The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Possession Point State Park

The Lund's Gulch Trail offers a delightful journey through a lush, second-growth forest ravine, culminating in direct access to a sandy Puget Sound beach. You'll descend via wide switchbacks and an 85-step staircase, passing beneath railroad tracks through a unique "spooky tunnel" before emerging onto Meadowdale Beach with expansive views of Browns Bay and the Olympic Mountains. The trail is an easy 1.4 miles (2.2 km) round trip, with a gentle 62 feet (19 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 38 minutes.

Located within Meadowdale Beach Park in Lynnwood, Washington, the trail is accessible year-round. While the initial descent is easy, the return climb is gradual but steady, making it suitable for most skill levels and families. Expect some muddy sections during the wet season, so appropriate footwear is recommended. The park also features picnic tables near the beach, making it a great spot for a longer outing.

This trail stands out for its surprisingly secluded natural environment despite its suburban location, offering a chance to see salmon spawning in Lund's Gulch Creek in the fall. It's a fantastic option for beachcombing, birdwatching, and enjoying marine life, especially at low tide. Plus, it's a dog-friendly route, provided your furry friend stays on a leash.

The Lynndale Park Nature Trail offers a delightful, easy loop through a preserved native forest in Lynnwood, Washington. As you follow the 1.3-mile (2.1 km) path, you'll experience a tranquil, forested setting with diverse ecosystems, perfect for nature observation and birdwatching. The terrain is mostly groomed, varying from dirt to gravel, and includes a few short, engaging climbs and a charming wood staircase, making it an ideal choice for a relaxing outing.

Planning your visit to Lynndale Park is straightforward, as it's Lynnwood's largest park and easily accessible. You'll find ample parking available, and the trail is dog-friendly, welcoming leashed companions. This route is well-suited for individuals of all fitness levels, families, and casual strollers looking for a quick escape into greenery, taking approximately 35 minutes to complete.

Beyond the peaceful nature trail, Lynndale Park spans 22 acres and offers a variety of amenities, including a skate park, athletic fields, and play equipment. A notable cultural highlight is the amphitheater tucked away in the forest, which hosts "Shakespeare in the Park" during the summer. With a gentle 131 feet (40 metres) of elevation gain, this trail provides a refreshing outdoor experience without demanding significant effort.

The Lunds Gulch Trail offers a delightful descent through a vibrant, green ravine, leading you to the shores of Puget Sound. You'll wind through a forest of second-growth and some old-growth trees, following the soothing sounds of Lunds Gulch Creek. The path is generally wide and well-maintained, eventually passing under railroad tracks via a tunnel before opening up to the expansive Meadowdale Beach, where you can enjoy views of Whidbey Island and the Olympic Mountains.

This easy 2.4-mile (3.8 km) hiking route, with 386 feet (118 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 9 minutes. While the initial descent is gentle, the return climb is a steady uphill effort, so be prepared for that. The trail is accessible year-round, but parking at Meadowdale Beach Park can get busy, so an early start is often a good idea.

One of the trail's biggest draws is its direct access to a beautiful Puget Sound beach, making it a popular spot for beachcombing and birdwatching, especially at low tide. The presence of spawning salmon in Lunds Gulch Creek during the fall adds another layer of natural interest. It's a fantastic option for families, offering a mix of forest exploration, a unique railroad tunnel, and a rewarding beach destination.

The Hiking loop from Southwest County Olympic View Park offers a serene escape into a 120-acre forested preserve, perfect for a quick nature fix. You will wander through mature second-growth forest, past forested ravines and wetlands where Perrinville Creek flows, all while enjoying a "green blanket" of indigenous plants like salal and large ferns. This easy 3.2-mile (5.2 km) hike involves 260 feet (79 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes, making it ideal for a relaxing stroll with occasional glimpses of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The trails are a mix of gravel paths, well-built sections, and old logging skid roads, with boardwalks over wetter areas. It is a family-friendly route, though you can find steeper sections if you are looking for a bit more challenge.

When planning your visit, know that parking is available at Southwest County Olympic View Park, but amenities are minimal; there are no outhouses, water, or tables. The park is open year-round, offering a consistent option for outdoor activity. Keep in mind that as a Passive/Sensitive Wildlife Preserve, off-road vehicles and bicycles are not allowed on the hiking trails, which helps maintain the peaceful atmosphere and protects the sensitive ecosystem, including Perrinville Creek.

This park is the largest single parcel of open space within Edmonds' city limits, providing a significant natural haven. Its history as a logged area is still visible, with old-growth stumps bearing buckboard notches and interpretive panels explaining the past. It is a great spot for wildlife watching, with squirrels and various birds commonly seen. The preserve plays a crucial role in protecting Perrinville Creek, a vital trout and salmon stream, making it an important ecological site as well as a beautiful place to hike.