Introduction to Auburn, Washington
Auburn is located in the Green River Valley, situated between Seattle and Tacoma with the majestic Mt. Rainier in the visible distance. The White River and the Green River run through the city of Auburn. Well positioned, it's a 30 minute drive to thriving Seattle and Tacoma can be reached in only 20 minutes. People who commute to their jobs in Seattle have the opportunity to ride the Sounder Train that takes 20 minutes to reach the city. Due partially to Auburn's close proximity to metro Seattle, Auburn has seen a significant population growth over the years; however homes are still reasonably priced. For over 150 years the city of Auburn has been the setting for farming, industry and a variety of businesses.
Outdoor activities are popular in the Auburn area for residents and tourists. Mt. Rainer, Crystal Mountain as well as the Snoqualmie Ski resort are approximately an hour away. Residents and visitors enjoy using the biking and walking trails in the area. The city offers over 30 parks and three quality golf courses. The nearby rivers provide excellent fishing opportunities.
History
The city of Auburn was incorporated with the name Slaughter in honor of William Slaughter who was killed during a clash with Indians in 1855. A group of pioneers from Auburn, New York settled in the town of Slaughter and had the audacity to change the name of the small town to Auburn. Before settlers took over the area, Indian tribes including the Stkamish, Skopamish and the Smalhkamish considered the area their home. Auburn is home to three sites that are included on the National and State Registers of Historic Places.
Attractions
The historic downtown area features historic architecture along with a wide variety of specialty shops such as antique and jewelry shops. It's a popular destination for residents due to its wide variety of shopping opportunities and frequent events. The downtown area also includes a state-of-the-art hospital.
For those who enjoy horse racing, Auburn is home to the Emerald Downs thoroughbred racetrack. Some of the top racehorses in the Pacific Northwest challenge each other at this beautifully situated track. While watching the horses gallop around the oval, visitors will be treated to a superb view of Mt. Rainer. Numerous other attractions are located in the area including:
- The Iron Horse Casino
- Muckleshoot Casino
- White River Amphitheatre
- Super Mall
- White River Valley Museum
