Flowing Lake–For peaceful wandering, go with the Flow in the springtime
Location: Three Lakes, east of Snohomish
Land Agency: Snohomish County Parks
Roundtrip: 1.2 miles
Elevation gain: 100 feet
Contact: Snohomish County Parks
Notes: $10.00 day use fee; Dogs must be on leash
Access: From Everett follow US 2 east for 10 miles turning left onto Westwick Road. Follow Westwick Road for approximately 2.0 miles bearing left onto 171st Ave. Follow this road for 3.0 miles turning right onto 48th St SE. Continue for .6 mile to park entrance. Pay day use fee and proceed 0.1 mile to day use parking area.
One of the Three Lakes east of the city of Snohomish, Flowing Lake is a pretty popular place during the warm summer months. Back in 1968, Snohomish County Parks acquired the old Leckie’s Resort which began operating on the lake in 1925. The county developed the old resort into a beautiful 39-acre park and it has become one of the area’s most popular parks. Parking and camping can be at a premium during the height of summer—so why not consider a visit in spring? On a rainy weekday in March or April, you may even get to enjoy this park all by yourself!
Legions of park admirers come here each year for the sandy beach, spacious campsites, snug cabins, fishing, and boating opportunities. But Flowing Lake County Park also contains a couple of delightful nature trails that wind through its attractive grounds. Spring is the perfect time to take them and enjoy a peaceful and relaxing hike in the park.
From the day-use parking lot, walk past the small inviting cabins to the campground and locate the Nature Trail trailhead near campsite no. 7. Head left on the graveled path winding through maple groves and raspberry thickets. Traverse wetland pools that during spring evenings host concerts performed by amorous amphibians. The trail rounds the campground dropping into a wetland draw graced with big cedars. Cross a creek twice and emerge on the campground road. Cross the road and bear right at a junction to return to the trailhead.
Now head back down toward the beach and walk the short paved trail that circles the picnic grounds and runs along the lakeshore. There are plenty of big cedars to admire along the way. Afterwards, if inclined, head over to the dock to while away the afternoon. Flowing Lake is a kid-friendly, family-friendly park and you may want to consider spending a night. The campground is open year round (Reservations available), and it like the trails and beach are pretty tranquil this time of year.
For other nearby parks and trails, consult my Urban Trails Everett (Mountaineers Books) guidebook.
