Best Winter Hikes with Kids in Snohomish County
With short, dark days and rates of cabin fever skyrocketing, time in the great outdoors with your family might be just what the doctor ordered.
Get some fresh air, stretch your legs, and take in some of the PNW’s beautiful forest and coastal sights. We’ve put together a list of the best snow-free, easily accessible winter hikes to do with your kids here in Snohomish County. So grab the kiddos, hop in the car, and head to one of these kid-friendly winter trails.
Where: Snohomish
Why We Chose It: This gorgeous county park just minutes from downtown Snohomish is perfect for a day of outdoor exploration without spending too much time in the car. The 1,463-acre park has over thirty miles of nature trails winding through the forested landscape. Try the 2.2-mile Beaver Lake Loop, an easy and mostly flat hike through wetlands and forests.
Where: Granite Falls
Why We Chose It: Experience the quintessential Pacific Northwest lush, mossy forest on this hike just outside Granite Falls. Part of the trail follows the path of the former Everett and Monte Cristo Railway. The kids will love checking out the artifacts left behind from the railway that once transported gold and silver from the mountains to Everett. Kids and grownups alike will appreciate the rushing South Fork Stillaguamish River, which runs along part of the trail.
Where: Gold Bar
Why We Chose It: One of the steeper hikes on this list, this is an excellent choice for kids young and old who are up for a bit more of a challenge! Your hard work will pay off with beautiful views of the Skykomish River Valley and the crashing Wallace Falls. Choose your own adventure here, with lower, middle, and upper viewpoints of the falls. At 1.7 miles in, the Middle Falls viewpoint offers some of the best views on the trail. For an extra challenge, you can head to the Upper Falls viewpoint, another .6 miles up the trail!
Where: Marysville
Why We Chose It: This paved 2.9-mile waterfront trail is stroller-friendly and perfect for kids of all ages. Learn about local history through interpretive signs as you stroll along the paved path with views of the Qwuloolt Estuary, the Snohomish River, and the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. Pack your binoculars and let the kids check out the abundant local birds and other wildlife!
Where: Arlington
Why We Chose It: This park offers more than six miles of trails through varied forest, meadow, and river landscapes. The park is a popular birding destination, and you may be lucky enough to see one of the many Bald Eagles that frequent the area in winter. You can even make a weekend out of it by renting one of the park’s heated yurts!
Where: Stanwood
Why We Chose It: Hike along a flat gravel berm offering stunning views of the Puget Sound, the North Cascades, and the Olympics. The berm crosses a tidal marsh, restored in 2019 to protect salmon, birds, and other species. This hike is great for wildlife viewing and is totally flat. Perfect for kiddos with little legs.
Time to hit the trails!
Located within easy driving distance of Snohomish County’s major cities, these hikes are an easy choice for a short winter day. Whether you’re seeking a mossy forest, coastal views, or wildlife viewing, there is something for kids and adults of all ages! Remember to check the weather before you go, and don’t forget the ten essentials. Happy trails!
