Explore

---

while hot weather is here and the Pilchuck River is low, and the salmon aren’t yet running, try to get to the river beach at Pilchuck Park.  The wading is great. Most dogs love it.  When the salmon start up the river, it’s time to vacate.  Stand on the embankment and watch, and keep your dogs away from spawning, dead, or dying salmon.  Raw salmon can carry a fatal disease for dogs.

 When the rains come, this summer opportunity will be off the table for months.  During the autumn, winter and spring use the walking track around the ball fields.

This walk is a an exploration/scavenger hunt.  Strolling Snohomish with your dog, or perhaps another best friend, you will encounter many resources that your neighbors are kind enough to offer.   Take a book for exchange.  Enjoy your walk(s)!

Here, not in any particular order are the locations of Snohomish’s Little Free Libraries, pantry, art gallery, seed library, and art gallery.  Free Squares are Frida Read, Snohomish Library, and the Bookmobile.

Pine Ave, south of Thirteenth St, at the reservoir

Avenue J, 500 block

Fourth Street, west of Avenue G

Avenue G, 300 block

Emerson School on Pine Avenue

Avenue A, north of Sixth Street

Avenue C, north of Third Street

Sixth Street at Union Avenue

Third Street,west of Central School

Fourth Street, east Union Avenue

Corner of Union and Sixth Street

Third Street, west of Avenue D

My favorite park is a Morgantown neighborhood secret.  Morgantown Park is located at the eastern end of 10th Street, and provides access to a pebble beach on the Pilchuck River during the summer when the river is low.  The photo shows the access to the river.   Morgantown Park was start of today’s walk down the Centennial Trail to First Street, downtown.

This is the walk along abandoned railroad grade behind the Snohomish Aquatic Center.  The view is looking west toward Avenue A.  You can tell this trail welcomes dogs by the poop bag dispenser posted at the gate : )  The walk will take you from  near 6th Street and Maple Avenue to Avenue A, or you can keep walking the grade to Avenue D. 

To get to this entry point, take the Centennial  Trail (or Maple Ave.) to the Eagles Hall at 606 Maple.  Turn west and walk past the Eagles parking lot.  This is an 6 block walk, which can be extended by making into a loop.

Snohomish’s Wildlife Sanctuary is a level, moderately long (1.5 - 2 mile) walk available from town, by following First Street west. The walking path veers south then west again, under Highway 9 and along the water treatment plant, and finally opens up to a vast open area, bounded by dikes. You can also reach a car park serving the trail and treatment facility by short drive west on Second Street. Wear sturdy shoes, keep your dog on leash to protect ground nesting birds and small animals (and other dogs), and keep your eyes peeled for birds.  

Here is an underused resource:  there are many frequently open parking spaces on First Street, west of Avenue D, downtown.   It's free, and a flat, paved walk of about 2 blocks to the historic business district.