5 Fall Hikes in Seattle NorthCountry
Here are five hikes in Snohomish County that will fill your need for fresh air and exercise, as well as recommendations from award winning author and hiking master Craig Romano.
1. Japanese Gulch | Mukilteo, WA
Length: 4 miles one way
Passes Needed: none
Highlights: The trailhead is located near the entrance of Trails and Tails Dog Park. Clip your dog’s lead back on and become immersed in the sounds and sights of wild critters. The trail offers a heavily-shaded walk on sunny days, and most of these paths have loose gravel that will be kind to your dog’s paws. Just watch out for the wild deer.
Read the WTA guide here.
2. Craig Romano Pick: Lord Hill | Snohomish, WA
Length: 10 miles roundtrip
Passes Needed: none
Highlights: This is a trail for hikers of all skill levels. Choose your own adventure with a variety of routes to choose from, some paths taking all-day while others only a few hours. It’s the largest county park with lots of birds from the surrounding marshland; definitely a place for bird lovers.
Read the WTA guide here.
3. Tonga Ridge | Skykomish, WA
Length: 8 miles roundtrip
Passes Needed: none
Highlights: Known for its hungry traffic of fall berry-pickers, this easy trail offers views overlooking the valley surrounded by wildflowers. If you have a curious spirit and like to know what floral greenery you’re spying, bring along a wild flower guide book so you can recount your trip to friends like a legit botanist.
Read the WTA guide here.
4. Craig Romano Pick: Mount Dickerman | East of Granite Falls, North of Index and Sultan
Length: 8.2 miles roundtrip
Passes: Northwest Forest Pass
Highlights: If you’re hiking for views, this is the hike you are looking for. This trek will satisfy wild blueberry lovers in the late summer and early fall and is delightfully covered in snow in the winter. After you've had your fill of berries, then you'll wind through radiant hemlock groves and heather meadows. Get to the parking lot early on sunny days, because this mountain top is a popular hike for those willing to go the distance.
Read the WTA guide here.
5. Green Mountain | Darrington, WA
Length: 8.5 miles roundtrip
Passes Needed: none
Highlights: Looking for life affirming views? The 360 degree unobstructed views delivered from the perch of the Green Mountain Lookout is testimony enough. The reconstructed lookout dates back to the 30's and is still used by the US Forest Service today. The four mile journey before, through lush wildflower meadows and the ever present Glacier Peak aids the overall wonderment of the trip. This popular hike is best done on a weekday to ensure you can spend time along the trail in peace.
Read the WTA guide here.
Seattle NorthCountry Hiking Guide
A guide to some of the best hikes in the PNW.
Some of the hikes on National Forest lands within this brochure require a Northwest Forest Pass at the trailhead. Be sure to purchase before you hit the trail.
Hikes in this brochure on State Park lands require a Discover Pass. These sell for $10 per day or $30 for an annual pass and are good at all state parks, DNR lands, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife properties. Purchase online here.
