Barclay Lake

Located about 40 miles east of Everett on Highway 2 (information and driving directions for Barclay Lake can be found here), this fun hike is great for kids (so they say... more on that later :) ). We got there later in the day and had no problem finding parking along the road. A friendly forest ranger was patrolling and warned us that there had been an increase in the number of break ins in the area so leave valuables at home and lock your car :)

Four moms took a total of eight kids ages 2-12 and we had a great time but only two moms and five kids actually made it to the lake. The hike was far too much for the 2 year old and the 3 and 4 year olds had to take it kind of slow (we're new to this) so we had to turn back after maybe going 3/4 of a mile. The scenery was beautiful and we will definitely give it another try this summer. The hike is not steep but does have some pretty big steps around giant tree roots and big rocks (big enough the 2 year old needed to be carried). A backpack carrier would have been great! Oh well, now we know and can prepare others before they go :)

The best shot we could get with most of us

Lush forest. 

The trail has minimal elevation and lots to see!

The 4 and 3 year old

There was about a 3-4 mile drive up a steep and very narrow forest road.

 Know before you go:
- parking is minimal in a small lot at the top of the road and requires a recreation pass but you can park along the actual road for free just be there early for a spot and know that it's very narrow.
- Outhouse and picnic tables are available at the trailhead.
- We had minimal cell reception at the trailhead (Sprint and Verizon) which were both lost as we started the hike. (This made for a frustrating experience since we couldn't notify the rest of our group that we were turning around). Ah, technology! :)

Where shall we begin?

We frequent many of the parks in Snohomish county but the weather has been crummy. Now that spring is officially here (according to the calendar) we are ready to get out and have some fun! Here is what I have in mind for this week:

Thursday March 22, 2012- walking trail in Mill Creek
Friday March 23, 2012 (no school for our older kids)- Mukilteo beach? Zoo?

What we call "the walking trail in Mill Creek" is actually named North Creek Trail. Click on the link to see a few pictures and a short description of the trail.

Now this is where we come in.... we LOVE this trail for a few reasons not mentioned on their website:
-great place to feed the ducks
-the trail has an abundant amount of mature trees making it a good place to "get outside" even if it's raining.
-it's free to visit free to park
-dog friendly
-great place to let the kids bring bikes/scooters/etc.
-paved trail with small inclines/declines along with trash cans, picnic tables, and park benches along the trail.

Good to know before you go:
- there are no bathrooms along the trail- at least not along the 1 mile stretch we usually walk. At one end of the trail is McCollum Park and they do have restroom facilities but please check their website for hours and more info. So 'go' before you go!
-dog friendly (on-leash)

Here is a picture from a prior visit:

...... more to follow after tomorrow!