Hike of the Week: Temple Pond

More wetland than pond, Temple's surrounding forest is the real treat

Temple Pond

Visit the Temple of the Lord- Lord Hill that is!

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

Quick Facts
Location: Snohomish
Land Agency: Snohomish County Parks
Roundtrip: 3.7 miles
Elevation gain: 150 feet
Contact: Snohomish County Parks http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Parks
Notes: Dogs must be on leash
Access: From the city of Snohomish, exit SR 9 onto 2nd Street. Proceed east for a one mile; then turn right onto Lincoln Ave which becomes the Old Snohomish-Monroe Highway. After 2.7 miles turn right (south) onto 127th Ave SE and proceed for about 1.6 miles to park entrance and trailhead.

The largest county park in Snohomish County, the Lord Hill Regional Park protects over 1,400 acres of forested slopes, lush ravines, basaltic outcroppings, scores of wetland ponds, and a wild undeveloped stretch of the Snohomish River- all within minutes of bustling Snohomish and Monroe. With over eleven miles of trails and several more miles of old woods road, this former Department of Natural Resources Property provides countless hiking options. One of the nicest is to Temple Pond, the largest body of water within the park.
With very little elevation gained and lost along the way and via a series of wide and well-groomed trails, this hike is a pure delight and perfect for hikers and walkers of all ages and abilities. Starting from the park entrance high on Lord Hill (el. 525 feet) enter cool forest and drop about 75 feet traversing a series of wetlands via side-by-side boardwalks. At .4 mile reach a junction with the Beaver Lake Trail. Head right continuing on the Main Trail for another .6 mile coming to a four-way junction.
Continue straight on the Main Trail Cut-off coming to another four-way junction in .2 mile. Continue straight once again-this time on the Temple Pond Loop trail. Follow this delightful near level path through stands of attractive mature forest. The trail brushes up against the northern shore of Temple Pond, a marshy expanse of water that only an amphibian or bird could love! Known actually as Temple Pond 1, there is a Temple Pond 2 located farther downstream, but not accessible by trail.
Continue on the Temple Pond Loop trail traversing dark cool woods. Reach the Pipeline Trail after meandering 1.6 miles on the loop. Continue straight on the Pipeline Cut-off Trail returning to the Main Trail after .1 mile. Turn right retracing familiar territory reaching your vehicle after .7 mile.

For information on lodging and other attractions near Temple Pond visit Click here for link to Snohomish County