The best walks and hikes around Mill Creek
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Hiking around Mill Creek, Washington, offers accessible routes through local parks, nature reserves, and along waterways. The terrain is characterized by gentle paths through woodlands, gulches, and wetlands, with minimal elevation changes. These trails are well-suited for easy family hikes and casual walks, often featuring boardwalks and well-maintained surfaces. The area's landscape includes forested ravines, wetland boardwalks, and lakeside paths.
Best hiking trails around Mill Creek
- The most popular hiking route is Bob Heirman Wildlife Preserve Trail, a 1.8 miles (3.0 km) trail that takes about 46 minutes to complete. This easy route features minimal elevation gain.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Willis Tucker Park Loop, an easy 2.2 miles (3.6 km) path. This route offers a loop through parkland.
- Local hikers also love the Shelton View Forest Trail, a 1.1 miles (1.8 km) trail leading through a forested area, often completed in about 32 minutes.
- Hiking around Mill Creek is defined by forested ravines, wetland boardwalks, and lakeside paths. The network offers options for different ability levels, with a focus on easy routes.
- The routes in Mill Creek are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 20 reviews. More than 450 hikers have used komoot to explore Mill Creek's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
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3.56km
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60m
The Willis Tucker Park Loop offers a serene escape into a gently sloped, forested landscape, perfect for a quick nature fix. You'll wander through lush greenery on a mix of gravel and natural paths, with options to explore deeper into the thick trees on branching nature trails. It's an easy 2.2-mile (3.6 km) hike with just 124 feet (38 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 57 minutes, making it accessible for all.
Planning your outing is simple, as parking is generally available and no permits or fees are required for the hiking trails. This makes it an excellent choice for a spontaneous walk. The park is family-friendly and dog-friendly, even featuring a dedicated off-leash dog area with a 1.25-acre forest section.
Beyond the loop, Willis Tucker Park is a comprehensive community space, offering playgrounds, picnic shelters, a splash pad, and various sports facilities. This makes the trail a great addition to a day out with the family, providing a tranquil natural experience within a bustling park environment.
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2.97km
00:46
20m
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The Bob Heirman Wildlife Preserve Trail offers an easy hike through varied scenery, including open meadows and wooded sections. You will follow a dike that leads to the Snohomish River, providing a peaceful outdoor experience. This route covers 1.8 miles (3.0 km) with a gentle elevation gain of just 64 feet (19 metres), making it a straightforward walk. Most hikers can complete this easy trail in about 46 minutes, enjoying the natural surroundings.
Before you head out, be aware that the trail can get muddy, especially after rain. Parts of the preserve, being a floodplain, might even be underwater during periods of high water. During summer, the initial plains can be unshaded and quite warm, so plan accordingly. Remember that dogs are not allowed anywhere in the preserve to protect the local wildlife.
The preserve is particularly renowned for its excellent birdwatching opportunities. Keep an eye out for various species around Shadow Lake, an oxbow pond teeming with birdlife. You might spot ducks, grebes, and swans, making it a prime location for wildlife enthusiasts. Winter often brings clearer views and more waterfowl to the lakes, enhancing the birdwatching experience.
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1.81km
00:32
50m
70m
The Shelton View Forest Trail offers a serene and engaging hiking experience near Bothell, winding through lush Pacific Northwest forest. You'll find yourself surrounded by dense stands of Douglas fir, western red cedar, and bigleaf maple, with a forest floor carpeted in ferns and mosses. A small, tranquil pond approximately halfway through the 1.1-mile (1.8 km) loop provides a peaceful spot to pause and observe local wildlife, including black-tailed deer and various birds.
This easy hike, with a gentle 153 feet (47 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 32 minutes to complete. The trails are well-marked, but be prepared for potentially muddy sections, especially after rain, so waterproof hiking boots are a good idea. Located conveniently near Bothell, it's an accessible option for a quick nature escape, though specific parking details are not widely publicized.
Beyond its natural beauty, the Shelton View Forest Trail is notable for its ecological diversity and historical significance, preserving remnants of the logging industry with interpretive signs. It's a unique space that provides both recreational and educational opportunities, fostering a strong community connection through its user-maintained trails. This makes it a cherished local gem for families and nature enthusiasts alike.
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Step into a surprisingly serene forest on the McCollum Park Forest Loop, a delightful 0.8-mile (1.3 km) hiking path that feels far removed from city life. This easy, 20-minute loop winds through shady woods with surprisingly large trees, often paralleling North Creek where you might spot local wildlife. It's a perfect, gentle escape for anyone seeking a quick dose of nature.
Planning your visit to this McCollum Park trail is simple; it's accessible year-round, though you should expect muddy conditions during the rainy season. Parking is readily available at McCollum Pioneer Park, making it an easy stop for a spontaneous outdoor moment. Dogs are permitted on leash.
Beyond the peaceful forest loop, McCollum Pioneer Park offers more to explore, including access to the longer paved North Creek Trail and the Northwest Stream Center with its interpretive boardwalk. For families, an intermittent fort in the woods adds a playful element, and splashing in North Creek is a popular summer activity, making this a great family-friendly destination in Everett, WA.
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4.03km
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The Silver Lake and Green Lantern Trail offers a peaceful escape into nature, winding around the serene Silver Lake. You'll stroll through lush forested areas, where the 'Green Lantern' section lives up to its name with a vibrant canopy filtering sunlight. The path is a pleasant mix of sidewalk, boardwalk, and gravel, making for an easy walk. This easy 2.5-mile (4.0 km) loop, with a minimal 83 feet (25 metres) of elevation gain, takes just over 1 hour to complete.
Access the trail conveniently through Thornton A. Sullivan Park or Green Lantern Park, both offering amenities like beaches and restrooms. It's a fantastic option for families and dog owners, just remember to keep your dog on a leash. While largely flat, some sections can be muddy after rain, so sturdy hiking shoes are a good idea. Spring and summer are particularly lovely for experiencing the wildflowers and vibrant greenery.
This trail is a local gem, providing public access to Silver Lake and its natural beauty. Keep an eye out for native wildlife such as deer and various bird species, especially around the lake. Interpretive signs along the Green Lantern Park Trail highlight commonly spotted animals, adding an educational element to your outing. It's a great way to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors near Snohomish County.
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Tips from the Community
Thornton A. Sullivan Park — one of three city parks offering public access to Silver Lake — has a nice sandy beach. You'll also find walking trails, a playground and restrooms, picnic shelters, and equipment for table tennis and disc golf.
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This trail — mostly sidewalk, with a bit of boardwalk and gravel — leads to one of the three city parks that offer public access to Silver Lake. The park itself has picnic tables, benches, and waterfront access.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the hikes in Mill Creek suitable for families with children?
Yes, the area is very family-friendly. Most trails are easy, featuring gentle paths, boardwalks through wetlands, and minimal elevation changes. A great option is the Rhody Ridge Arboretum Park loop, which is a very short and flat walk perfect for all ages.
Can I bring my dog on the trails around Mill Creek?
Dog policies can vary by park and trail. Many local parks in the Mill Creek area are dog-friendly, but they usually require dogs to be on a leash. Always check the specific regulations for the trail you plan to hike before you go.
What is the terrain like for hiking in Mill Creek?
Hiking around Mill Creek is characterized by gentle, well-maintained paths. You'll encounter trails that wind through woodlands, forested ravines known as gulches, and wetlands that often feature floating boardwalks. The elevation gain is typically minimal, making it accessible for casual walking and hiking.
Are there any circular or loop hikes available?
Yes, there are several loop trails. A popular choice is the Silver Lake loop. It's an easy, mostly flat path that circles the lake, offering pleasant water views along the way.
How difficult are the hiking trails in Mill Creek?
The vast majority of trails in the area are rated as easy. Out of about 30 routes, 27 are easy and only 3 are considered moderate. There are no trails rated as difficult, so it's an ideal region for beginners and those looking for relaxed walks rather than strenuous mountain climbs.
What do other hikers think of the trails in Mill Creek?
The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the peaceful woodland scenery, and the accessible nature of the routes, especially the boardwalks through the wetlands.
Are there any hikes that lead to a beach?
Yes, the Meadowdale Beach trail is a popular hike that descends through a forested ravine to a beach on the Puget Sound. It's a rewarding walk with a beautiful destination.
What are some popular places for hiking in Mill Creek?
A key local spot is the North Creek Trail. It's a highly-rated hiking area known for its unique floating wooden boardwalk that takes you through scenic wetlands. It's a favorite for an easy and accessible nature walk.
Can I go hiking in Mill Creek during the winter?
Yes, hiking is possible year-round. The trails are low-elevation and generally remain free of significant snow. However, paths can become muddy or slippery after rain, so waterproof footwear with good grip is recommended during the wetter months.
Are there any trails that go through gulches or ravines?
Yes, the Big Gulch Trail is a perfect example. This route takes you down into a wooded gulch, offering a mix of dirt paths and boardwalks for an immersive forest experience.
How many hiking trails are there to choose from?
There are around 30 different hiking routes to explore in and around Mill Creek. The network is primarily composed of easy trails suitable for all ability levels, ensuring plenty of options for a day out.
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