Hike of the Week: Smith Island
 |
| Union Slough along the Smith Island Trail |
Smith Island
A slough of surprises just minutes from downtown Everett
by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin
December 14, 2007
Quick Facts
Location: city of Everett
Land Agency: Everett Parks and Recreation Department
Roundtrip: 4.5 miles
Elevation gain: none
Contact: City of Everett Parks and Recreation Department: http://www.everettwa.org/default.aspx?ID=11; (425-257-8300)
Access: From Everett, take Exit 195 off of I-5 turning left onto East Grand Ave. In .5 mile bear right onto East Marine View Drive and follow for 1.0 mile to SR 529. Continue north on SR 529 crossing the Snohomish River onto Smith Island. After a half mile turn right onto 35th Ave NE and proceed south for a half mile turning left onto Smith Island Road. Follow Smith Island Road south for 1.5 miles to Langus Riverfront Park.
Notes: Dogs must be on leash.
A delightful paved path along the Snohomish River, the Smith Island Trail can be enjoyed by hikers of all walks of life including those in wheelchairs. Starting from the city of Everett’s Langus Riverfront Park head south through manicured lawns beside the Snohomish. Here at the river’s mouth it channels into an elaborate delta of sloughs and ecologically important wetlands. Smith Island sits right in the middle of this estuarine complex, an area where salt and fresh waters mix.
While parts of the delta succumbed to past industrial and agricultural uses, much of it has recently been restored to a more natural environment. Managed cooperatively by the Everett Parks Department, Snohomish County Parks Department, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Snohomish River Delta now provides excellent bird and wildlife watching opportunities as well as excellent hiking and paddling; and all just mere minutes from downtown Everett.
Continue along the trail taking in splendid views south of Mount Rainier rising above the floodplain. After passing a water treatment plant the trail traverses more wild surroundings. Reaching the southern tip of the island the trail turns northward following along Union Slough. Resembling a southern bottomland, large Sitka spruces remind you that you’re still in the Northwest. Look for eagles, herons, ducks, and cormorants among the reeds, snags, pools, and currents.
In 2.25 miles the paved Smith Island Trail ends at the old Jackknife Bridge to Spencer Island. Return the way you came, head left on dirt 4th Street for a shortcut back to your vehicle, or continue hiking on Spencer Island’s trails. If you come back in the spring a new trail will allow you to continue hiking on Smith Island along Union Slough. In any case many returns are warranted here as each season brings changes and surprises to the river and its delta.
For information on lodging and other attractions near Smith Island visit
Click here for link to Snohomish County
