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RSS for Take a WalkLocation: Everett.
Length: About a half mile of trails, plus the beach.
Level of difficulty: Level-to-moderately steep, dirt/gravel trails, flat boardwalks and beach.
Setting: This multitiered gem packs a lot of variety into one 28-acre park. In the lower part of the park, a short boardwalk leads through a wetland bordering Pigeon Creek. Stairs lead to a pedestrian bridge that crosses over railroad tracks to provide safe access to the sandy saltwater beach. A three-story viewing platform on the bridge offers a place to watch passing trains or take in the 180-degree view before descending to the shore.
Highlights: The upper part of the park offers views of Possession Sound and Mount Baker that make you wonder why you hadn't looked in this area while house hunting. From the small lawn, follow the trail down through a forest of salal, cedar and Douglas fir, and descend a short set of stairs to reach the pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks. Drive farther south along this scenic road to reach yet another part of the park, which features a playground and a forested picnic area on a bluff high over the sound.
Facilities: Restrooms and playground.
Restrictions: Leash and scoop laws in effect. The beach off-leash area is to the north of the pedestrian bridge.
Directions: From Interstate 5 heading northbound, take Exit 192 (exit on the left), bear right on the ramp for 41st Street Southeast and turn right off the exit ramp onto 41st Street. Drive several miles (the road becomes Mukilteo Boulevard), passing through lovely Forest Park, and turn right on Olympic Boulevard. Take a sharp right at the bottom of the ravine on Pigeon Creek Road #2 to reach the lower parking lot; continue up the hill to reach a half-dozen parking spots in the higher part of the park. Heading southbound on I-5, take Exit 192, turn right on 41st Street and follow as above.
Bus: Sound Transit provides service from Seattle to Everett; Everett Transit Route 23 passes near the upper parts of the park. 800-562-1375 or 425-257-8803.
Information: 425-257-8300 or www.ci.everett.wa.us/parks
Cathy McDonald is coauthor with Stephen Whitney of "Nature Walks In and Around Seattle," with photographs by James Hendrickson (The Mountaineers, second edition, 1997).
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