Welcome to the Historic Spar Tree

By Karen Knapp

The spar tree, in logging parlance, was the tall, limbed tree that stood in the center of the lumber camp and was the anchor for the equipment used to move trees around the yard. It was the straightest and tallest tree in the stand. All the loggers knew where the spar tree was, and often their lives depended on the stability that it provided.

Before the 1950s, the Spar Tree Tavern was also the center of this small town. Flash forward to 2008. On Stanley Street in the old logging town of Granite Falls sits the newly renovated Historic Spar Tree Tavern.

Over the years this “on your way to somewhere” town has continued to evolve. The population is ever increasing as affordable housing and lots of natural acreage are a big draw for those tired of fighting the city life.

In the fall of 2007, Mike Perry and his fiancée Sheryl were in town doing their business and noticed a sign on the old tavern - “For Lease” it said. Between the two of them, they made the life-changing decision that it was their turn to take over the reins of this small but well-known landmark in Granite Falls. Mike was more than ready to give up his rigorous and physically demanding job of driving around a big rig all day long and become the owner/manager of this social hub, where he and Sheryl are behind the bar every day of the week, until closing.

But first, the renovation. Mike says it took two weeks just to pull all the nails out of the walls! Over the course of the next two months he took down every single wall in the place, until it was just a shell of a building. Then he began the arduous task of rebuilding. Formerly a rather dark and almost scary place known for its wild and crazy atmosphere, the new Historic Spar Tree Tavern has taken on a new look and feel. Mike and Sheryl, and one of Mike’s good buddies, put more than their share of elbow grease into creating what we see now when we enter the newly coined Historic Spar Tree Tavern. One would say that Mike is a craftsman for sure, looking at the place now.

Mike is a burly looking dude who has spent years on the back of his Harley Davidson and has maintained a great relationship with all the motorcycle riders, who make his place their favorite place to stop for libations on their day-long rides around Snohomish County. Just recently there were riders from near the Canadian border sitting around jawing, enjoying the fine atmosphere, and Mike and Sheryl aren’t backward about putting on fundraisers at their place for injured riders when asked. On a sunny day the entire street in front of the tavern is lined with every kind of bike you can imagine, and the door swings constantly open as more arrive, eager to share some bike talk with their fellow riders.

It is not an uncommon feeling when you walk into a new place you’ve never been to before that you might feel a little tentative, wondering what kind of reception you may get. Well, that couldn’t be further from the kind of feeling you get when you enter this place. There is a nice mix of small town tavern atmosphere - that “Cheers” kind of feeling, and a very clean and welcoming spot for those just traveling through. Look for Two-Shot Tommy who may be perched on a bar stool sitting there nursing a cold one, ready to talk the history of Granite Falls.

Walking through the ancient front doors, which Mike figures are the original doors, you can’t help but notice the beautiful mirror behind the bar, reflecting the taps of the brews below the fine graphic work announcing that you’ve entered “The Historic Spar Tree Tavern.” Above the mirror is an 8-foot wooden shelf and on that shelf sits a couple of logging truck models and other miscellaneous logging memorabilia. Granite Falls, after all, was one of the original Washington State logging centers. Suspended from the ceiling in front of the bar is a MASSIVE Pellham chain saw. Mike has been known to have chain saw demonstrations occasionally, and these are not your ordinary chain saws - bring your earplugs.

Around the beautifully finished bar, carefully hewn by Mike, sits a collection of stools which are occupied a good part of the time that Mike is open for business. Two pool tables occupy the middle of the room and almost any time of day there are two to four people shooting pool on Mike and Sheryl’s well-maintained tables. The house sticks are even straight! If you beg, Mike might even be happy to whip your butt at a game of one-handed pool. Chairs and tables are placed up against the wall opposite the bar and several provide a view of the busy street outside.

Mike has a state-of-the-art jukebox and speakers hung from the ceiling throughout so if you want to hear your favorite song, it’ll sound great. Most often you’ll hear Mike’s favorite bands, those old southern rockers, blasting their great tunes through the place.

The restrooms are clean and well equipped. Opposite the restrooms is the second door to the outside, which is the main parking area, this is where you’ll find the smokers in the crowd. Just a quick step out and back in.

The upper seating area is separated by a wooden banister from the rest of the room. The floors are beautifully finished and the walls sport a nice collection of beer signs and posters, as well as a large flat screen television against the far wall. This is where the entertainment occurs. Mike and Sheryl provide karaoke on Friday nights, hosted by Karen and Joe, who set up their Mackie system under the large flat screen, showing song lyrics for everyone in the place to see. There are tables and chairs offering comfortable seating in this area, and singers who like to be in close proximity to the system choose these seats. Karaoke starts at 8pm on Friday nights. The sound in this room is great, and Karen and Joe offer a great song selection.

On Saturday nights it’s time for live music - Nick Vigarino, who is one of the best blues guitar players around, has been known to play at the HSTT. Local Northwest band “Dog Leg Preacher” - one of Mike’s favorite rocker bands - has several dates booked there over the summer and fall. You’ll find bands for every taste playing there on Saturdays, so get there early to secure your seat. Bands start at 9pm on Saturdays.

If you’ve never been to Granite Falls, you might be surprised to find how close it really is. Head east off Highway 9, just north of Frontier Village/Lake Stevens, down Highway 92 - and it’s a short 9 miles to the center of town. The scenery is fabulous. Granite is the jump off point for some of the most beautiful sightseeing in Washington State. The Mountain Loop Highway is a beautiful drive and you can get all the way to Darrington from Granite Falls. Check out the Washington State tourism guide to read about the ice caves and Mount Pilchuck, great places to spend the day before moving inside to the warm and welcoming atmosphere at the Historic Spar Tree Tavern in Granite Falls.

The Spar Tree Tavern is located at 106 Stanley Street in Granite Falls, Washington. Their telephone number is (360) 691-6888. On tap they carry local brews by the Ellersick Micro Brewing Company in Lynnwood - pints are $3.50.

The Historic Spar Tree Tavern is one of the best-kept secrets for those living in the north of Snohomish County, and those who want to experience some of the best that Washington State has to offer. Put it on your list of places to go to. You won’t be sorry.