Centennial Trail─All aboard this great rail trail for a Snohomish countryside hike
Quick Facts
Location: southern trailhead near city of Snohomish
Land Agency: Snohomish County Parks
Roundtrip: 17.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Contact: Snohomish County Parks
Notes: Dogs must be leashed
Access: There are seven major trailheads. Access the northern terminus in Arlington on Armar Road near the junction with 152nd St NE. Access the southern terminus in Snohomish at the Pilchuck Trailhead just north of the city limits on Machias Road.
One of Snohomish County’s most popular and well loved trails—the Centennial Trail, was once a railroad line. Built in 1889, the same year Washington became a state; the Seattle, Lake Shore, and Eastern Railroad line remained in operation until 1987. Two years later in 1989, local civic leaders and county parks personnel began working on transforming parts of the decommissioned railway into a multiuse recreational trail. Hence, Snohomish County’s Centennial Trail was born!
Currently, over 17 miles of this paved trail are open from the city of Snohomish to the northeast reaches of Marysville. Eventually, the trail will extend all the way to Skagit County. A few small sections through Arlington’s historic downtown are currently open too. You can access the trail from many places along its route. Developed trailheads with ample parking and restrooms exist at: Machias Road in Snohomish, Machias, 20th Street in Lake Stevens, Lake Cassidy, and Armar Road just south of Arlington. The Machias Trailhead includes a picnic and rest area graced by a replica of the 1890s depot station that once stood there.
The Centennial Trail is a busy trail, but during the spring months and especially during the week you should have plenty of room to yourself. Aside from fellow hikers and walkers, expect to share the trail with runners, cyclists, and skaters. Equestrians too use portions of the trail where they have their own separate paralleling gravel path. Although suburban development has encroached upon the trail, rural pockets still exist along its course. Farmland, nurseries, wetlands, and forest line a good portion of the popular path. And there are several scenic sections along the way with views of the Pilchuck River, Mount Pilchuck and the Three Fingers.
For information on lodging and other attractions near the Centennial Trail, visit www.snohomish.org
