Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary — Attraction in Everett

First I want to address something I've noticed from the other reviews. It seems most of the reviews are only commenting on the inner perimeter trail. There are actually two trails in this sanctuary. One is the inner trail which is slightly better established and has the boardwalk bridges. There is another trail though, if you follow the paved road when you first come into the park and go the opposite way of the parking lot, there is the entrance to the outer perimeter trail. That trail is much longer and will eventually open to a road and sidewalk, which has to be followed until you reach another entrance that finishes the trail at the light before the entrance to the park.

This is one of my favorite areas to take my dog. All paths are well marked and you have the opportunity to see some nice wildlife. On the outer perimeter trail you may come across snakes if you during the early-mid spring. Ducks and toads are all around during the summer. If you're lucky, during the winter you may encounter owls! I actually encountered a snowy owl during the dead of winter on the inner perimeter trail once!

Please note these owls can get territorial, so be respectful. It's also worth noting that there have been cougar sightings recently. Pay attention to all signs posted! If you have a dog and they're acting fearful and nervous, especially on the outer perimeter trail, listen to them and head back to your car. There's a turn off from the outer perimeter trail to the inner perimeter trail about a quarter of the way through the hike and you can leave faster that way if you need to.

Most of the time the trail is fantastic and a fun walk. Sometimes there are areas of overgrowth and if you go right after it rains you will likely be eaten alive by mosquitos. Otherwise it is a trail I highly recommend. The cougar sightings aren't normal and once it passes, I would highly suggested the trails for people,...

Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary, as gleaned from various Google reviews, offers a captivating natural experience, but it's not without its quirks.

Pros:

Natural Beauty: Visitors universally praise the sanctuary's natural beauty. It's a serene and picturesque spot that allows you to immerse yourself in the wonder of wetland ecosystems.

Birdwatcher's Paradise: For bird enthusiasts, Narbeck is a paradise. It's home to a wide variety of bird species, and many reviewers were thrilled with the birdwatching opportunities.

Educational: The sanctuary offers an educational experience, making it great for families. The interpretive signs and knowledgeable staff help visitors learn about wetland ecology.

Peaceful Retreat: If you're seeking tranquility, this sanctuary provides it in spades. The peaceful atmosphere and serene walking trails make it an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Cons:

Maintenance: Some reviewers noted that maintenance could be improved. A few mentioned the need for better upkeep of trails and facilities.

Seasonal Challenges: Depending on the time of year, the sanctuary's charm can vary. While it's a birdwatcher's delight in spring and early summer, some found it less appealing during other seasons.

Limited Amenities: If you're looking for amenities like restrooms or a visitor center, you might be disappointed. The sanctuary is relatively bare-bones in this regard.

In summary, Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary offers a serene escape into the natural world, perfect for birdwatching and educational outings. While it may lack certain amenities and require better maintenance, the overall experience seems to outweigh these drawbacks for those seeking a peaceful and educational...

Neat park, unfortunately it seems like the maintenance has been stopped. I'm sure that pre-Covid days it was in much better shape.

Parking is very limited but we still found several empty spots. Unsure on lighting during dusk. Bathrooms are accessible.

Trails are pretty flat and kid friendly. Lots of educational signs to read with the kiddos along the entire trail. Trees provide lots of shade throughout the whole trail. They also have several benches if you need a break during your walk. Watch out for the flooring on the bridges they are very slick.

People are inconsiderate and you will find lots of doggy waste bags hanging from branches all over the trail. This is completely unnecessary since there are garbage cans everywhere.

Overall, one of those trails that you really only need to go once. Located in the middle of a Boeing industrial area and busy roads so city noises...