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Digg itLocation: South of Arlington.
Length: Provides access near the northern end of the 17.5-mile long Centennial Trail.
Level of difficulty: Level-to-moderate, paved, multiuse Centennial Trail is flanked by a dirt horse trail.
Setting: This pretty, streamside interpretive site offers a good place to access the newest and most northern portion of Snohomish County's very popular Centennial Trail. Quilceda Creek, which burbles here beneath thickets of alder and salmonberry, flows into Ebey Slough and then out to Puget Sound. The creek was once the most productive silver-salmon spawning grounds in the Snohomish River system. As with many local waterways, urbanization has destroyed habitat and brought pollution; a kiosk details the natural and cultural history of this area, and offers ways to learn about stewardship.
Highlights: For at least 1,000 years, a seasonal Native encampment known as Skwilsidiabc or Skilsi'disbsh occupied the site downstream where Quilceda Creek flows into Ebey Slough. The inhabitants were members of the Snohomish Tribe (one of the confederation of tribes currently known as the Tulalip Tribes). In 1857, a French Jesuit missionary, Father Chirouse, received permission from the Snohomish to build a home on Ebey Slough, halfway between Quilceda Creek and Priest Point. He later built a mission and school in the area.
The Centennial Trail is constructed on the original railroad right-of-way built north of Snohomish by the Seattle, Lake Shore and Eastern Railroad (S.L. & E.) in 1889. Development of the trail began in 1989 during the state's centennial, hence the trail's name.
Facilities: None.
Restrictions: Leash and scoop laws in effect.
Directions: From Interstate 5, take Exit 206 (Highway 531/172nd Street Northeast) and head east. Turn right on 67th Avenue Northeast/Armar Road. After passing 152nd Street Northeast, watch for the park sign and turn left on Wade Road.
Information: 425-388-6600 or www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Parks/.
Cathy McDonald is co-author with Stephen Whitney of "Nature Walks In and Around Seattle" (The Mountaineers, 1997).
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