The Eyes Have It: Everett's Best Views
If you ask anyone in Everett where the good views are, they'll probably say Grand Avenue Park or maybe American Legion Memorial Park and the Hibulb Lookout across the street. Those are great, of course, but there are so many more wonderful views to enjoy pretty much everywhere you go.
Here are some good ways to find them.
GO DOWNTOWN AND GET HIGH
It can be frustrating when a parking structure is almost full and you end up in a space on the roof. Make the best of it and enjoy the view before you head down. Everpark Garage on Hoyt, Port Gardner Parking on California, and Everett Clinic's structure on Rucker all have gorgeous views. Take a few minutes to make your errands or doctor visit more pleasant.
The YMCA won't be downtown much longer, but while it's still there, you can climb six flights of stairs to their rooftop jogging spot, the Skytrack. Not a member? Day passes are $15 for adults.
COMMUNE WITH THE DEAD
You can usually find cemeteries in places which are picturesque but loud, like next to airports or perched above highways. The residents don't mind. You might not think to visit them often, but Evergreen Cemetery and Cypress Lawn Memorial Park are wonderful places to reflect on life and family, contemplate mortality and the universe, or just soak up sweeping views.
TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE
Obviously you won't be snapping photos or even getting a very good look, but a beautiful drive always makes the day a little more pleasant. There's nothing quite like a full moon over Boulevard Bluffs as you head down Mukilteo Boulevard, or the way Mt. Baker jumps into view as you pass Mikie's heading north on Evergreen Way on a clear day. Have friends in from out of town? Dazzle them with a tour of steep hills and confusing loops in the Port Gardner neighborhood.
Don't worry, I wasn't driving when I took this. I stood in the middle of the street. // Christopher Bragg
WATER YOU LOOKIN' AT?
Everyone loves water views. They elevate dining experiences, which is why Emory's, Anthony's, the other Anthony's or Lombardi's are always good choices for a special date. You can also grab a sandwich and hit one of the beaches, or just take a break at one of our waterside parks and relax for a while.
VIEWPOINTS. THE VIEW IS THE POINT
There's not a whole lot to see from Riverside Park, but the Mill Town Trail starts there. Walking north along East Marine View Drive, you'll find lots of really cool views, many of which are in spots without parking nearby. If you're in the car, pull into Viola Oursler Viewpoint for an unobstructed view of the mountains.
This new business park blocks the view of the river, but thankfully it doesn't block the mountains // Christopher Bragg
Continue to the marina and pull into the north or South View Park and watch for herons, eagles, and seagulls. Just look both ways if you get out of the car and cross the sidewalk.
Cyclists coming this way have lots of momentum from the hill and no lights to stop at.
South View Park at dawn // Christopher Bragg
For the best view of the port you can get without buying an expensive house on the hill, swing by Harborview Park. It's a great place to relax in your car, and it's not unusual at all to find a parking lot full of other drivers doing that with nobody at all on the grass.
Harborview Park // Christopher Bragg
And finally, there's one view in Everett you need to work a little for. Where Laurel Drive becomes Warren Avenue, you can follow it to the curve and find two park benches overlooking the cranes at the port while Hat Island looms mysteriously in the distance.
You can't park there, or anywhere particularly close. But if you're in the area exploring Forest Park or Forgotten Creek, push yourself a little further and enjoy this lovely spot.
The overlook at Laurel Drive and Warren Avenue // Christopher Bragg
Everett's full of wonderful views, some quirky and some magnificent. Always drive and walk safely, but be sure to keep an eye out for your new favorite vista.
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.
