Everett's Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary (Via Take a Walk: Seattle)

Sasquatch Books, a local independent book publisher, reached out to us about reviewing their newly released book, "Take a Walk Seattle." At first, we were like, "Seattle? What's that?" 

Then they told us Everett is an entire section of the book. Due to our love of Everett (and free things) we said OK. This book is actually pretty sweet. It's a guide that covers 120 walks through natural places in the Everett/Seattle area. Easy nearby walks that you can go enjoy anytime. We dig that. 

The walks around Everett are spread throughout the North end; stretching into Marysville, Lake Stevens, Edmonds, and beyond (see below).

My wife Esther and I decided to pick a walk in Everett we had never done before to put this guidebook to the test: The Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary.

The book is a solid reference guide. Peeking at the pages for the Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary, we had a really good idea of what to expect before we got there. A 1.3 mile level boardwalk, restrooms, picnic tables...nature. We were sold, and excited to finally check this place out. It's actually right next to Boeing, so we had probably driven by it numerous times over the years. 

Strolling the boardwalk. 

Strolling the boardwalk. 

Or should we say, "Harbeck Wetland Sanctuary?"

Or should we say, "Harbeck Wetland Sanctuary?"

This is a cave. #CoolPoints

This is a cave. #CoolPoints

Trees + Water + Birds = A Good Day.

Trees + Water + Birds = A Good Day.

Turns out if you walk the full perimeter of the wetlands, you have to walk along the street for a couple sections. Esther was determined to stay on the grass and connected to nature...which lasted for approximately 9 more feet before she gave up and…

Turns out if you walk the full perimeter of the wetlands, you have to walk along the street for a couple sections. Esther was determined to stay on the grass and connected to nature...which lasted for approximately 9 more feet before she gave up and joined me on the sidewalk.

Overall, we really enjoyed the walk. It was pretty peaceful, although we could hear a nearby machine off in the distance almost the entire time. All things considered though, it was a great way to conveniently enjoy some nature when all we had was about an hour to spare.

We plan on doing every single walk from the book, because, why not? Not only does walking have a lot of health benefits, but it adds for a fun element to date night rather than just doing dinner for the 3,000th time.

The guidebook has walks for everyone: birdwatchers, art lovers, beach combers, and history buffs; as well as for every ability level.

I know you can find information about walks/hikes online, but there is something nice about holding a reference guide in your hand. It's nice to be able to glance at a couple pages and know all the pertinent details and have them handy; no battery needed.

Take A Walk: Seattle
Available wherever finer books are sold.
You can learn more here

Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary
7007 Seaway Blvd.
Everett, WA

 

When the co-founder of Live in Everett isn't making coffee for all of us at Live in Everett, Garret can be seen skateboarding around Everett with his iPhone vlogging about life. He also sells real estate.