We echo all the previous comments about this very enjoyable gem of an urban walk in the Mill Creek area of Snohomish County. It was especially delightful on this mostly sunny Sunday (March 11) as there was lots to fill the senses: birds, the variety of birdsong, the flowing channels of North Creek, all the young families, fellow birders, and several Geocaching opportunities too. The wide, accessible, floating boardwalk takes you on a scenic wander, up close thru the marsh; be sure and explore two side sections. As another writer mentioned look for face designs in the knotty wood planks.
Check out ‘Quantum Guru’s’ report of 9/24/17 which describes the ‘trail’ as you enter from the south side from the main, paved parking lot on 183rd St SE. Said lot has a playground, picnic tables, covered shelters, and restrooms. Go early as it fills up and on this day the Snohomish County Parks Ranger was out educating visitors about the meaning of ‘do not park here’ signs. Park hours are 7 AM to 7 PM.
Two great MAPS are already posted in these two reports: Jennekehikes on 8/2/17 and Muledeer on 5/13/17 (which also includes the connecting route northward to McCollum Pioneer Park).
We visited mid-day on Sunday and then Dave returned early the next morning right after it opened for more photo taking; he was pleased to see lots more birds (note the boardwalk is slippery when icy on a cold mornin’). We heard more birds than we saw on our mid-day visit, as the Red Wing Blackbirds were being visibly stealth! The Marsh Wren’s were out in full glory-to be seen and of course heard! We love watching the Anna’s Hummingbirds ever changing iridescent colors as their constant movement beautifully reflects the angle of the sun.
Bring your binoculars to see the birds up close; the kiddos will enjoy such an adventure a bit more too. They can also seek aquatic life and small critters as the creek flowed freely. There is a resident pair of eagles in a fir tree on the park’s east border; the enormous stick nest is visible from the first bench you come to on the boardwalk. We also saw: Black Capped Chickadees, Song Sparrows, Savannah Sparrows, Common Yellowthroats, Stellar Jays, Canadian Geese, Robins, Blue Heron, Spotted Towhees, Mallard Ducks, other duck species, and one amphibious egg blob. Such a nice clean park suitable for everyone, we didn't have my entourage of Girl Scouts in tow; but this would be a cool place for youngsters to visit. Good place to learn about Leave No Trace...
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