Grand Avenue Park

Breathtaking Bluff Views

On clear days, Grand Avenue Park delivers panoramic views of Port Gardner Bay, the Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains in the distance, and boats bobbing in the Everett Marina below. This 5-acre park has been a local treasure since 1906, sitting atop a bluff in Everett, Washington, and it's not hard to see why.

If you enjoy sunsets, the golden hour views here are quite special as the sky fills with colors reflecting off the water.

What You'll Find Here

A well-maintained paved trail runs the length of the park, excellent for a leisurely stroll or morning jog with a view that beats any treadmill screen. You'll find plenty of benches and grassy spots to catch your breath or simply sit and soak in the scenery.

Looking for the ideal picnic spot? Several picnic tables are strategically placed to maximize those ocean views - talk about dining with a view! The park is kept clean with trash bins and dog waste stations at both ends, although note that there aren't any public restrooms within the park itself. Luckily, nearby restaurants and hotels can save the day if nature calls.

The scenic westward view overlooking Everett's waterfront and Possession Sound

Photo: SounderBruce (CC BY-SA 2.0)

The Bridge Connection

Since 2020, the Grand Avenue Park Bridge has added a whole new dimension to the park experience. This clever piece of infrastructure not only houses utility lines but is a pedestrian walkway connecting the bluff to the waterfront below. It's particularly magical in the evening when illuminated, adding a gentle glow to your nighttime visits.

A decorative compass rose mosaic at the lookout point

Photo: SounderBruce (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Historic Charm

Part of what makes this park special is its setting among historic homes along Grand Avenue. There's something quintessentially Pacific Northwest about the combination of heritage architecture, tall trees, and water views.

From your elevated vantage point, you can watch boats navigating the harbor and, if you're lucky, spot bald eagles soaring overhead. Keep your eyes peeled for other wildlife that frequently visits the area - binoculars wouldn't be a bad idea to bring along.

The Henry M. Jackson memorial with plaque

Photo: SounderBruce (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Seasonal Magic

Visit in spring and you'll be rewarded with the spectacular sight of cherry trees in bloom, their pink blossoms creating a picture-perfect frame for the water views beyond. Photographers, take note!

Summer brings its own charm - sometimes you can catch the distant melodies of Thursday afternoon events at the marina below. And if you're around for the Fourth of July, the park offers prime viewing for fireworks displays over the water, but it does get crowded for this popular event.

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Bring Your Four-Legged Friends

Dogs on leash are welcome here, making it a favorite spot for local pup parents. The flat, paved pathway offers easy walking for dogs and humans alike, while the grassy areas provide nice spots for a quick sniff session (for the dogs, that is).