Hike of the Week: Centennial Trail

A charming stop on the Centennial Trail at the Machias Depot

Centennial Trail

All aboard for a Snohomish countryside hike






by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

February 24, 2006

Quick Facts
Location: western Snohomish County
Land Agency: Snohomish County Parks
One way: 17.5 miles
Elevation gain: 200 feet
Access: There are seven major trailheads. Access the northern terminus in Arlington on Armar Road near the junction with 152nd St NE. Access the current southern terminus in Snohomish at the Pilchuck Trailhead just north of the city limits on Machias Road.
Special Note: Dogs must be on a leash.


One of Snohomish County’s most loved trails, the Centennial Trail, was once a railroad line. Built in 1889, the same year Washington became a state, the Seattle, Lake Shore, and Eastern Railroad line remained in operation until 1987. Two years later in 1989, local civic leaders and county parks personnel began working on transforming the decommissioned railway into a multi-use recreational trail. The result: Snohomish County’s Centennial Trail!
Currently, over 17 miles of paved trail are open from the city of Snohomish to Arlington. Eventually, the trail will extend all the way to Skagit County. You can access the trail from many places along its route. Developed trailheads exist at: Machias Road in Snohomish, Machias, 20th Street in Lake Stevens, Lake Cassidy, and Armar Road just south of Arlington. The Machias Trailhead includes a picnic and rest area graced by a replica of the 1890’s depot station that once stood there.
The Centennial Trail is a busy trail. But during the rainy and cool days of February, you’ll have lots of room to yourself. Aside from fellow hikers and walkers, expect to share the trail with runners, cyclists, and skaters. Equestrians too use the trail-they have their own separate gravel path. Although suburban development is rapidly encroaching upon the trail, rural pockets still exist along its course. Farmland, nurseries, wetlands, and forest line a good portion of the popular path. There are several scenic sections where the trail runs right along the Pilchuck River. A handful of Cascade peaks, notably Mount Pilchuck and the Three Fingers can be spotted from numerous places along the trail.
The Centennial Trail makes for a great all-day romp or one hour stroll any time of the year.


The Centennial Trail is one of the highlighted hikes in the new and free 32-page color booklet, Hiking Snohomish County, published by the Snohomish County Tourism Bureau and written by Craig Romano.