Edmonds Marsh─Over 225 species of birds on 23 acres of wetlands!
Quick Facts:
Location: Edmonds Waterfront
Land Agency: City of Edmonds Parks and Recreation
Roundtrip: 1.8 miles
Elevation Gain: Level
Access: From I-5 follow SR 104 west towards the Edmonds-Kingston Ferry. One stoplight before the ferry terminal, turn left onto Dayton Street. Then continue for .1 mile to just before the railroad crossing. Turn left here into Harbor Square and proceed .1 mile to trailhead parking.
Contact: City of Edmonds
Okay, I admit that the Edmonds Marsh isn’t much of a hike—a pleasant walk actually—but it’s definitely a place you’ll want to check out. While only 23 acres in size, the Edmonds Marsh is one of the last remaining urban saltwater estuaries in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. Wedged between a railroad line and a state highway and surrounded by development, this little wetland provides habitat for 225 species of birds. It is such prime bird habitat, the Audubon Society of Washington has designed it a stop on its Great Washington State Birding Trail-Cascade Loop.
From the trailhead, you’ll make two short out and backs. Head right first on a 300-foot boardwalk into the marsh. Take time not only to scan the cattails, sedges and grasses for birdlife, but to also read the interpretive signs along the way. Decades of urbanization led to the marsh being cut off from tidewater flow. But in 1988 community efforts began to help restore the marsh by opening tide gates. The result has been a more diverse habitat favoring more species of birds. Depending on the time of year, you may see here sandpipers, yellowlegs, dowitchers, widgeons, and teals.
After you reach the end of the boardwalk, retrace your steps to the trailhead and continue along the edge of the marsh on a paved path. Pass a couple of more observation points and interpretive signs. Admire birches and willows flanking the path and marsh edge. The trail ends at a parking lot near Edmonds Way. Now if you don’t mind a little traffic noise walk south on a sidewalk along this busy road for a half mile. Come to Pine Street and turn right soon coming to the Willow Creek Salmon and Watershed Education Center (WCSWEC). Walk its short trails along Willow Creek in the marsh. The non-profit center also contains a micro-hatchery and community rental classroom.
After your return to you start consider walking some more by heading over to the Edmonds Waterfront where you can follow a paved path to piers, beaches, and excellent maritime views.
For detailed information on other hikes and walks in Western Snohomish County, pick up a copy of my Urban Trails Everett (Mountaineers Books) which also has chapters on Camano and Whidbey Islands.
