Parents, I’m sure I don’t need to tell you this, but it’s almost summer break. That, combined with some stellar weather, means it’s a great time to get your kids (and yourself) out to explore. To help you out, here area a number of walks that are family friendly. All of these trails are easy, a short drive from a city and have something to appeal to kids. (Check back next week when I’ll have more family friendly trails, focusing on more rural areas.)
Al Borlin Park
A little over a mile of trails wind through Al Borlin Park, on a little peninsula where Woods Creek flows into the Skykomish River. The paths are mostly wide and flat. It feels like you’re farther from the city than you actually are. There’s a picnic area at the southwest corner of the park. The trail offers access to the river.
Where: 615 Simons Road, Monroe
Big Gulch
Big Gulch runs east-west through Mukilteo. There are a number of spots to access the trail, which is lush and green and passes by some small streams that kids will enjoy. You’re likely to find impressively large slugs. The access point at the Mukilteo Library or 92nd Street Park are particularly handy for families. The trail is a mix of dirt and rock. All together, there are 2.9 miles of trails.
Where: There are several access points. Check the map at http://bit.ly/1KIskji.
Centennial Trail
You have many options on the Centennial Trail, which stretches 29 miles from Snohomish to north of Bryant. The path runs on abandoned rail lines and is great for walking and biking. There are access points, most with restrooms, all along the trails. Equestrians also use the trail in some areas.
Where: Check centennialtrail.com for a map and directions to parking areas.
Edgewater Beach
A quarter-mile trail offers access to Edgewater Beach, a 1-acre park near the former U.S. Air Force tank farm on the border of Everett and Mukilteo. The beach has some cozy logs for watching the sun set over Whidbey Island and plenty of rocks for kids to throw in the water.
Where: The trail begins near Sound Transit’s Mukilteo station at 920 First St.
Forest Park
Forest Park in Everett lives up to its name. In addition to the well-known playground and swim center, a number of trails weave through the forested areas of the park. Most are hilly and are a good way to run off energy. The trails connect to a fun pedestrian bridge that crosses over Mukilteo Boulevard at Federal Avenue. There is some parking on Park Road, the road that loops around the park, on the east side of the park.
Where: 802 E. Mukilteo Blvd.
Japanese Gulch
A hike in Japanese Gulch leaves you feeling like you’ve traveled much farther than you have. A series of trails wind through mature forest, wetlands and steep ravines. The park is in two basic sections. North of Mukilteo Boulevard there’s an gentle interpretive trail that’s great for young kids. South of the road, there are rougher trails that older kids would enjoy exploring. There are about 2.6 miles of formal trails and about 5 miles of informal paths.
Where: There are two main access points, one at 1100 5th Street, Mukilteo and another at 44th Avenue W and 76th Street SW in Mukilteo.
Lake Tye Trail
Just to the west of Monroe, a 1.6 mile paved trail wraps around Lake Tye. The views of the nearby farmland are pretty and you’re likely to spot lots of birds. There’s a picnic shelter, restroom and playground for kids nearby.
Where: 14964 Fryelands Blvd., Monroe
Langus Riverfront Park
Langus Riverfront Park in Everett is a great trip for a picnic and a walk. The park has a number of tables and a restroom. The trail is paved and is a good place for bikes or scooters. The trail makes a big U. It heads south along the Snohomish River before curving north along Union Slough. You’re likely to see bald eagles, hawks, shorebirds and songbirds. You can make the trip longer by adding a walk around Spencer Island. The trail is about 1.5 miles each way.
Where: 400 Smith Island Road
Lord Hill Regional Park
Lord Hill is popular with walkers, runners, mountain bikers and equestrians, and there’s plenty of room to spread out. There are endless options for hikes. The trails are mostly forested and are pleasant even on a hot day. Come early or late in the day for your best chance to see wildlife. The trails can get confusing, so check out the PDF map on the park’s website before you head out. There are also maps places at various locations through the park to help you out.
Where: 12921 150th St. SE, Snohomish; map here.
Lowell Riverfront Park
Lowell Riverfront Park features a wide, paved trail that travels north from the park along the Snohomish River. There are also trails that loop around a man-made wetland. This is a great spot to watch trains. There’s a footbridge over the tracks that connects the Lowell Neighborhood and the trails. Check out the water feature on the bridge. The trail is 3 miles roundtrip, with options to go farther.
Where: Head east on 41st Street in Everett. Turn right on S. Third Avenue. Take a left on Lowell-Snohomish River Road/Lenora Street. The park is on your left after you cross the railroad tracks.
Lunds Gulch
One thing to know about Lunds Gulch: It’s all downhill on the way there. This means, and I’m sure you’ve figured this out, it’s all uphill on the way back. Plan some snacks or a long break before you head back. The trail ends at a grassy area great for a picnic. Lunds Gulch Creek runs along the trail for most of the way. The trail does not currently access the beach because of safety issues. Officials are working on that. The trail is 2.5 miles roundtrip on a dirt path with some stairs. You gain 400 feet of elevation on the way back.
Where: 6026 156th SW, Edmonds
Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary
A little wetland is tucked away near Boeing in Everett. Narbeck features a third of a mile inner loop on a boardwalk and a 1.5 mile trail that goes around the perimeter. You’re likely to see ducks and blue herons. Kids will like the boardwalk, bridges and a blind shaped like a beaver lodge. There are picnic tables and restrooms.
Where: 6921 Seaway Blvd., Everett
Pigeon Creek
Pigeon Creek offers rare beach access in downtown Everett. On this trail, the destination is the point. The view is lovely and there’s a small rocky beach for kids to play on. There are also picnic tables and plenty of logs to sit on. The trail is paved and has a distinctly industrial feel. There are fences on both sides, with the Port on one side and the train tracks on the other. The trail is a little less than two miles roundtrip.
Where: Access is from Terminal Avenue at the West end of Everett Avenue. (The access at Bond Street is closed.) Look for a sign on Terminal Avenue and make a U-turn to reach the parking.
Spencer Island
Spencer Island has excellent views of the Cascades Mountains and is a great place to watch birds. You’re pretty much guaranteed to see hawks, blue herons, songbirds and plenty of ducks. After you cross the bridge over the slough, head left (north) for an out-and-back path or head right for a loop around the south end of the island. (Beware that stinging nettles often hide along the trail at the far south side.) Dogs are allowed on the north side of the island, but not the south side. The trail is crushed rock or dirt. If you walk all the trails, you’ll cover a bit more than 6 miles.
Where: From Langus Riverfront Park, follow the road south until it turns left under I-5. Park in the lot near the wastewater-treatment plant. Walk a short distance down the road and cross a bridge to get to the island area.
Whitehorse Trail
While this entire trail isn’t ready for prime time yet, sections of it are. A good place to start is the Trafton trailhead at the former Cloverdale Farm site. A dirt trail leads past the former dairy farm to the river. Check our story to learn more.
Where: Take exit 208 off of I-5 and drive east on Highway 530 to Arlington. From Arlington, continue east on 530 for 4 miles and turn left on 115th Ave NE. The red barn and a small parking lot is on the left after a half mile.
Yost Park
Yost Park is a refuge of green in Edmonds. A number of different trails wind and loop through a mix of red cedar, red alder, big-leaf maple and western hemlock trees. Some of the trails travel along Shell Creek. A variety of wildlife live here. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a barred owl or a salamander. For kids who like a little adventure, check out the self-guided letterboxing treasure hunt.
Where: 9535 Bowdoin Way, Edmonds
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