A Writer's Choice Selections

Hike of the Week: Narbeck Wetlands Sanctuary

Boardwalks wind into the heart of the Narbeck Wetland a Bird bursting and frog hopping haven beside Boeing

Quick FactsLocation: EverettLand Agency: Snohomish CountyRoundtrip: 1.8 milesElevation gain: none
Contact: Friends of Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary; http://www.narbeck.org Notes:
Dogs must be on

The Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary is what you get when you combine public and private interests, over 300 volunteers and six million dollars! Opened to the public now for ten years, Narbeck is the product of wetland banking. That is, the creation of new wetlands to mitigate the loss of wetlands. In this case, Narbeck was developed to offset the environmental loss of wetlands that were filled in to allow for the expansion of nearby Paine Field.With the creation of this high-functioning quality wetland, not only did birds and frogs get a great place to hang-out so close to the city, so too did hikers. Explore the Wetlands by following a 1.5 mile Perimeter Trail and a .3 mile boardwalk that winds through the wetland wonderland’s interior. Children will especially enjoy the boardwalk.The trails are short but they’ll invite long lingering. Take time to read the attractive interpretive signage. Gaze through the alder thickets, cedar groves, and reeds for birds and amphibians. Buffleheads and mallards are abundant. Note too, the large cedar stumps. Hard to imagine that this little wildlife oasis stuck dab in the middle of industrial Everett was once covered in ancient forest.While the walk through Narbeck is soothing and bird song fills the air. Crushed gravel tread and raised boardwalks require no fancy footwear for enjoying this saturated sanctuary.