Lizard and Lily Lakes

Peaceful wandering near the Oyster Dome Quick Facts: Location: Blanchard State Forest Distance: 7.5 miles roundtrip Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet Contact: Washington Department of Natural Resources Map: Square One Maps Chuckanut Recreation Area Notes: Discover Pass required to park at trailheads Trailhead directions: From I-5 Exit 240 in Alger head north on Lake Samish Road…

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Edmonds Marsh─Over 225 species of birds on 23 acres of wetlands!

Quick Facts: Location: Edmonds Waterfront Land Agency: City of Edmonds Parks and Recreation Roundtrip: 1.8 miles Elevation Gain: Level Access: From I-5 follow SR 104 west towards the Edmonds-Kingston Ferry. One stoplight before the ferry terminal, turn left onto Dayton Street. Then continue for .1 mile to just before the railroad crossing. Turn left here…

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River Trail–Big maples and hidden Snohomish riverfront at Lord Hill

Quick Facts: Location: Snohomish Valley Land Agency: Snohomish County Parks Roundtrip: 5.2 miles Elevation gain: 650 feet Contact: Snohomish County Parks  Map: Snohomish County Parks Notes: Dogs permitted on leash Good to know: Dog-friendly, kid-friendly, snow-free winter hike, good trail running Access:  From Everett follow US 2 to SR 9. Head south on SR 9 and exit…

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Snoqualmie Falls

Hike to the base of the falls where heaven connects to earth Quick Facts: Location: Snoqualmie Valley Distance: 1.4 miles Elevation Gain: 280 feet Contact: Puget Sound EnergyDetailed Information: Urban Trails Eastside (Mountaineers Books) Green Trails Map: Rattlesnake Mountain/ Mountains to Sound Greenway No. 205S Notes: dogs permitted on leash. Parking lot on west side…

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Northern State Recreation Area

Wander the former farm grounds of a state mental health hospital Quick Facts: Location: Skagit Valley Distance: more than 7.0 miles of trails Elevation Gain: up to 400 feet Contact: Skagit County ParksDetailed Information: Urban Trails Bellingham (Mountaineers Books) Notes: dogs permitted on leash; park open dawn to dusk. Access:  From Exit 230 on I-5…

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Jetty Island– It may be manmade, but it’s naturally delightful!

Quick Facts: Location: Everett Land Agency: Everett Parks and Recreation Roundtrip: up to 5.0 miles Elevation gain: none Difficulty: Easy Contact: Everett Parks and Recreation Department Notes: Parking fee $2.00 (credit card or exact amount cash) Passenger Ferry runs on Wednesday through Sunday from July 5th until September 3rd and requires a reservation ($3 per…

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Ebey’s Landing—A Sound Hiking Adventure

Quick Facts: Location: Whidbey Island Land Agency: National Park Service and Washington State Parks Roundtrip: 5.2 miles Elevation Gain: 260 feet Contact: Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve  Suggested Guidebook: Urban Trails Everett Special note: Dogs permitted on leash. Access: Take Washington State Ferry from Mulkiteo to Clinton on Whidbey Island. Continue north on SR 525…

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Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park

The crown jewel of Lake Washington parks Quick Facts: Location: Lake Washington Round Trip: 1.5 miles of trails Elevation Gain: minimal Contact: City of Renton Parks Commission Detailed Information: Urban Trails Seattle (Mountaineers Books) Notes:  Dogs prohibited. Park open 8:00 am to dusk Access: Take Exit 5 on I-405. Then head west on N Southport…

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River Trail

Hike along rapids at the mouth of the Green River gorge Quick Facts: Location: Kanaskat-Palmer State Park Land Agency: Washington State Parks Round Trip: 2.5 miles Elevation Gain: 175 feet Contact: Kanaskat-Palmer State Park Detailed Information: Urban Trails Tacoma (Mountaineers Books) Notes: Discover Pass required. Dogs permitted on leash. Green River contains strong currents—exercise caution…

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