Happy Trails to You: Ebey Waterfront Trail

Editor’s Note: Originally published April 4, 2019.

Normally I do some research before walking somewhere, but decided to skip it and head to Ebey Waterfront Park so I could be surprised for a change. What a nice surprise it was! It's very easy to get to, right between I-5 and 529 at the south end of Marysville. Those bridges mean there are cool views everywhere you look.

*I-5 and the railroad bridge seen from the boat launch // Christopher Bragg*

Head east from the boat launch to find the trail, which leads under 529.

*The park trailhead. You can also access the trail from the sidewalk on the other side of the bridge near the Chevron station // Christopher Bragg*

Turn the corner and find Steamboat Slough stretching out before you under a wide open sky. You'll never get a good picture of it with your phone, but Mt. Rainier looks great from this trail.

*Keep your phone ready, there are lots of great photo opportunities here // Christopher Bragg*

Like our own Langus Riverfront Park down the road, Ebey Waterfront Park is built around Marysville's wastewater treatment plant. It's also similarly popular with the local waterfowl.

*Two geese sharing a fallen tree in the slough. Nearby, hundreds of ducks crowd the treatment plant's lagoon // Christopher Bragg*

If you need a break during your walk or just like a quiet place to sit with a book, there are several benches along the trail, all of which have great views.

*One of the two bald eagles hanging around during my walk can be seen in the tree on the left // Christopher Bragg*

Need a pet waste bag? One of several dispensers in the park is by this cool old boat next to the trail.

*There's the other eagle // Christopher Bragg*

The trail is 1.75 miles long and the whole thing is paved. At the end, there's a lovely seating area with four picnic tables and a bench.

*A perfect spot for a picnic with you and 23 of your closest friends // Christopher Bragg*

More segments of the trail are planned which will double the total length. In the meantime, you might drop by the nearby Union Slough Park for a little more distance. Just be sure to bring your earbuds as the trail runs alongside I-5. It's closed for the winter but will open soon for the season, April through October.

*The lovely grassy trail at Union Slough Park // Christopher Bragg*

Now that access to Union Slough from Langus Riverfront Park is cut off by the Smith Island Restoration Project, I'll definitely add Ebey Waterfront Trail to my regular routes. Exploring the new trails as they're added will be a real treat.