When the sun shines in the Pacific Northwest, there’s no better place to be than outdoors. Rooted Northwest sits in Arlington, Washington, in the heart of Snohomish County, surrounded by rivers, trails, lakes, and farmland. We asked our community members to share their favorite things to do nearby during the summer — and their answers highlight just how much this area has to offer.

1. Dinner & Sunsets in Historic Downtown Arlington

Monique loves heading into historic downtown Arlington to pick up dinner from a local restaurant and then gathering with friends (and dogs!) at the Legion Park gazebo. With picnic tables, shady spots, and open views, it’s a great place to relax on a summer evening. This central park offers small-town charm right in the heart of Arlington, just minutes from Rooted Northwest.

2. Swimming at Lake McMurray

Iris shared a refreshing local gem: Lake McMurray, about 15 minutes north of Arlington near the border of Skagit County. With a public access area for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, it’s a favorite for cooling down on hot afternoons. Surrounded by evergreens, the lake feels tucked away but is still close enough for a quick day trip. Families love it for its calm waters and easy access.

3. Hiking the Old Sauk River Trail

Dave recommends the Old Sauk River Trail near Darrington, WA, part of the Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest. This mostly flat trail winds along the Sauk River, offering peaceful views of the water and lush forest. At about six miles round trip, it’s accessible for most skill levels and makes for a beautiful introduction to hiking in the North Cascades foothills.

4. Exploring River Meadows County Park

Carla's photo from the trails that wind through River Meadows County Park

Carla and her dog Daisy love spending time at River Meadows County Park, located about 10 minutes west of Arlington. With trails through the forest, access to the Stillaguamish River, and riverbanks filled with smooth stones perfect for skipping, it’s a hidden gem for families. The park also features wide grassy fields for games, a large picnic shelter, and even yurts you can rent for overnight stays —making it a place you can enjoy for a quick afternoon or a full weekend adventure.

5. Mountain Loop Highway & Ice Caves Trail

Eric recommends taking a drive on the Mountain Loop Highway, a scenic 55-mile route that connects Arlington, Granite Falls, and Darrington. It’s one of the most beautiful drives in the region, with river views, waterfalls, and trailheads all along the way.

A photo from Gail of the scenic view along the Big Four Ice Caves Trail

One of Gail’s favorite stops is the Big Four Ice Caves Trail, a short, family-friendly hike where you can see dramatic ice formations at the base of Big Four Mountain. She points out that the Mountain Loop has trails for every skill level — from easy walks to more challenging alpine climbs — making it a summer outing that always has something new to discover.

6. Summer Harvests & Biking the Centennial Trail

Karen reminded us that summer in Arlington means berry season! One of the things we’re most excited about is that Rooted Northwest will soon have our very own berries to pick right here at home. Until then, there are plenty of wonderful u-pick farms nearby where you can load up on fresh strawberries and blueberries — a sweet way to spend a summer afternoon and bring the taste of the season back to your table.

Karen also loves biking the Centennial Trail, a converted rail-to-trail path that stretches for 30 miles from Snohomish north to the Skagit County line. With a paved, mostly flat route, the trail is perfect for biking, walking, or running, and it winds through farmland, forest, and small towns that showcase the beauty of our region.

Make the Most of Summer in Snohomish County

From sunset picnics in downtown Arlington to day trips along the Mountain Loop Highway, there are endless ways to soak up summer around Rooted Northwest. Whether you’re a longtime local or just exploring the area for the first time, these community favorites highlight why Arlington, WA is such a great place to live and visit.

At Rooted Northwest, we’re not just enjoying these activities — we’re building a community that gets to experience them together, season after season. From future berry harvests on our own land to trails and lakes just minutes away, this is a place where connection, nature, and shared joy come together. If you’ve ever dreamed of living in a community like this, we’d love to invite you to an upcoming Info Session to learn more about making Rooted Northwest your home.