Portage Creek Wildlife Area─Wetland wandering on the Stillaguamish Floodplain

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

December 14, 2023 |

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…

Snoqualmie Falls

December 7, 2023 |

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…

Northern State Recreation Area

November 30, 2023 |

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…

Heybrook Ridge–From the town of Index to stunning views of Mount Index

November 23, 2023 |

Quick Facts: Location: Skykomish Valley Land Agency: Snohomish County Parks Roundtrip: 3.4 miles Elevation Gain: 780 feet Contact: Friends of Heybrook Ridge Map: Green Trails, Alpine Lakes West Stevens Pass no. 176S Notes: Dogs allowed on leash Access: From Everett follow US 2 east for 35 miles turning left onto the Index Galena Road (just…

Wallace Lake—Tranquil waters above thundering falls

May 11, 2023 |

Quick Facts: Location: Skykomish River Valley Land Agency: Washington State Parks Roundtrip: 8.2 miles Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet Green trails Map: Index, WA-No. 142 Access: From Everett follow US 2 for 28 miles east to Gold Bar. Just before Milepost 28 turn left onto 1st Street (signed for Wallace Falls State Park). Proceed for .4…

Ebey’s Landing—A Sound Hiking Adventure

April 27, 2023 |

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…

Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park

March 30, 2023 |

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…

River Trail

March 23, 2023 |

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…

Baker Preserve

March 16, 2023 |

Savor Salish Sea views from ledges high on Lummi Mountain Quick Facts: Location: Lummi Island Round Trip: 3.6 miles Elevation Gain: 1,030 feet Contact: Lummi Island Heritage Trust Detailed Information: Day Hiking San Juans and Gulf Islands (Mountaineers Books) Map: online Notes: dogs prohibited; all visitors must sign register; day light hours only, group size…