It was a cold and foggy day so I decided to visit a place that didn't necessarily rely on views or sunshine to be of interest. Starting from the parking lot at the water treatment center (the first "no parking past this point" sign is a lie but the second one is true), I walked briefly on the paved road and then looped clockwise around the southern half of Spencer Island. On the way back I made a second loop via the eastern half of the Langus Riverfront Trail and a bit of the road.
Spencer Island is flat but the trails are definitely a bit bumpy. The central trail and about half of the south end trail are gravel and are not muddy but there is a lot of muddy on the southeastern portion. Any downed trees from the more exciting weather of the first half of the month have been cleared on the south loop but it looked like the dead-end trail on the east side might have some issues. Bridges were wet and a little slippery. The Langus Riverfront Trail is entirely paved and makes a good alternative if mud and uneven surfaces don't sound like your idea of a good time but do note that you'll be walking along the Snohomish River and under I-5 so solitude is limited to the easternmost stretch alongside Union Slough.
The real reason to visit Spencer Island on a gloomy day is to see birds. I saw three bald eagles, two herons, a red-tailed hawk, a peregrine falcon, a few northern flickers, various songbirds and the usual ducks and geese. Definitely bring binoculars.
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