The best walks and hikes around Everett

Everett and its surrounding areas offer a wide variety of hiking opportunities, with over 300 routes available. These range from easy strolls along the waterfront to more challenging mountain treks in the nearby Cascade Foothills.

Yes, Everett has many easy and family-friendly options. Trails like the Silver Lake Loop at Thornton A. Sullivan Park or the Lowell Riverfront Trail offer accessible paths suitable for all ages. For a gentle walk through a forest, consider the McCollum Park (Forest Loop trail), which is great for introducing young children to the outdoors.

For stunning panoramic views, consider hikes like Mount Pilchuck, which leads to a fire lookout at the summit with expansive views of Washington State. Ebey's Landing on Whidbey Island, accessible via ferry, also offers majestic views of the Puget Sound from a bluff. Closer to the city, Pigeon Creek Trail provides unique views of the working waterfront and Puget Sound.

Many trails in the Everett area are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific park regulations. Generally, trails like the Spencer Island Park Loop via Langus Riverfront Trail and Lord Hill Regional Park are popular choices for hikers with dogs, provided they are kept on a leash.

Several excellent loop hikes are available. The Spencer Island Park Loop via Langus Riverfront Trail is a moderate 8.28 km loop known for wildlife viewing. The Marine Park & Mill Town Trail Loop offers a 10.2 km urban hike with historical context. For a shorter, easy option, the Silver Lake Loop at Thornton A. Sullivan Park is a 4.03 km loop.

Yes, the region boasts beautiful waterfall hikes. Wallace Falls, less than an hour from Everett, is a moderate hike through old-growth forest that leads to impressive waterfalls. Lake 22, located on the Mountain Loop Highway, also features waterfalls along its scenic route.

Everett's diverse landscapes, including the Puget Sound, Snohomish River Delta, and various wetlands, are rich in wildlife. The Spencer Island Park Loop and Union Slough Nature Trail are particularly excellent for birdwatching and observing local flora and fauna. You might spot various bird species, marine life, and other small animals.

Yes, some trails offer glimpses into the area's history. The Marine Park & Mill Town Trail Loop includes interpretive signs about Everett's milltown past. The Millwright Loop Trail within the Port of Everett's marina facilities also features interpretive signs about local history. The Lime Kiln Trail in Granite Falls leads to a historic stone monolith, a former lime kiln.

The best time to hike around Everett generally depends on the type of trail. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for most trails, including higher elevation routes. Fall provides beautiful foliage in forested areas. Winter hiking is possible on lower elevation trails, but higher mountain trails may require snowshoes or be inaccessible due to snow.

For longer excursions, the Centennial Trail is a notable option. This 29-mile paved recreational trail runs from Snohomish to Arlington and is suitable for walking, biking, and running, with amenities along the way. Lord Hill Regional Park also offers over 30 miles of forested trails for extended exploration.

The hiking experiences around Everett are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 400 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse scenery, from tranquil waterfront paths and lush forests to challenging mountain views, and the accessibility of trails for various skill levels.

Everett is uniquely positioned on the Puget Sound and near the Snohomish River Delta. You can explore the delta's wetlands, visit Jetty Island (a man-made island known for its sandy beaches and wildlife, accessible by ferry), or experience the unique views of the working waterfront from Pigeon Creek Trail. The nearby Cascade Foothills also offer access to old-growth forests and high-country lakes.