Take the Scenic Route: 7 Fall Walks & Hikes Around Bothell and Everett

7 Fall Walks & Hikes Around Bothell and Everett

There’s something about fall in the Pacific Northwest that makes you want to grab a jacket, lace up your shoes, and get outside.

The air turns crisp, the trees begin their annual show, and even a familiar neighborhood can look completely different under a canopy of red, gold, and evergreen. And if you live in or around Bothell and Everett, Washington, you don’t have to head for the mountains to enjoy it.

From riverside paths and salmon-spotting walks to wooded trails and Puget Sound views, here are seven local places to soak up fall in the PNW.

1. North Creek Trail, Bothell

Best for: A uniquely PNW fall experience

This one comes with a fall bonus: salmon!

North Creek Trail offers an easy way to enjoy the changing season while keeping an eye on the creek below. Each fall, salmon return to local waterways to spawn, and North Creek is one of Bothell’s popular viewing areas. Look closely from pedestrian bridges and along the creek—you may spot sockeye during October, with coho typically arriving later in the season.

Even without a salmon sighting, the wetlands, water and fall foliage make this a wonderfully Northwest walk.

2. North Creek Forest, Bothell

Best for: A forest escape without leaving town

Want the feeling of heading into the woods without actually heading out of town? North Creek Forest is a forested hillside with walking trails, wetlands, and opportunities for bird and wildlife watching.

This is less manicured than some of the other walks on our list, which is part of its charm. In fall, expect damp leaves underfoot, towering trees overhead, and that unmistakable earthy PNW forest smell.

3. Park at Bothell Landing & Sammamish River Trail

Best for: An easy fall stroll

For something a little gentler, start at the Park at Bothell Landing along the Sammamish River. From here, you can wander the park, check out the historic buildings, and continue onto the Sammamish River Trail.

It's a great choice when you want to get outside without committing to a serious hike—and an especially nice place for a leisurely walk on a crisp fall afternoon.

Nearby Blyth Park also provides access to the regional trail system, making it easy to extend your outing when the weather cooperates.

4. Forest Park, Everett

Best for: A true urban hike

Everett calls Forest Park its “wooded wonderland,” and that description feels particularly appropriate in autumn.

The park offers wooded trails and plenty of room to explore, making it one of the best choices in Everett when you want something that feels more like a hike than a neighborhood walk. The combination of evergreens and changing deciduous trees delivers that classic Pacific Northwest fall atmosphere without a long drive.

5. Howarth Park, Everett

Best for: Forest + Puget Sound

Why choose between a wooded walk and a waterfront view?

Howarth Park offers trails through its natural hillside, plus access to the beach and views across the water toward Hat Island. Some trails are steeper and more challenging than others, so sturdy shoes are a good idea—particularly after one of our famous fall rains.

For us, the combination of trees, saltwater, and moody fall skies is about as PNW as it gets.

6. Lowell Riverfront Trail, Everett

Best for: River and mountain views

The 1.75-mile Lowell Riverfront Trail follows the Snohomish River on a wide, paved multi-use path. On a clear day, walkers can catch views of Mt. Baker, Mt. Rainier and the Cascades, along with plenty of opportunities to watch for local wildlife.

Fall 2026 note: Improvements are underway at the north end of the trail, including a new wetland boardwalk and observation deck, with completion estimated for October. Check current City of Everett trail conditions before heading out.

7. South Everett Forest Preserve

Best for: A hidden little nature break

Sometimes the best local spots are the ones you might drive right past.

The South Everett Forest Preserve is a 15-acre pocket of forest tucked into South Everett. A 1,600-foot trail winds through part of the preserve, including a section with accessible trail surfacing.

It isn't a long hike—and that's exactly the point. It's an easy way to step away from errands, screens, and schedules for a little fall quiet.

Fall Is One of the Best Parts of Living in the PNW

Of course, you can drive a bit from Bothell or Everett and find some spectacular Pacific Northwest hiking. But we think there's something pretty special about having beautiful places like these practically in your own backyard.

It's one of the things we love about living here: you don't always need a weekend getaway to find a great escape.

So grab a jacket, bring the dog or the kids, and take the scenic route this fall. And if your next adventure includes finding a new place to call home in Bothell, Everett or the greater Puget Sound area, you know who to call.