Happy Trails to You: Langus Riverfront Park and Spencer Island
Editor’s note: Originally published October 2, 2018. Republished July 23, 2020.
Just four miles upriver from Lowell Riverfront Park (but twice as far by car!) is another great walking spot—Langus Riverfront Park.
It's been one of my favorite places to explore since I spotted it on the map and checked it out shortly after moving to Everett.
When I visited Langus Riverfront Park for the first time I knew I was truly happy with our decision to move to Everett.
A heron in the mist at Langus Riverfront Park // Christopher Bragg
There's a lot to explore. So much, that I walked at Langus for two years before realizing there was a huge portion of the park I didn't even know existed! I originally assumed I shouldn't be on the gravel road that leads north along the water treatment plant's biosolids holding facility, but it finally occurred to me I should ask someone.
The parks department answered my email right away and said I should walk along any path I see in the park as long as I didn't walk past any fences or construction signs.
The gravel roads are just one of the paths around Langus Riverfront Park // Christopher Bragg
Glad I asked, because that doubled the amount of trails that were available.
For nearly two more years I had a great time exploring the area stretching north all the way to Union Slough.
The landscape changed a lot in that time—while former farmland was prepared for eventual flooding to become salmon habitat, I made the most of the time I had there—pushing further along as the weather warmed up and mud dried.
Now that it's all underwater, I wonder where the coyote pups who used to bounce away whenever I arrived went.
You’re not the only one wandering around Langus Riverfront Park // Christopher Bragg
Of course, more water means more amazing views.
The wetlands // Christopher Bragg
Even with the top part of that northern loop now closed, there's still about eight miles of trails to enjoy.
There's a paved trail which starts near the park entrance and ends at the bridge to Spencer Island. After you cross, you can head north on the hunting trail, but it's often overgrown and should be avoided during hunting season.
Another trail loops around the southern tip of Spencer Island over several wooden bridges, providing excellent opportunities for spotting birds and shipwrecks.
A beached boat along Union Slough // Christopher Bragg
I always went at least every other week, but once I got into time lapse photography, it became a weekly destination because there are so many unobstructed views of the sky.
Christopher Bragg
I'll probably go there fifty times a year from now on and never get tired of it.
Christopher Bragg
Fishing fans, take note. There's a lovely fishing pier right by the park entrance.
Christopher Bragg
Learn about the surprising history of Langus Riverfront Park.
Langus Riverfront Park
400 Smith Island Rd
Everett, WA 98201
Hours
Seven days a week
6 a.m.-Dusk
Christopher Bragg works from home in Everett and loves walking, swimming, and cats. You can find him all over town, but only if you keep weird hours and avoid crowds like he does.
