Hike of the Week: River Trail
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River Trail
Over to the Snohomish River through Lord Hill
by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin
Quick Facts
Location: Snohomish
Land Agency: Snohomish County Parks
Roundtrip: 5.2 miles
Elevation gain: 650 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.
Lord Hill Regional Park consists of over 1,400-acres of forested slopes, lush ravines, basaltic outcroppings, scores of wetland ponds, and a wild undeveloped stretch of the Snohomish River. It’s an immense natural area just minutes from Everett and 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. The hike to the Snohomish River is one of the park’s wilder and more challenging options.
This is a reverse climb hike with most of the elevation gain attained on the return. From the main trailhead high on the western shoulder of Lord Hill follow the main trail through a cool forest of big trees, dropping into a marshy depression. At .4 mile, come to a junction with the Beaver Lake Trail. Turn right continuing on the Main Trail avoiding all side trails. At 1.6 miles, come to a junction with the River Trail.
Take it and soon come to another junction. The trail left, the River Trail Cut-off makes for an alternative approach. It provides access to a small unnamed pond before rejoining the River Trail. Staying right on the River Trail, continue losing elevation. The trail soon narrows and gets a bit rougher. After rejoining the River Trail Cut-off, it drops into a lush emerald ravine. Wind past giant moss and fern draped maples before emerging on a sandy bank above the Snohomish River.
When the water level is low, it is possible to walk out on graveled bars along the river. If the river is running high, enjoy it from the bank, finding a sun-kissed log to rest upon. No matter the river’s level however, you’ll be treated to a wild undeveloped stretch of the waterway. Well worth the effort you’ll expend hiking back to your vehicle!
For information on lodging and other attractions near River Trail visit Click here for link to Snohomish County
