Spring is finally here! The days are getting longer (and hopefully sunnier) and it’s a great time to get outside. A walk outside has many health benefits like reducing your risk of chronic diseases, reducing stress, and improving your sleep. Here are six places in Snohomish County to take a walk and enjoy all the beauty the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
North Snohomish County:
River Meadows Park: Arlington
River Meadows Park is about 15 minutes outside of downtown Arlington. It has 150 acres of open meadows, river access, walking trails, and a camping area. This is a great place to bring kids because there is a lot of room to run and play. Bring a picnic and make use of the park’s picnic shelters. There are camping spots at this park if you fall in love. Parking is free.
Lime Kiln Trailhead: Granite Falls
Lime Kiln Trailhead is just outside of downtown Granite Falls. It is an unusual hike through a mossy forest and along a narrow river canyon and is about 7 miles roundtrip (but you don’t have to do the whole trail to enjoy its beauty). A railroad once ran along this canyon on a bridge that spanned the river. Along the way, you may spot artifacts from more than 80 years ago when there was a lime kiln in the area. A lime kiln still remains as a major landmark, which can be seen from the trail! Parking is free and leashed dogs are welcome on the trail.
Central Snohomish County:
Port of Everett Waterfront: Everett
The Port of Everett continues to grow and offers a lovely place for an afternoon stroll. Walk along the marina and take in the ocean breeze while watching for birds and harbor seals. The area has more than four miles of continuous waterfront trail system, picnic shelters, parks and plazas, and a splash fountain. The Port of Everett waterfront is a great place to take in the sunset in the evening, with views of the Olympic Mountains across the water! Your first two hours of parking are free.
Ebey Waterfront Park: Marysville
The Ebey Waterfront Park in Marysville has miles of paved trail, perfect for walking, biking, or roller skating. The trail runs right alongside the Snohomish River and you can often spot a heron, seal, or river otter. The trail is 2.9 miles roundtrip and has benches to stop along the way and picnic tables at the end so you can sit and take in the views while having a snack. Parking is free.
South Snohomish County:
Southwest County Park: Lynnwood/Edmonds
Southwest County Park is a great place for people who are in Lynnwood to get into some nature, without having to go too far from the city. The park has 120 acres and encompasses a series of forested ravines and Perrinville Creek, which flow through the eastern portion of the Park to Brown’s Bay on Puget Sound. Trails intersect and wind around each other; it is easy to get quite a bit of mileage in this park. Parking is free, and this park is accessible by bus!
Edmonds Waterfront and Beaches: Edmonds
The Edmonds waterfront has so much to offer for people looking for a little bit of everything! This walk takes you along the Edmond’s waterfront via a paved path. Starting out at Marina Beach Park, where there is a spacious off-leash dog area and a driftwood-filled beach, the path parallels the water before going over a series of bridges that deliver visitors right to the edge of the marina. On a sunny day there are beautiful views of the Olympic Mountains and the Edmonds-Kingston ferry. Parking is free and there is a playground for kids to enjoy.