One of the most underappreciated aspects of staying in Everett is how quickly you can reach genuine wilderness. The city sits where the Puget Sound lowlands meet the foothills of the North Cascades, and within an hour's drive east you are in old-growth forest, riverside trails, and alpine terrain that feels genuinely remote.
Here are the best Cascade day trips from Everett, organized by drive time.
30 to 45 Minutes East
Wallace Falls State Park
The most popular waterfall hike in the region, and completely worth the crowds. The main trail climbs through lush forest to three viewpoints overlooking Wallace Falls, a 265-foot cascade that thunders through a mossy gorge. The lower falls viewpoint is about 2 miles in; the upper viewpoint is about 3.5 miles. Both are rewarding.
Drive time from Everett: 40 minutes east via US-2 Distance: 5.6 miles round trip to upper falls Difficulty: Moderate Discover Pass required
Tip: Go early on weekends. The parking lot fills by 10 AM on summer weekends.
Boulder River Trail
A forested walk along the Boulder River with two waterfalls in the first two miles. The old-growth forest here is genuinely old: cedars and firs that predate European settlement. The trail continues further if you want more miles, but the waterfalls alone justify the drive.
Drive time from Everett: 45 minutes via Mountain Loop Highway Distance: 4 miles round trip to the waterfalls (trail continues further) Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Northwest Forest Pass required
45 to 60 Minutes East
Big Four Ice Caves
A flat, easy 2-mile round trip to permanent snow and ice formations at the base of Big Four Mountain. The caves themselves are dangerous to enter (collapses are common), but the views from the safe viewing area are striking. This hike is accessible to families with young children and remains one of the most visually impressive short hikes on the Mountain Loop.
Drive time from Everett: 50 minutes via Mountain Loop Highway Distance: 2 miles round trip Difficulty: Easy Northwest Forest Pass required
Important: Do not enter the caves. Every year people are injured or killed by ice collapses. View from the designated safe area.
Lake 22
One of the best moderate hikes in Western Washington. The trail climbs through old-growth forest, along boardwalks over alpine meadows, and eventually emerges at a stunning glacially carved lake ringed by rocky slopes. The forest on the way up is as impressive as the lake itself.
Drive time from Everett: 50 minutes via Mountain Loop Highway Distance: 5.4 miles round trip Elevation gain: 1,350 feet Difficulty: Moderate Northwest Forest Pass required
Season: Late May through October (snow-free). Check wta.org for current conditions.
Heather Lake
A quieter alternative to Lake 22, about 5 minutes further on the Mountain Loop. Similar forest experience, alpine lake payoff, and significantly fewer people on weekdays. A good choice if Lake 22 is crowded or if you want a slightly less-traveled trail.
Drive time from Everett: 55 minutes Distance: 4.6 miles round trip Elevation gain: 1,100 feet Difficulty: Moderate
60 to 75 Minutes East
Mount Pilchuck Lookout
The standout hike of the region. The trail climbs through old-growth forest and over granite boulder fields to a historic 1930s fire lookout at the summit. The panoramic views from the top are staggering: Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands, the Olympic Mountains, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, the North Cascades, and all of greater Seattle below.
The final approach involves some boulder scrambling. Not technical climbing, but not suitable for very young children or anyone uncomfortable with heights.
Drive time from Everett: 1 hour via Mountain Loop Highway Distance: 5.4 miles round trip Elevation gain: 2,200 feet Difficulty: Challenging Discover Pass required
Season: Late June through October. The upper half of the trail is often snow-covered into July.
Gothic Basin
For experienced hikers looking for something genuinely adventurous and off the beaten path. The trail starts at Barlow Pass and climbs steeply into a remote subalpine basin with alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and dramatic rocky terrain. Less maintained than the other trails listed here, so some route-finding is required.
Drive time from Everett: 1 hour via Mountain Loop Highway Distance: 9 miles round trip Elevation gain: 2,800 feet Difficulty: Challenging Best season: Late July through September
Scenic Drives (No Hiking Required)
Mountain Loop Highway Scenic Drive
The full Mountain Loop Highway loop from Granite Falls east to Darrington and back (or in either direction) takes about 2.5 to 3 hours without stops, and significantly longer with them. Incredible views of the North Cascades, river valleys, and old-growth forest. Several trailhead stops, waterfalls visible from the road, and small towns worth a stop.
Stevens Pass via US-2
US-2 east from Everett through the Skykomish River valley to Stevens Pass is one of the most scenic drives in Washington State. Charming mountain towns (Gold Bar, Index, Skykomish), river views, and the dramatic mountain pass itself. Continue to Leavenworth, the Bavarian-themed village, for a full day trip that combines mountain scenery with good food and shopping.
What to Know Before You Go
Discover Pass vs. Northwest Forest Pass. State parks use the Discover Pass ($30/year or $10/day). National Forest trailheads use the Northwest Forest Pass ($30/year or $5/day). An America the Beautiful annual pass covers both federal lands and Washington State Parks. If you plan to do multiple Cascade hikes, the annual passes pay for themselves quickly.
Trail conditions. Higher elevation trails are often snow-covered until late June or early July. Check current conditions at wta.org (Washington Trails Association) before any Cascade hike.
Weather. Cascade weather can change rapidly. Even in summer, bring a rain layer and extra warmth for anything above 3,000 feet.
Start early. Popular trailheads (Wallace Falls, Lake 22, Mount Pilchuck) fill their parking lots by mid-morning on weekends. Leaving Everett by 7 or 7:30 AM makes a meaningful difference.
Your Cascade Base
Timber & Tide in Everett puts you at the western edge of this entire list. Gear up in a well-equipped rental, pack the cooler the night before, leave at first light, and you can be at any trailhead on this list before the crowds arrive. After the hike, come home to a private sauna.
Book direct for the best rate.