Forming part of the Seattle metropolitan area, Bothell is a historic city on the banks of the Sammamish River. It was incorporated as a town in 1909 and flourished with the growth of the logging industry and the increase in boat traffic up and down the river. In the wake of World War II, Bothell was developed as a bedroom community for workers in Seattle.
Things to do in Bothell
Overlooking the Sammamish River is the Bothell Historical Museum, which comprises three buildings within Bothell Landing Park. In addition to a historic schoolhouse and the Beckstrom cabin, the museum manages the Queen Anne-style Hannan House. Antique furnishings and artefacts are on display that detail life in Bothell for early settlers.
Take the time to explore Bothell Landing Park, which encompasses children’s play areas, an amphitheatre and riverside walking trails. Kayaks and canoes are available to rent during the summer months and there’s a convenient launch site for getting out on the water. Drinks and snacks are available throughout the day from Beehive Espresso.
Bothell lies at one end of the Sammamish River Trail, a 16-kilometre-long recreational rail trail that follows the waterway south to Redmond. It’s ideal for walkers, cyclists and in-line skaters and features an unpaved equestrian trail. At its northern end, the Sammamish River Trail connects to the Burke–Gilman Trail, which follows a section of the former Seattle, Lake Shore and Eastern Railway.
Getting around Bothell
Bothell is around a 30-minute drive from the centre of Seattle and 40 minutes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses connect to Bothell, although renting a car gives you greater freedom to explore the city. The centre of Bothell can easily be explored on foot.