Bothell is one of the best small cities in the Pacific Northwest for maternity photography. Within a fifteen-minute radius you can move between a riverside park with a white gazebo, a moss-draped old-growth forest, a lakefront monastery turned state park, a quirky shopping village strung with twinkle lights, and — if you're up for a short drive — a thundering waterfall in the foothills of the Cascades. Each location offers a completely different mood, which means we can build an entire Bothell maternity photography session around your style without ever leaving the area.
After photographing dozens of expecting families across Snohomish and King counties, we've narrowed our favorite Bothell-area maternity spots down to six. Below we'll walk you through each one — when the light is best, what trimester suits the location, how accessible it is for someone in their third trimester, and where to park. We'll also cover trimester timing, what to wear, and how to handle our notoriously moody Pacific Northwest weather. If you're still researching, our guide on when to schedule your maternity session pairs nicely with this one.
1. Bothell Landing Park
Bothell Landing is the postcard image of downtown Bothell. The white gazebo, the wooden footbridge over the Sammamish River, the historic buildings and the wide grassy lawn give us four distinct backdrops in one compact location. This is the spot that produces the iconic red-dress-and-gazebo image many of our Bothell maternity clients come in asking for. Best time of day is the last 90 minutes before sunset — the gazebo glows golden and the cottonwoods along the river backlight beautifully. Mornings (around 9–10 AM) work well too if you prefer cooler, softer light. Any trimester works here, but it's especially friendly for third-trimester moms because the walking is flat, paved, and short. Parking is free in the lot off Bothell Way NE; there are restrooms on site, which is a small luxury when you're 36 weeks along.
2. North Creek Forest
North Creek Forest, just east of UW Bothell, feels like a secret. Sixty-four acres of second-growth and remnant old-growth forest with cedar, big-leaf maple and sword fern — it photographs like a fairytale, especially when a little fog hangs in the canopy. The light here is diffused and even, so this is one of the few Bothell locations that looks beautiful at any time of day, including overcast Pacific Northwest mornings. The trails are dirt and have some gentle elevation, so we generally recommend North Creek Forest for second-trimester moms (roughly weeks 20–30) when balance and stamina are at their best. Park at the 183rd Street trailhead; the lot is small, so we usually schedule weekday sessions to avoid weekend hikers.
3. Saint Edward State Park (Kenmore, just south of Bothell)
Technically Kenmore, but only a ten-minute drive from downtown Bothell, Saint Edward State Park sits on the north shore of Lake Washington and is absolutely worth the short trip. The historic seminary building gives us elegant brick-and-stone architecture, the great lawn opens up into wide cinematic backgrounds, and the forested trails leading down to the lake offer a more intimate woodland feel. This is our top pick for couples who want both elegant and earthy in one session. Best time of day is golden hour for the lawn and architecture; mid-morning for the lakefront. Any trimester works on the upper grounds, but the trail down to the beach is steep — we'd skip that portion past 32 weeks. A Discover Pass is required for parking. Saint Edward is managed by Washington State Parks (official park page).
4. Country Village Area (Bothell)
While the original Country Village shopping center closed and is being redeveloped, the surrounding neighborhood and the preserved character buildings still offer charming, slightly rustic backdrops — weathered wood siding, ivy-covered walls and string lights make for a cozy, storybook feel that contrasts beautifully with the more natural locations on this list. We use this area mainly during overcast days when forest light gets too dim, or in the blue hour just after sunset when the string lights pop. Any trimester is comfortable here — sidewalks are flat and parking is plentiful. It's also a great backup option if a sudden rain shower forces us out of an open-air park session.
5. Wallace Falls State Park (drive option)
For couples who want something dramatic, Wallace Falls in Gold Bar is worth the 45-minute drive east of Bothell. The lower falls overlook is reachable in about a mile of moderate hiking and the payoff is spectacular — a 265-foot waterfall framed by old-growth conifers. We only recommend Wallace for the first or early second trimester (up to about week 22) because the trail has real elevation gain and uneven footing. Best time of day is mid-morning, when the falls are lit but the canyon hasn't gone shadowed yet. A Discover Pass is required, and we'd suggest a sturdy pair of trail shoes for the hike in and a separate dress to change into at the viewpoint. This location pairs well with adventurous couples who already love the outdoors and aren't afraid of a little mud.
6. Bothell Waterfront & Cherry Blossom Area
The stretch along the Sammamish River Trail near Blyth Park and the new waterfront developments has become one of our favorite spring maternity spots. For roughly two weeks in late March and early April, the cherry trees along the trail and around the city center bloom in soft pink — and that natural pink palette is unbeatable for maternity portraits. Best time is early morning (7–9 AM) when the trail is quiet and the light is soft, or late evening for backlit petals. Any trimester works; the trail is paved, flat, and stroller-friendly. Parking is free at Blyth Park. If you're planning a spring session, don't miss our guide to cherry blossom sessions across the county. For Bothell-specific park information and seasonal closures, the City of Bothell Parks & Trails page is the most reliable source.
When in Pregnancy to Schedule
For most expecting moms, weeks 28 to 34 are the sweet spot for outdoor maternity sessions in Bothell. The bump is clearly defined, swelling and discomfort haven't typically peaked yet, and there's still enough energy and mobility to enjoy a 60–90 minute session without exhaustion. If you're carrying twins or have been told you're measuring ahead, we usually move that window earlier — around weeks 24 to 30 — so you're comfortable on session day. If you want a more dramatic, fully-rounded bump, weeks 34 to 36 can absolutely work, but we recommend keeping the location list short (Bothell Landing or the waterfront, both flat) and the session length to about an hour.
Season also factors in. If your due date lands in October or November and you want golden autumn leaves at North Creek or Bothell Landing, schedule for early October at the latest. If you're due in late summer and want cherry blossoms, you'll need to plan a session in your second trimester to catch peak bloom. We help every client work these dates backward so the bump and the season line up — feel free to reach out and we'll map it out together.
What to Wear at Bothell Locations
The best maternity outfits at Bothell locations follow a few simple rules. First, choose flowing fabrics — chiffon, jersey knit, and soft satin — that drape over and accentuate the bump rather than hiding it. Second, pick colors that contrast with the location: deep reds, emerald greens, mustards and dusty blues all photograph beautifully against Bothell's heavy greens and earthy browns. The classic flowing red gown that you've seen in our portfolio is popular for a reason — it works at the gazebo, in the forest, and along the river. Third, layer if it's anything below 60°F. A long cardigan, a denim jacket, or a soft shawl gives us styling variety and keeps you comfortable.
For partners and older siblings, coordinate within a tone family rather than matching exactly. Cream, chambray, soft denim and warm earth tones photograph better than pure white or pure black against Bothell's lush palette. Avoid loud patterns and big logos — they pull the eye away from the bump. We send every client a styling guide before their session and we keep a small wardrobe of flowing maternity gowns available to borrow if you'd rather not buy a dress for one shoot.
Weather Considerations
Bothell weather is famously unpredictable, but that's actually good news for maternity sessions. Overcast skies — the default Pacific Northwest condition for nine months of the year — are some of the most flattering light you can ask for. Soft, even, no harsh shadows across the face or the bump. The locations to favor on a flat-gray day are North Creek Forest and Saint Edward (the architectural areas in particular). If a session falls on a heavy rain day, we'll either reschedule at no charge or move under the gazebo at Bothell Landing or beneath the covered porches at the seminary building.
Summer presents a different challenge — direct midday sun in July and August can be unforgiving on skin and uncomfortable for an expecting mom. We schedule all summer Bothell maternity sessions for either the first hour after sunrise or the last 90 minutes before sunset, and we always bring water and a folding chair so you can rest between setups. If you want to learn more about how we approach Bothell photography across all seasons, our service page covers our full approach.
Ready to Plan Your Bothell Maternity Session?
Every Bothell maternity session we do is custom-mapped to the mom's trimester, the season, the bloom calendar, and the look you're after. We'll walk you through location selection, outfit choices, and timing in a no-pressure planning call before the session. Sessions typically last 60–90 minutes and include a flowing gown from our client wardrobe if you'd like one. Book your session when you're ready and we'll start mapping out your perfect Bothell maternity day.