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Print Friendly MapThe North Creek Trail links the cities of Bothell, Mill Creek and Everett, as well as the communities in between. The trail also provides access to the Sammamish River Trail, which connects to the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame Burke-Gilman Trail. Combined these three wonderful trails provide over thirty miles of trail to explore. The trail follows a wooded corridor with some gentle hills interspersed with wetlands-great for bird-watching. As of autumn 2011 the trail is broken into two disjointed segments.
The northern segment in Mill Creek runs for 2.5 miles between McCollum Pioneer Park off Route 96 and 164th St. SE. The Bothell segment runs for nearly 5 miles from north of Bothell at 214th St. SE south to the Sammamish River Trail just south of Route 522.
Another segment is in the works that will join the short distance between 208th Street SE and Bothell Everett Highway/SR 527 at 214th Street. In the meantime, to join the two segments cyclists must use on-street bike lanes on Bothell Everett Highway/SR-527. Note, these lanes in both directions are poorly marked (as of April 2011) and the segment of the highway between 214th St SE and 164th St SE has heavy traffic.
Parking and restrooms are available at the north end of the trail in McCollum Park (600 128th St. SE, Everett).
Much of the asphalt is severely buckled in the miles heading toward Bothell. So many that you cannot avoid or bike around big sections of long and high ridges and cracks. The bumps cover far more area than smooth pavement. There is also a stretch of very large rock gravel on a narrow, elevated path near where the path intersects with 405.
Lovely, mostly shaded and tranquil asphalt trail winds behind condos and neighborhoods. Many tight 90 degree turns and short visibility rules this trail out if you’re looking for a workout type trail to bike on.
Great for walking and the plenty of those on the trail but lots of twist and turns and can’t see around. Hard to follow and too short to bother.
There are two good ways to get to Gas Works Park from Everett area. Interurban North Trail or North Creek Trail. Both are very interesting rides. Start at Everett Mall or McCollum Park and Ride. This trail is less hilly and has much fewer traffic crossings than Interurban Trail. It is surprisingly scenic along the North Creek, through Mill Creek and all the way to Bothell. Very few bikes on this section. The ride down SR 527 in busy traffic to connect both sections goes pretty fast and is slightly downhill. Good food options along here. Check maps carefully. This trail connects to Sammamish River Trail and then to Burke Gilman Trail so you will ride right by U of W. Gas Works Park is also a good destination. This is around 30 miles total. Catch the 860 bus at Stevens Way at U of W for a bus ride back to McCollum Park and Ride. Little known secret. 5 stars once they connect the trails.
I started at McCollum Park in the Everett area. As I ran and progressed south toward the Mill Creek Town Center, there wasn't clear signage to guide you through the MCTC area.
Overall, it was a great run, and very picturesque!
The North Creek Trail runs through the Canyon Park Wetlands just east of the Everett-Bothell Highway near I-405. This is a delightful area with abundant wildlife and ever reliable Mallards gathered at the main pond area, plus eagles, hawks, mergansers, grebes and kingfishers depending on the season. Main entry on 228th St. S.E. is unmarked but easily visible because of the wooden bridge across from Fitzgerald Road. Park a block or two away on the street. The trail is very accessible and perfect for a 20 to 30 minute scenic walk.
Great run route and very peaceful!
The newest portion of the trail from Canyon Park to 228th is very smooth paving. There are nice views of waterfowl ponds and the occasional deer. From 228th to Beardsley it's mostly hard packed gravel along the top of a dike. Both sides of the creek are diked with gravel paths and two bridge crossings. The north bridge was removed last year. Watch out for bunnies that dart across the paths frequently.
It's a short and easy trail but gets good marks for scenery and greenery in the urban environment.
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