New section of Centennial Trail

What: A 2.5 mile out and back walk on the paved, but not yet accessorized, extension of the Centennial Trail.

Where: In Lake Stevens, from Catherine Creek Park at 20th Street NE to Highway 92.

Why: Because it’s there and it’s finally paved. Hikers, bikers, joggers and walkers are all glad to see that the promised completion of the recreational trail that will eventually extend from Snohomish to Skagit County is still on track. The Lake Stevens to Arlington phase is supposed to be completed in the spring and, so far, this section from 20th Street north to Highway 92 does have asphalt. There’s no parking to speak of at 20th Street NE and N. Machias Road, but there is a bit of an apron to pull off the road. I parked on the street by the entrance to Catherine Creek Park to extend the walk a little. There is a brief dirt path along the park’s north end that fades into a faintly marked shoulder of the road. The trail begins about 0.3 of a mile east. This section is not as much of a pastoral getaway as the previous length from Snohomish, since it twists and turns through a rural industrial area north of downtown Lake Stevens. I’m sure it will have much more esthetic appeal when landscaping, benches and bridges are in place. A few other joggers and bicyclists seem to have discovered it and some horseback riders too, so watch your step. There are no markings to separate species just yet. So press on regardless and celebrate the progress. – Sally Birks