Biking, Climbing & Hiking in Lynnwood
If you enjoy being in the open air, experiencing breathtaking views of mountain scenery and the adventure of the wilderness, you have come to the right place! Foothills into the North Cascades Mountain Range, just minutes from Lynnwood, offer some of the best camping, hiking, climbing, and mountain biking in the region. Whether you prefer to stay near the water and urban areas, or want to venture deeper into the wilderness of old-growth forests, you can choose from short one hour hikes to all day or overnight excursions. Camping is available at county, state, and national parks within minutes of Lynnwood.
For those who enjoy rock climbing, visit the Index Town Wall on Highway 2. This 500 foot vertical cliff offers some of the most technical climbing challenges in the state. Three miles south of Darrington, off the Mountain Loop Highway, you will find Exfoliation Dome. Witch Doctor Wall, an 1,100 foot face, and Bluberry Hill challenge climbers with sheer faces and slabby terrain.
Throughout the area you will find miles of scenic country roads, designated trail systems and beautiful parks perfect for cycling and Lynnwood recreation. The Interurban Trail is a paved trail through Lynnwood continuing 18 miles north to Everett. The Burke Gilman Trail in King County is a 27 mile biking and walking trail hugging the western shore of Lake Washington. Other popular trails in the area include Centennial Trail and Langus Riverfront Park and Nature Trail.
For those who want to experience the sport but not the elements, visit REI’s climbing wall, Pinnacle Peak, at their Alderwood Mall location.
Some of the favorite scenic trails are listed below
Centennial Trail is a easy 35 mile round trip hike with an elevation gain of only 200 feet. It is a flat paved trail with a dirt path alongside for horses and buggies. The trail is close to urban areas so getting on and off the trail to visit local communities is easy.
There are seven major trailheads. Access the northern terminus in Arlington on Armar Road near the junction with 152nd St NE. Access the current southern terminus in Snohomish at the Pilchuck Trailhead just north of the city limits on Machias Road.
The Interurban Trail generally follows the route once used by the Interurban Trolley that ran from downtown Seattle to Everett from 1910 through 1939. Bike riders, walkers, joggers, and others enjoy traveling the 15.1 miles of designated paved trail. There are benches along the way. The trail is open year round and has an elevation gain of 200 feet. The trail runs parallel to Interstate 5 between Lynnwood and Everett. Look for the Interurban Trail signs to access the trail.
Lime Kiln Trail is a seven mile round trip, moderately difficult historic hike along the Stillaguamish River. The trail is open year round. The elevation gain on this hike is approximately 600 feet. To reach the trailhead from Lynnwood, drive north on I-5 to Exit 194 (SR 2/Hewitt Ave Tressel).,head east to SR 204 and turn left at ramp towards Lake Stevens/Frontier Village/Granite Falls. Follow road to SR 9 and turn left to drive north. At THIRD traffic light, turn right (east) onto Hwy 92 towards Granite Falls. From Granite Falls head south on South Granite Avenue, turn left onto Pioneer St. which becomes Menzel Lake Rd. Bear left on Waite Mill Rd and follow to trailhead.
Lunds Gulch. This short 2.5 mile hike takes you through a cool and shady forest ravine to the Puget Sound beach and views of Whidby Island and the Olympic mountains The hike is kid friendly with an elevation gain of 425 feet. To reach the trail from Lynnwood, follow 164th St W to its junction with Hwy 99. Continue west on 168th St SW-turn right onto 52nd Ave W. Turn left on 160th St SW-then turn right onto 56th Ave W. Turn left on 156th St SW and follow to Meadowdale County Park entrance
For more information about hiking and biking trails in the Lynnwood area visit:
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest