Bring the dog. Seriously, don't leave them home this time.
Everett and the surrounding Snohomish County countryside might be the most underrated spot in Washington State for traveling with a dog. You've got Cascade foothills to the east, Puget Sound to the west, and a generous mix of off-leash parks and on-leash trails woven in between. Whether your dog is a 10-pound bichon or a trail-hardened shepherd mix, there's something here that fits.
TL;DR: Snohomish County has excellent dog-friendly hiking for every style, from off-leash meadows and river corridors to on-leash forest climbs in the Cascade foothills. Top picks include Meadowdale Beach Park, Lord Hill Regional Park, the Centennial Trail, and the trails around Lake Serene and Wallace Falls State Park. Most are within 30-45 minutes of Everett. Leash rules vary by location, so check each site before you go.
Where Can Dogs Hike Off-Leash Near Everett?
Off-leash options in Snohomish County are genuinely good, especially if you're willing to drive 20-30 minutes outside of the city core.
Meadowdale Beach Park is the local favorite and with good reason. This Snohomish County park sits about 7 miles south of downtown Everett in Edmonds, and the trail drops roughly 1.5 miles through second-growth forest before opening onto a wild, driftwood-strewn beach on Puget Sound. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach itself (below the high-tide line), making it one of the few spots in the region where your dog can actually sprint on sand near the water. The trail down is on-leash, so save the freedom for the beach reward at the end. Parking fills up on sunny weekends, so aim for an early start.
Lord Hill Regional Park in Snohomish (about 25 minutes from Everett) is a 1,400-acre Snohomish County park with over 20 miles of trail through mixed forest and open meadow. Dogs are permitted off-leash throughout most of the park, with a few exceptions near sensitive habitat areas. The trail network is genuinely extensive, so download the Snohomish County Parks trail map before you head out. It's easy to wander for two or three hours without retracing your steps, which is rare this close to a city.
Flowing Lake County Park, northeast of Snohomish, is quieter and less crowded. It has a small off-leash area and easy walking paths around a small lake, making it a solid choice if your dog is more "gentle stroll" than "mountain goat."
Best On-Leash Hiking Trails Near Everett, WA
On-leash doesn't mean boring. Some of the most spectacular scenery in Snohomish County is on trails that require a leash, and honestly, that's fine on a busy summer weekend.
The Centennial Trail: Easy Miles Along the Pilchuck River
The Centennial Trail runs 30 miles from Snohomish north toward Arlington, following a paved and crushed-gravel rail trail corridor. Leashes required throughout. It's flat, well-maintained, and perfect if your dog needs miles more than elevation. You can access it from several trailheads, but the Snohomish trailhead near First Street is particularly convenient after a stop at one of the bakeries or coffee shops in the Snohomish antique district, about 20 minutes from Everett.
Wallace Falls State Park: Waterfalls and Big Trees
About 40 minutes east of Everett near Gold Bar, Wallace Falls State Park delivers serious trail payoff. The main trail climbs about 1,200 feet over 5.6 miles (round trip to the upper falls), winding through Douglas fir forest alongside the Wallace River before arriving at a series of dramatic cascades. Dogs are welcome on-leash. The lower falls viewpoint is reachable in under 2 miles, making it a good choice if you want scenery without committing to a full half-day. Weekends in summer bring crowds; a Tuesday morning in September is a different experience entirely.
Lake Serene Trail (Dogs Permitted Below Bridal Veil Falls)
This one requires a caveat. The Lake Serene trail near Index is one of the most beautiful hikes in Snohomish County: 8 miles round trip with about 2,200 feet of elevation gain to an impossibly clear alpine lake beneath Baring Mountain. Dogs are allowed on-leash, but the upper section can be steep and scramble-y in spots. The side trip to Bridal Veil Falls at around mile 2 is spectacular and manageable for most dogs. If your dog isn't a strong hiker, make the falls the turnaround point and call it a great day.
Lime Kiln Trail (South Fork Stillaguamish River)
Near Granite Falls, about 30 minutes east of Everett, the Lime Kiln Trail follows the South Fork Stillaguamish River through old-growth hemlock and cedar. It's about 6 miles round trip on a mostly flat path beside the river, and dogs on-leash are welcome. The old-growth trees here are worth the drive on their own. This is a Mountain Loop Highway corridor trail, so it fills up in summer but stays calmer than the more famous trails further up the highway.
Ebey's Landing and Other Whidbey Island Options
Worth mentioning: a quick trip on the Mukilteo-to-Clinton ferry (about 8 miles from downtown Everett) opens up Whidbey Island's trail network. Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve has open bluff trails with sweeping Sound views where leashed dogs are allowed. It's a different mood than the Cascade trails: wide skies, saltgrass prairie, and the Olympic Mountains on the horizon. An easy half-day addition if you're already planning a Whidbey excursion.
Dog-Friendly Parks and Walks Right in Everett
Not every outing needs to be a trailhead production. Everett has solid options for a morning walk or an after-dinner stroll.
Howarth Park sits on the Puget Sound bluff in north Everett and has a mix of forested paths, a small beach, and easy waterfront access. Leashes required, but the beach section at the bottom of the stairs lets dogs nose around in the rocks and kelp. It's about 10 minutes from Timber & Tide and a genuinely lovely spot at low tide.
Forest Park in south Everett has a network of forested trails and a small off-leash dog area. It's more of a neighborhood park than a hiking destination, but the trail section through the trees feels surprisingly wild for being inside the city.
Lowell Riverfront Trail follows the Snohomish River near the south end of Everett and connects to river delta habitat. Flat, easy, and almost always quieter than the Sound-side parks.
For a fuller picture of what Everett offers four-legged visitors, the post on bringing your dog to Everett, WA goes deep on pet-friendly restaurants, beaches, and logistics.
Practical Notes Before You Hit the Trail
A few things that save headaches:
- Leash rules are enforced. Washington State Parks and Snohomish County Parks both require dogs on-leash in most areas. The off-leash zones at places like Lord Hill and Meadowdale Beach have specific boundaries. Respect them; the parks stay dog-friendly because people follow the rules.
- Water on the trail. Most Cascade and foothill trails have creek crossings, so water access isn't a problem. Bring a collapsible bowl for your dog regardless. In summer, start early: both dogs and people overheat faster than they expect on a sunny PNW day that climbs to 80°F.
- Wildlife awareness. Snohomish County has bears, cougars, and coyotes. A leash keeps your dog from chasing wildlife into situations neither of you wants.
- Parking passes. Wallace Falls, Lake Serene, and other Washington State Parks and Discover Pass trailheads require a Discover Pass. Pick one up at an outdoor retailer or online before your trip. It covers a full calendar year and pays for itself on a single visit.
- Best seasons. Late April through October is prime hiking season. Lower-elevation trails like the Centennial Trail and Meadowdale are walkable year-round if you don't mind mud and rain. High-elevation trails like Lake Serene can hold snow into June.
For ideas on building a full weekend around these trails, including a few non-dog-specific suggestions, check out our perfect weekend in Everett guide. And if you want a broader look at Everett's outdoor and indoor attractions beyond hiking, the things to do in Everett, WA post rounds out the picture.
FAQ: Hiking With Dogs Near Everett, WA
Is there a truly off-leash hiking area near Everett? Yes. Lord Hill Regional Park in Snohomish (about 25 minutes from Everett) allows dogs off-leash on most of its 20-plus miles of trail. Meadowdale Beach Park allows off-leash dogs on the beach below the high-tide line. Both are the best bets in the region.
Do I need a pass to park at trailheads near Everett? Many Washington State trailheads require a Discover Pass. Snohomish County parks like Lord Hill and Meadowdale have their own parking fees (typically a few dollars per vehicle). Check the specific park before you go to avoid a ticket.
What is the easiest dog-friendly hike near Everett for a beginner or older dog? The Centennial Trail is the easiest option: paved, flat, and accessible from multiple points. Flowing Lake County Park and the lower section of the Lowell Riverfront Trail are also gentle choices for dogs that aren't up for elevation.
Are dogs allowed on Jetty Island? Leashed dogs are allowed on Jetty Island, which is accessible by a seasonal passenger ferry from the Everett waterfront (the ferry runs summer months only and charges a small fee). The island's wide sandy beaches give dogs room to walk and explore, but swimming conditions vary with the tide.
What time of year is best for hiking with a dog near Everett? May through October offers the most trail options. Summer mornings before 10 a.m. are ideal to avoid heat and weekend crowds. Fall is arguably the best season: trails are less crowded, the light is golden in the fir and maple forest, and the mud hasn't fully set in yet.
Can I hike with my dog on Whidbey Island as a day trip from Everett? Yes. The Mukilteo-to-Clinton ferry is an easy 20-minute crossing, and Whidbey has several dog-friendly trail areas including Ebey's Landing. It makes for a great day trip and is about 8 miles from downtown Everett.
Everett is a better dog-hiking destination than most people expect, and it only gets better the further you're willing to drive into the Cascades or out to the Sound. Whether you're after off-leash freedom at Lord Hill or a dramatic waterfall finish at Wallace Falls, your dog is going to sleep well tonight.
Timber & Tide sits close to Howarth Park and Meadowdale Beach, and within easy reach of every trail in this guide. If you're planning a trip to the North Puget Sound and want a comfortable, welcoming place to stay with your dog, we'd love to have you. Check availability and book at timber-tide.com.