Happy Trails to You: Northwest Stream Center and McCollum Park Trails

Originally published on July 5, 2019. Updated September 8, 2022.

Do you know there's a 20-acre forest and wetland paradise in Everett?

Maintained by the Adopt a Stream Foundation, Northwest Stream Center at McCollum Park has outdoor experiences, and educational opportunities abound. Its mission is to preserve healthy fish and other wildlife habitats while teaching people to do the same in their communities. Check out their website for more information about lectures and classes, or start by reading the materials provided to see if you've got what it takes to be a streamkeeper.

You can also support the stream center by making a donation, shopping in their Nature Store (the online shop is a small selection of their in-store offerings), or even renting their facilities for events you organize.

In addition to being a great spot for a personal field trip, the Northwest Stream Center is home to one of the coolest walking spots in Everett. Their elevated boardwalk is a half-mile loop of serenity. While you're there, you know you aren't far from highways and houses, but they feel miles away.

Take a break and soak up the scenery // Christopher Bragg

Be sure to stop by during the next Swamp Lantern Festival. During this month-long period beginning late in March each year, these strange plants take over.

The invasion begins // Christopher Bragg

Also known as the skunk cabbage, the swamp lantern is among the first plants to grow each spring. You can find them growing elsewhere in Everett, but not in these numbers.

The wetlands version of the Minions lab // Christopher Bragg

A half mile is short by my standards for a walk, so consider a second or even third lap before leaving. Admission is $7 for adults, but you can become a member for as little as $20 per year, which includes unlimited visits, discounts for accompanying guests and a 10% discount in the gift shop.

If you'd like to keep walking when you leave the stream center, there are more options at the park. Turn left and you exit and cross this bridge into the forest loop area.

A bridge in the forest loop // Christopher Bragg

There's a cute map of the forest loop as you enter, but you should disregard it completely and just be ready to explore. It shows a large loop with one smaller one off a corner, but in reality lots of trails span the center.

Take your time and explore the loop // Christopher Bragg

It's a completely different vibe from the stream center, too. Much more urban, with 128th visible at the north end and houses to the west. You'll hear neighbors hammering away at DIY projects and people playing in the park, plus a lot of traffic noise. It's a great neighborhood trail for sure, but not quite as much of an escape as the boardwalk in the stream center.

Find this cool shelter at the north end of the loop near 128th // Christopher Bragg

In the southeast corner of the park across the road from the park and ride, find the North Creek Trail, which you can follow 7.25 miles to Sammamish River Trail at WA 522.

Wide, flat and paved // Christopher Bragg

As you'd expect a trail in Mill Creek to be, it's well-maintained and almost completely free of litter. Paths from nearby neighborhoods and apartment complexes intersect the trail every few blocks. Many businesses are nearby as well, so you'll see lots of people; that's a bonus for those who don't otherwise feel safe walking alone

A sunny spot on a mostly-shady trail // Christopher Bragg

Warm, clear days bring out the crowds all over town but woodsy trails provide cool relief for people like me who don't care for the sun.

Beat the heat with a walk in the woods // Christopher Bragg

There are lots of picnic tables along the trail. Some are newer than others, so watch for splinters if you grab lunch at Mill Creek Town Center and want to enjoy it by the trail.

Grab something from Central Market and eat outside // Christopher Bragg — Grab something from Town & Country Markets and eat outside // Christopher Bragg

There's a lot to see and do in and around McCollum Park. Be aware that traffic near the entrance can be brutal so plan your trip accordingly. Or just keep in mind it's a great place to be while you wait for it to clear.