Lowell Riverfront Park/Rotary Park

Location: Everett.

Length: 1.75 miles.

Level of difficulty: Level, paved trail.

Setting: Notwithstanding the recent sunny weather, this paved trail along the south shore of the Snohomish River is perfect for often-rainy winter walks. The Cascades are visible in the distance during winter through the park's deciduous trees. The riverfront path connects these two Everett parks, and is flanked by grassy lawns and wetlands. Exposed root balls from fallen trees demonstrate the shallow structure of their roots.

Highlights: The trail is located in the Lowell neighborhood of Everett, an old mill town, where the Snohomish River takes a sharp bend. During the 1980s, members of the Everett Rotary Club donated money and cleared out tons of debris that had accumulated over the decades (hence the name of the eastern park). The original lumber mill, once located near the riverfront trail's parking lot, was demolished long ago, but remnants of old pilings give testimony to historic waterfront development.

Rotary Park is a popular hot spot for birding, with cormorants and ducks on the river, owls near the barn on the far side of the river, and eagles and hawks scanning the various habitats for prey.

Facilities: Portable toilet at riverfront trailhead; accessible vault toilets and boat launch at Rotary Park.

Restrictions: Leash and scoop laws in effect.

Directions: From Interstate 5 heading northbound, take Exit 192 (exit to the left), bear right on the ramp for 41st Street Southeast, turn left off the exit ramp onto 41st Street, and turn right on South 3rd Avenue. Turn left on Lenora Street/Lowell-Snohomish River Road, and the park entrance is on your left. Heading southbound, take Exit 192, turn left onto 41st Street, and follow as above.

Bus: Sound Transit provides service from Seattle to Everett; Everett Transit Route 20 stops within a half mile of the trail. 800-562-1375 or 425-257-8803.

Information: 425-257-8300 or www.ci.everett.wa.us/parks