Ten Hikes in Snohomish County to Get Hikin'

Snohomish County residents have the luxury of being surrounded by trails leading hikers to the tranquil shoreline of Puget Sound, through lush forests, alongside rivers and up to mountain lakes. Start your summer with some of the easier suggested hikes and move your way up to the more difficult hikes. Enjoy time outside this summer and get hikin'!

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Easier Hikes

Spencer Island

Spencer Island - on the outskirts of Everett - is a great place to stretch your legs and take the kids. Photo by Trip Report poster CBig.

Location:  Everett
Distance:  3 to 5 miles
Best Season:  Winter and spring;
Stay clear of north section Oct-Jan for hunting season
Management: Snohomish County

Spencer Island is one of the best places to view wildlife in the Snohomish River estuary. The trail is a good choice for families of children, with interpretive signs, viewing platforms and no elevation gain. Two drawbacks to consider: you can hear the sounds of I-5 as you hike, though they dissipate as you go; and if the wind is blowing the wrong way or if it's hot, you may catch a unpleasant whiff from the nearby Everett Sewage Treatment Plant. Otherwise, as the photo attests, it is quite beautiful here.

For More Information: Snohomish County parks map. Visit our Hiking Guide and Trail Reports for Spencer Island.

Lord Hill Regional Park

Lord Hill Regional Park is a great destination for families. Even a stroller can make it down these trails. Photo by Melissa.

Location:  Near Monroe
Distance:  2 to 5 miles on various loop trails
Best Season: Year-round
Management: Snohomish County

Explore trails to beaver ponds, view points and the Snohomish River. Big trees, open meadows, ponds and lots of opportunities to see wildlife along this trail. This park is also open to bikers and equestrian users so be ready to share the trail. This is a great choice for families.

For More information: Snohomish County parks map. Visit our Hiking Guide and Trail Reports for Lord Hill or  visit www.lordhillregionalpark.org

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Meadowdale County Park- Lund's Gulch

Location: Lynnwood
Distance: 2.5 miles
Best Season: Year-round
Management: Snohomish County

This hike along the lush green ravine follows a stream, full of salmon in the fall, to the edge of Puget Sound with expansive views of Whidbey Island.

For more information: Visit our Hiking Guide and Trail Reports for Lunds Gulch.

The falls are a short walk in on the Boulder River hike and a great destination for families. Photo by 'Snoring Saints.'

Boulder River Waterfall

Location: near Darrington
Distance: 2.5 - 9 miles
Best season: Year-round
Management: Darrington Ranger District, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Towering lowland old growth forest, impressive waterfalls, and a roaring stream make Boulder River a great destination any time of the year. Experienced hikers will find this trail a good warm up for the season. Beginning hikers and families will be rewarded by a spectacular waterfall early in the journey. The elevation gain is gentle and about a mile in you will reach the first waterfall. By pressing on another half mile or so, you will encounter another cascading beauty. After that, the trail goes up and down - sometimes quite muddy along the river, ending at streamside.

For more information: Visit our Hiking Guide and Trail Reports for Boulder River Waterfall

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Moderate Hikes

The Middle Falls at Wallace Falls State Park. Photo by Rachel Popkin.

Wallace Falls  

Location: Gold Bar
Distance:  6.5 miles
Best Season: All year
Management: Washington State Parks

Wallace Falls State Park is one of the best destinations in the state for waterfalls. The three-tiered falls is one of the state's premier lowland falls (ranking with Snoqualmie and Palouse Falls) and is accessible most of the year. Lower Wallace Falls is arguably the most photographic; Middle Falls the most spectacular; and the Upper Falls  the most lonely.

For more information: Visit our Hiking Guide and Trail Reports for Wallace Falls

One of the best parts of the Lime Kiln Trail is finding old relics from its mining, railroad and logging past - like this old metal saw. Photo by Opus.

Lime Kiln Trail

Location: Outside Granite Falls, Snohomish County
Distance: 6.5 miles roundtrip to river
Best Season: All year
Management: Snohomish County 

The Lime Kiln Trail is a lovely low elevation hike, with lots of moss, fungus and railroad artifacts. The trail is carved out of the Everett & Monte Cristo railroad grade and features gurgling creeks, an historic lime kiln, twisted iron railroad railings, and a walk down to the banks of the thunderous Stillaguamish.

For more information: Visit our Hiking Guide and Trail Reports for Lime Kiln

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Father and son enjoy a hike on Old Sauk Trail. photo by Kim Brown

Sauk River

Location: near Darrington on the Mountain Loop Hwy
Distance: 6 miles
Best season: all year
Management: Darrington Ranger District, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

This hike is a lovely stroll along one of the Skagit River's surging tributaries. The roar of the river is your constant companion as you weave between forest and stream bank on this level trail. It is a hike particularly well-suited for families. The trail is mostly level, and there is much to look at, talk about and ponder along the way.

For More Information: Visit our Hiking Guide and Trail Reports for Sauk River

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Difficult Hikes

Mount Pilchuck

The lookout atop Mt. Pilchuck. Photo by Day Hike.

Location: near Verlot
Distance: 6 miles
Best season: June-November
Management: Washington State Parks; Darrington Ranger District, Mt.Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

This popular trail is generally in good condition but can be confusing for some hikers if they don't pay attention to the trail markers. You will start in the forest and climb higher and higher above the trees and through a boulder scramble at the top. The picturesque views from the top are well worth the efforts to ascend to the fire lookout.

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Bridal Veil Falls - Lake Serene

Lake Serene by Happy Camper

Location: Off Highway 2
Distance: 8 miles
Best Season: May-Nov
Management: Skykomish Ranger District, Mt. Baker-Snoqualime Forest Service

Enjoy this hike to the source of Bridal Veil Falls. Lake Serene is nestled in a basin, reflecting the cliffs of Mount Index and provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle down below. Hikers will appreciate the switchbacks and steps leading up to the lake. Early in the day provides the most sunlight as the lake is surrounded by impressive cliffs. Make sure to take the short side trail to Bridal Veil Falls while going up or returning.

For more information: Visit our Hiking Guide and Trail Reports for Lake Serene

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Gothic Basin

Beautiful Gothic Basin by Riri

Distance: 9 miles
Hiking Season: Mid-July - October
Management: Darrington Ranger District, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest & Department of Natural Resources

This challenging trail leads hikers up steep and rocky terrain, across some creeks and past old mining relics. Take time to enjoy the waterfalls along the route. But, be aware that snow covering certain sections along the ledges can be dangerous. Take caution. Once you make the final ascent to the basin you can enjoy relaxing at the small tarn with its spectacular reflections of the surrounding peaks.     

For more information: Visit our Hiking Guide and Trail Reports for Gothic Basin

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Other hiking resources:

Hiking Snohomish County 2^nd Edition by Ken Wilcox

Hiking Snohomish County- Snohomish County Tourism Bureau