This is one of my favorite go-to urban hikes because I can walk out my front door and make a loop that includes some of the most beautiful part of this trail and North Everett.

My walk met the Milltown Trail where Alverson intersects West Marine View Dr.   There were quite a few cars parked at the Hibulb overlook, taking in the view of the bay. A lovely pedestrian crossing and a Milltown sign helped me to connect with the trail and I turned west and headed towards the waterfront.

The wind picks up as soon as you make your way onto the railroad overpass but I was enjoying the sun through intermittent cloud cover so no complaints. I love watching the birds drift on the air currents as they search for mice in the landscaping by the tracks.

The construction is coming along on the property near 10th Street and I could see brightly colored parasails scooting along by Jetty Island.  The pedestrian overpass is up near 16th St, that will be impressive when it is finally finished.

Turning up on 25th and leaving the Milltown Trail after about 2.5 miles, I could look back to the marina and how much it has grown since I was a kid.  I love that there are more and more reasons to head down and visit, even if just to get a brisk walk in.

This loop makes about 5.5 miles, I will often walk Grand or Colby back north to complete the loop.

Participated in the Walk to end Alzheimer’s on the Everett waterfront then continued on the Mill Town Trail to see what we could find. It’s an urban/industrial area but there’s also nature to be found too. 

Harbor seals in there marina and osprey where the river meets the sound. 

This hike was in our our most recent issue of "Washington Trails." And because Everett is home, I of course wanted to check it out.

The weather was gorgeous, so I brought my dog and planned for a nice long day out. I parked near Scuttlebutt's brewery on the waterfront. I headed down toward the water, then north along Marine View Drive and out to the marina (very busy on a Sunday! Also looks like there was a fishing derby going on). Then I headed north again and climbed up to Legion Park. I wandered around the park, which I have fond memories of because it's where I adopted my dog, James. (He was up for adoption at Sorticulture, a garden arts festival, which is great. It's in June.) I made James lay down for a photo in the grass where we decided to bring him home. Then we strolled through the arboretum, which is just really starting to wake up. Some very pretty crocus up front. 

I had planned to make the whole loop and head over to East Marine View Drive, but it was clear I wasn't going to have time. So I just headed south along Alverson until it turned in Grand Avenue. I noted where a pedestrian bridge will eventually connect Grand Avenue and Marine View Drive. Can't happen soon enough!

Because there's no bridge, I had to walk almost to Everett Avenue before I could cross over and begin heading north again to my car. There's some construction on Marine View Drive, but there's a very easy pedestrian detour. 

Lovely walk! Glad I made time to explore my own city. 

With various detours, my loop ended up being a smidge over 7 miles, according to the GPS tracker on my phone. 

Walked the Mill Town Trail south from the Everett boat ramp down to where it turns into the Pigeon Creek Trail, (basically California St,) and back on this beautiful Sunday morning.  Including excursions out onto the big piers, total out and back mileage was about 5.5 for this section. Note - the waterfront bit of trail on the southern side of the large marina pier is closed due to construction for a big new hotel and the new pedestrian access bridge up to Grand Ave  but is easily detoured by going back out to Marine View Dr. Bathroom facilities are all open in the marinas including the one at the boat ramp.

Lots of action out this morning, curious seals looking for handouts from fishermen, rail traffic, small fishing and pleasure craft coming and going.  The trail offers good views of the large Naval Station Everett - there were four of the super fast Arleigh Burke class destroyers out on the navy piers plus several other smaller support craft.  Remember to avoid pictures directly of security facilities - loose lips sink ships. Lots of ducks and gulls out feeding in the mudflats north of the marina pier, didn’t see any of the peregrine falcons that frequently hang out on the pilings but there were a pair of bald eagles and something that might have been a coopers hawk, couldn’t be sure.  Don’t forget to stop and take a look at the old 1923 Weyerhaeuser office building that has been moved to its new home in Boxcar Park.

A beautiful urban walk with gorgeous views and lots to see.