural and historic sites.

The Sky Valley Chamber of Commerce announced a free app that provides information on dozens of stops from just outside the city limits of Monroe to the rural town of Skykomish.

Sky Valley Insider users can collect points at each location they visit, and use those for discounts at local businesses, according to a chamber news release.

“The Sky Valley has adventures for every season and for every type of travel,” said chamber executive director Debbie Copple stated in the release. “As if the natural splendor weren’t enough, the Sky Valley Insider app will reward both visitors and residents for exploring the valley and shopping at local businesses within our communities.”

The chamber earlier this year announced members were welcome to join the project’s development team. Work was completed with help from 468 Communications.

The marketing and web design services company’s platform was appealing because of its ability to work well in rural settings, according to a chamber newsletter. The company was created by San Juan Islands resident Tim Fry, who wanted to foster positive experiences for visitors and support local businesses at the same time.

Each app can be customize. An online control panel shows data, such as peak use periods, where visitors come from and how popular each site is. That information can help communities improve marketing strategies and find new ways to engage visitors, according to 468 Communications.

“This app has the ability to provide data that will show us exactly what is working and what isn’t,” according to the chamber newsletter.

The product uses GPS technology to track where people are, so they can earn points, according to the news release. There are virtual pins on the “Explore” map, which show points of interest, including heritage sites and popular recreation areas.

“Sky Valley Insider is both a wayfinding tool and a gamified way to reward people for shopping locally,” according to the chamber release.

The first stop currently listed on the app is the Reptile Zoo off U.S. Highway 2, where more than 80 species from around the world call home, according to the app. Inside, visitors can find a two-headed turtle and an albino alligator, among other creatures.

Up next along the eastbound route are two murals painted by local artist David Hose. The app also includes lesser-known tidbits about the area, including that the people in each piece of artwork were modeled after real residents.

Other stops include businesses, such as McDaniel’s RV Park and Camp and the Red Door gift and antique shop in Gold Bar, the site of the annual Gold Dust Days event at Gold Bar Middle School or the Index Town Wall, where climbers visit from around the state. A number of restoration projects in Index and Skykomish are also listed, including the Cascadia Inn.

Copple said the app is not a finished product. Work will continue on refining its features and adding places to visit, she said.

The app can be downloaded on iTunes and Google Play.