As sure as the brisk winds, squalls and leafless trees of autumn affirm that another beautiful Northwest summer has passed, they also foretell the coming of winter and another kind of natural beauty that nonetheless lures us outside. For many, it’s still a time to get out there, enjoy a hike (when it’s not too squally), while slowing it down a notch to perhaps notice a few more of the little things.
Though deepening snows may chase us out of the higher mountains, one can readily enjoy a good winter walk or hike in the lower elevations of Snohomish County. A few favorites are summarized below. Extra layers, mittens, a hat, your favorite brightly colored scarf, and a thermos of something warm are proven strategies to help take the chill off.
Winter Hikes Near the Shore
Just a few blocks below downtown Edmonds, you can stroll the beach at Brackett’s Landing adjacent to the ferry terminal. If the tide isn’t too high, one can walk north from the ferry dock for quite a distance, but make sure you leave time for the return, as winter tides can rise all the way up to the rocks. Check the tide tables to be sure. Alternatively, walk south of the ferry dock along the promenade as far as Marina Beach Park, under a mile each way, or a bit more if you saunter out the pier and back.
For a warm-up in the heart of downtown Edmonds, scurry (or drive) up Main Street to the roundabout at 5th Avenue. Every third Thursday, you can join an evening art walk. A museum, bookstore, gift shops, a historic movie house, and a host of fine eateries also await your browsing, with plenty of holiday cheer lasting into the new year.
A good winter hike to another beach is found about five miles north of Edmonds. Navigate to Meadowdale Beach Park at the west end of 156th Street SW. The moderate 1.3-mile hike down Lund’s Gulch to the beach is a local favorite in any season. An attractive forest with big trees makes it a worthwhile trek even if you catch the beach at high tide. Amble south as conditions allow and, as always, allow plenty of time for the return.
In Town Winter Walks
In historic downtown Snohomish, a pleasant loop can be created by parking near First Street and walking the main drag from one end to the other, browsing, savoring, nibbling, or shopping as the urge demands. Then look for the paved path located below the historic buildings, which leads along the Snohomish River. Find interpretive signs throughout that share a wealth of history of this 165-year-old town.
In Mill Creek, look for the North Creek Trail downtown and follow this very nicely designed path northward as far as McCollum Park, 2.5 miles away. If you make it that far, then do check out the Adopt-A-Stream nature center and excellent gift shop tucked in the trees about 200 yards to the left.
Mill Creek is also known for its numerous linear parks and trails, which serve the various neighborhoods and the public, as well as a major wetland boardwalk to the south. Nearly a mile long, the boardwalk is best reached from North Creek Park on 133rd Street SE, a little west of SR 527.
North of downtown Everett, a scenic walk leads along the bluff at Grand Avenue Park, with expansive views of the waterfront and Salish Sea. An impressive pedestrian bridge and elevator at 16th Street make it well worth descending for an extended stroll around the waterfront. For a warm-up, stop by the ornate, steep-gabled Muse building (formerly a Weyerhaeuser office) located a little north of the big boat marina.
The Centennial Trail from Snohomish to Arlington also makes up one leg of a nice downtown loop in Arlington, as described in this prior SnohomishTalk story. Don’t miss the murals! In Stanwood, an artfully designed boardwalk was completed in late 2024, adding a key link to the Port Susan Trail. To find it, simply point your nose to the new Hamilton Landing Park at the base of the giant smokestack.
Hike Along the River
As noted above, downtown Snohomish offers a brief riverside walk. You can also check out the lower reaches of the Snohomish River in Everett at scenic Lowell Riverfront Park in south Everett, and along the Langus Riverfront Trail. Both are easy paved paths suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. The latter runs for 2.2 miles along the river and Union Slough, with the option to complete a three-mile loop by taking a quiet road walk.
For something a bit wilder that offers an hour or a day or more of good hiking, check out the Whitehorse Trail between Arlington and Darrington. The entire route is 27 miles long, mostly level, and features packed gravel that is wheel-friendly. Preferred trailheads for hikers can be found along SR 530 at Trafton (off 115th Avenue NE); at a big lot just west of Oso; or five miles farther east at the stunning Oso Slide Memorial.
Closer to Darrington, the historic Fortson Mill site (well signed) also offers good access and a pleasant walk along the Whitehorse Trail, named for the towering peak above Darrington. (Note that work may be ongoing at each of the far ends of the Whitehorse Trail and at the French Creek Bridge due to damage from small slides and washouts. However, the rest remains open and accessible.)
Lastly but not leastly, the Lime Kiln Trail is a great winter hike near Granite Falls that follows part of the old Everett and Monte Cristo Railway grade. Initially built in the 1890s, the rail line served both mining operations and tourism in the rugged mountains upriver. Learn more about the railway and a surviving lime kiln at the trailhead kiosk, two miles from downtown via the Menzel Lake and Waite Mill Roads. This moderate trek is about seven miles round-trip.
Ken Wilcox has been hiking Snohomish County trails for decades. He is the author of “Hiking Snohomish County—140 Hikes and Walks” from the North Cascades to the Salish Sea, and his newest guide, “Hiking Island County—60 Hikes and Walks” on Whidbey and Camano Islands. The books are available online and at many area bookstores and gift shops.
