The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Edmonds

Enjoy an easy stroll along the Edmonds Marine Walkway, a paved path offering continuous views of Puget Sound and the distant Olympic Mountains. This accessible route covers 1.5 miles (2.4 km) with a minimal elevation gain of just 15 feet (5 metres), making it a pleasant hike that takes approximately 36 minutes. As you walk, you'll pass the bustling Edmonds Marina and reach Brackett's Landing North, known for its sandy beaches and tide pools.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the walkway is suitable for all ages and abilities, including those using strollers or wheelchairs. You will find restrooms, water fountains, and benches conveniently placed along the path for your comfort. The trailhead is easily accessible by car, with parking available near the Edmonds Marina, and public transport options are also nearby.

This trail is a prime location for wildlife observation; keep your eyes peeled for seals, sea lions, and a variety of seabirds that frequent the area. After your hike, downtown Edmonds is just a short walk away, offering various options for refreshments and further exploration.

The Lynndale Park Nature Trail offers a delightful, easy loop through a preserved native forest in Lynnwood, Washington. As you follow the 1.3-mile (2.1 km) path, you'll experience a tranquil, forested setting with diverse ecosystems, perfect for nature observation and birdwatching. The terrain is mostly groomed, varying from dirt to gravel, and includes a few short, engaging climbs and a charming wood staircase, making it an ideal choice for a relaxing outing.

Planning your visit to Lynndale Park is straightforward, as it's Lynnwood's largest park and easily accessible. You'll find ample parking available, and the trail is dog-friendly, welcoming leashed companions. This route is well-suited for individuals of all fitness levels, families, and casual strollers looking for a quick escape into greenery, taking approximately 35 minutes to complete.

Beyond the peaceful nature trail, Lynndale Park spans 22 acres and offers a variety of amenities, including a skate park, athletic fields, and play equipment. A notable cultural highlight is the amphitheater tucked away in the forest, which hosts "Shakespeare in the Park" during the summer. With a gentle 131 feet (40 metres) of elevation gain, this trail provides a refreshing outdoor experience without demanding significant effort.

The Hiking loop from Southwest County Olympic View Park offers a serene escape into a 120-acre forested preserve, perfect for a quick nature fix. You will wander through mature second-growth forest, past forested ravines and wetlands where Perrinville Creek flows, all while enjoying a "green blanket" of indigenous plants like salal and large ferns. This easy 3.2-mile (5.2 km) hike involves 260 feet (79 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes, making it ideal for a relaxing stroll with occasional glimpses of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The trails are a mix of gravel paths, well-built sections, and old logging skid roads, with boardwalks over wetter areas. It is a family-friendly route, though you can find steeper sections if you are looking for a bit more challenge.

When planning your visit, know that parking is available at Southwest County Olympic View Park, but amenities are minimal; there are no outhouses, water, or tables. The park is open year-round, offering a consistent option for outdoor activity. Keep in mind that as a Passive/Sensitive Wildlife Preserve, off-road vehicles and bicycles are not allowed on the hiking trails, which helps maintain the peaceful atmosphere and protects the sensitive ecosystem, including Perrinville Creek.

This park is the largest single parcel of open space within Edmonds' city limits, providing a significant natural haven. Its history as a logged area is still visible, with old-growth stumps bearing buckboard notches and interpretive panels explaining the past. It is a great spot for wildlife watching, with squirrels and various birds commonly seen. The preserve plays a crucial role in protecting Perrinville Creek, a vital trout and salmon stream, making it an important ecological site as well as a beautiful place to hike.