Things To Do
in Martha Lake

Martha Lake is a scenic corner of the Puget Sound region in the Seattle metropolitan area, bordered by calm waters and tree-lined neighborhoods. The area blends suburban comfort with easy access to parks, trails, and coastal towns along the Sound. Visitors can enjoy lakeside strolls, local cafés, and quick drives to Edmonds, Lynnwood, and Everett for culture and shopping.

The climate and outdoor opportunities make it a gateway to year-round Northwest experiences.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Martha Lake Park
morning
:

Start your trip with a refreshing walk at Martha Lake Park, where you can enjoy the serene lake views and lush greenery. Take your time to explore the walking trails and catch sight of the local wildlife. Bring a book and relax by the water as the morning sun warms the landscape.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, head to the playground area for some fun if you're traveling with family, or enjoy a picnic under the tall trees. After lunch, rent a kayak or paddleboard to experience the lake from a different perspective. As you glide across the water, keep an eye out for herons and ducks.

evening
:

As the day winds down, find a cozy spot at the park to watch the sunset over the lake, adding a magical touch to your day. Afterward, visit a local eatery in the area for a delicious dinner featuring farm-to-table ingredients. Wind down the evening by reflecting on the day's adventures along the waterfront.

day 2
Cultural Day in Nearby Cities
morning
:

Set off in the morning to explore nearby cities such as Lynnwood or Edmonds. Visit local museums or art galleries for a taste of the region's culture and history. Grab a coffee at a local café and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as you plan your day's activities.

afternoon
:

Take a leisurely stroll around downtown Lynnwood, checking out the unique shops and boutiques. For lunch, try the diverse culinary offerings ranging from Asian cuisine to classic American diners. Consider visiting the Lynnwood Convention Center for any special events or markets happening.

evening
:

Return to Martha Lake just in time for dinner at a waterfront restaurant, where you can indulge in fresh seafood with a view. Later, explore community events such as live music or outdoor movie nights if available. End your day with a peaceful night walk around the lake under the stars.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$120-200
Coffee or tea$2-5
🧺Groceries for a basic week (per person)$60-100
🎟️Movie or local attraction ticket$12-20

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close proximity to Seattle and a wealth of outdoor activities
  • Access to lakes, parks, and coastal towns within a short drive
  • Limited nightlife directly in Martha Lake
  • Weather can be rainy and unpredictable in the off-season

Places to Visit in Martha Lake

Visit one of these nice places.

Meadowdale Beach Park Overlook

A picturesque blend of forest, cliff edge, and Puget Sound shoreline, especially striking at sunrise or sunset.

Edmonds Waterfront

Marina views, ferries, and colorful waterfront buildings provide dynamic composition and color.

Mukilteo Lighthouse Park

Historic lighthouse with coastal scenery, rocky shoreline, and boats—great for long-exposure shots.

Interurban Trail at Dusk

Tree-lined multi-use path with soft light and framed views of the surrounding suburbs and water.

Culinary Guide

Food in Martha Lake

The Puget Sound region is known for seafood, farm-to-table produce, coffee culture, and craft beverages. In Martha Lake's orbit, you’ll find casual cafés, ethnic eateries, and markets offering fresh ingredients and ready-to-eat options.

Martha Lake Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Cedar-Plank Salmon

A Pacific Northwest staple where salmon is grilled on cedar planks, often served with roasted vegetables and lemon.

Must-Try!

Dungeness Crab Cakes

Light, crab-focused cakes with minimal filler, commonly featured at coastal-influenced eateries in the area.

Pacific Northwest Clam Chowder or Salmon Chowder

Creamy chowder featuring seafood and potatoes; a comforting staple at waterfront cafés.

Marionberry Pie

A seasonal berry pie popular at local bakeries throughout Edmonds and Lynnwood.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Lynnwood Farmers Market

Seasonal market offering local produce, baked goods, prepared foods, and crafts.

Mukilteo Market

Coastal market with seafood bites, street snacks, and local produce during market season.

Climate Guide

Weather

The region has a marine west coast climate with mild, wet winters and dry, mild summers. Expect regular drizzle in the shoulder seasons and cooler evenings year-round.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Politeness and Quiet in Public

The Northwest values courtesy and quiet behavior in public spaces; keep noise levels reasonable in residential areas and parks.

Queueing and Seating

Stand in line patiently for service; seating at eateries can be limited during peak times.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety tips include staying aware of water hazards near the shoreline, locking vehicles, and following local trail signs. For emergencies, dial 911; keep an eye on weather advisories and road conditions during winter storms.

Tipping in Martha Lake

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Typical tipping range is 15-20% at sit-down restaurants; rounding up at cafes or coffee shops is common but not obligatory.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is still useful at some markets and smaller shops; contactless payments are common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Winter

Expect cool, wet weather with cloudy skies. Pack waterproof gear and layers; coastal storms can bring windy conditions.

Spring

Milder days with frequent showers and blooming landscapes. Great for greenery photography and park visits.

Summer

Dryer, mild to warm days with plentiful outdoor activities. Sun protection and hydration are important.

Autumn

Cooler temperatures and colorful foliage. Rain becomes more frequent; plan waterproof footwear for hiking.

Nightlife Guide

Martha Lake at Night

The Martha Lake area is primarily residential and quiet after dark. Nearby Edmonds and Lynnwood offer bars, casual pubs, breweries, and live-music venues, with Seattle providing a wider and more varied nightlife just a short drive away.

Hiking in Martha Lake

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Meadowdale Beach Park Trail

A popular loop that combines forest paths with coastal viewpoints on the Puget Sound.

Wallace Falls Trail

A longer, scenic hike with multiple viewpoints overlooking cascading falls.

Snoqualmie Falls Area Trails

Accessible waterfall hikes within a reasonable drive, offering dramatic views and photo opportunities.

Airports

How to reach Martha Lake by plane.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Major international hub located roughly 25-35 miles south; convenient for international and domestic travel.

Paine Field (PAE) – Everett

Secondary airport offering domestic flights; close to Martha Lake and the north Sound region.

Boeing Field (BFI) – Seattle

Smaller field used for regional flights and charter services; relatively close to the area.

Getting Around

Walkability

The Martha Lake area is largely residential with limited dense walkable zones. For shopping, dining, and more urban amenities, a short drive or transit ride to nearby Lynnwood, Edmonds, or Everett is typical. On the plus side, lakeside parks provide pleasant walking options right in the neighborhood.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Suburban neighborhoods with good schools and parks; many households with school-age children.

Young Professionals

Commuters and remote workers who favor accessible outdoor recreation and nearby urban amenities.

Multilingual Communities

Diverse residents including Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and other language groups; multilingual services are common in larger nearby towns.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Soccer

Regional passion driven by professional teams like Seattle Sounders FC and local youth leagues.

Baseball

Community leagues and seasonal games at local parks and nearby stadiums.

Water Sports

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing on Puget Sound and surrounding lakes.

Transportation

Traffic

Expect typical Pacific Northwest traffic patterns around I-5 and I-405 during peak hours. Public transit options include Sound Transit connections and Community Transit buses, with some routes serving Lynnwood, Edmonds, and Everett. A car is convenient for exploring coastal towns and trailheads, but transit and rideshare can cover most urban needs.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Martha Lake.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most venues offer veggie bowls, salads, and plant-based proteins; ask about meat-free options or substitutions.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare access is available in the surrounding cities with clinics and urgent care facilities in Everett, Edmonds, and Lynnwood. Major hospitals include Providence Regional Medical Center Everett and nearby clinics in the area for routine care and emergencies.

Discover United States

Read more in our United States 2025 Travel Guide.

United States Travel Guide