Ebey Waterfront Trail

The Ebey Waterfront Trail is a beautiful trail right along the water in Marysville with an interesting back story. The trail offers views of the Qwuloolt Estuary. For more than 100 years, the area had been cut off from the flows of salt and freshwater. In August of 2015, however, a levee was breached, allowing the area to return to a more natural habitat.  Interpretive signs along the way tell the interesting story of the area. And even though the trail starts right in town, it features stellar views of the estuary, the Snohomish River and the Olympic and Cascade mountains.

Begin in the boat ramp parking lot on the southwest corner of State Avenue and First Street. Find the trailhead just upstream of the boat launch. The trail is wide and paved, making it great for either walking or biking. There is a short mid-grade decline/ incline from the trailhead to the main path. The trail passes under a bridge before continuing upstream.

Keep your eyes open and consider bringing binoculars. You’re almost certain to see wildlife, including blue herons and other birds and, if you’re lucky, river otters. You will pass the water-treatment plant, which is both fascinating and slightly odiferous. Don’t worry, you won’t smell it for long. 

The trail continues on, with a number of convenient benches along the way, until it dead ends at a nice view of the estuary. Enjoy the picnic tables here until you are ready to return the way you came.