Hike of the Week: Flowing Lake
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Flowing Lake
Busy park in summer makes for quiet spring retreat
by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin
Quick Facts
Location: Three Lakes, east of Snohomish
Land Agency: Snohomish County Parks
Roundtrip: 1.2 miles
Elevation gain: 100 feet
Contact: Snohomish County Parks http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Parks
Notes: $5.00 day use fee (Bring exact amount for permit meter); Dogs must be on leash
Access: From Everett follow US 2 east for 10 miles turning left onto Westwick Road. Follow Westwick Road for approximately 2.0 miles bearing left onto 171st Ave. Follow this road for 3.0 miles turning right onto 48th St SE. Continue for .6 mile to park entrance. Pay day use fee and proceed 0.1 mile to day use parking area.
An extremely popular destination on a hot summer’s day, Flowing Lake is well loved for its sandy beach, spacious campsites, snug cabins, fishing, and boating opportunities. But this former resort also houses a couple of delightful nature trails that wind through its attractive grounds. And now before the summer crowds descend on Flowing Lake is the perfect time to take a quiet and relaxing hike in the park.
From the day-use parking lot, walk past the small inviting cabins to the campground locating the Nature Trail trailhead near campsite no. 7. Now head left on the graveled path winding through maple groves and raspberry thickets. Traverse wetland pools that during spring evenings host concerts performed by amorous amphibians.
The trail rounds the campground dropping into a wetland draw graced with big cedars. Cross a creek twice and emerge on the campground road. Cross it; then bear right at a junction to return to the trailhead.
Now head back down toward the beach and walk the short paved trail that circles the picnic grounds and runs along the lakeshore. There are plenty of big cedars to admire along the way. Afterwards, if inclined, head over to the dock to while away the afternoon. Flowing Lake is a kid-friendly, family-friendly park and you may want to consider spending a night on this or a return trip. The campground is open year round, and it like the trails and beach are pretty tranquil this time of year.
For information on lodging and other attractions near Flowing Lake visit Click here for link to Snohomish County
