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Looking down stream, The beach is a mix of sand and small rocks.
Bring sandals or water shoes to change into. |
A fun summer hike in
Lord's Hill Park is the trail to the
Snohomish River. At the end of the trail, the broad and green Snohomish glistens along a rocky beach edged in false solomon seal and blackberry. Hawks patrol the cottonwood on the far side. The times I have visited the river's edge, it has been practically deserted. Occasionally, families are splashing in the water. Be very careful around the river. Water levels and currents change all the time. The river, even in the summer, is much cooler than lowland lakes. Because of the high number of drownings in early summer in Western Washington, rules about life vests and floating rivers are strict. Please review necessary safety precautions to prevent tragedy from striking.
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| Looking Upstream shows the depth and strength of the river |
The route to river runs just over 2 miles. An easy pace will take you to the beach in about an hour. Starting at the main parking lot head down the
Main Trail. Stay on the
Main Trail at the first T by staying right. Remember, signage in the park is inconsistent, so it's important to pay attention unless you don't mind a more meandering route. At the next two junctions, stay left then right to remain on the
Main Trail. After a 1.6 miles, you'll see a broad intersection with a trail map explaining, "You Are Here." My recommendation for those who want to get to the river a little faster is to take the left,
River Trail Cut-Off trail. The main
River Trail takes a little longer and is favored by horse-back riders, so horsepucky becomes a greater issue.
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| Take the Road Less Traveled By Horses! |
On the
River Cut-Off trail, stay right at the first Y (unsigned) to continue on to the main
River Trail. Going left will take you to the abandon quarry. The next junction, in a few hundred yards, connects you with the main
River Trail. Turn left and head down to the river.
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| Stinging Nettles droop over the trail in places. |
The trail gets a little steep. It is muddy in places with
stinging nettles drooping over by July to zap the careless in shorts. Wear long pants or carry a stick to push the annoyances away from your ankles. Otherwise, you'll have a tinkling reminder of your adventure well into the afternoon.
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| Fancy phlox along the trail |
After you have enjoyed the river, and if you wish to add more scenery and fewer road apples that litter the
Main Trail, consider returning via the
Pipeline Trail. When you emerge from the
River Cut Off, turn right and go about perhaps 1/4 mile. On the left, you'll see the
Pipeline Trail. The steepest sections of the park is here, but the climb is over in a hundred yards or so. You can stop by the best view point, by taking the
Main Trail Cut Off on the left. After a few minutes on the Cut, look left again for the
View Point Trail. It is unmarked, but it leads up a little ridge to the best view vista the park offers. After taking in the scenery, you can return by continuing back on the
Main Trail Cut-Off, or doubling back to catch the Pipeline all the way to
Beaver Lake Trail where another left will bring you back to the trailhead. Tall summer grass and bushes might obscure the signs. Depending how much time you spend at the river, you can make a half-day or a full day out of your visit.
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Pipeline Trail. Once you reach the crest of the hill, look left to Main Trail Cut Off
if you want to stop by the best view point in the park, elevation 630 ft.
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A final cautionary note: I do not recommend this hike in winter or early spring. Regardless of the season, the river should be treated with due caution.
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Here's the route I recommend:
Allow three hours if you plan on picnicking on the river.
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