Walk around

Published 1:45 pm Friday, February 1, 2008

It’s winter, and it’s time we all stepped outside for some exercise.

That doesn’t mean, however, we have to pack up tire chains and head to this year’s especially avalanche-prone mountains.

Nope.

In fact, there are all kinds of fun walks you can try if you can summon the will to move those legs.

Today, we present three cool walks in Everett, all anchored by parks.

Note: In all areas without sidewalks, be sure to walk facing traffic and stay alert.

Legion Park to Grand Park

Where: Start at American Legion Memorial Park. Walk to Grand Avenue Park and back, using Grand and Rucker avenues to create a loop.

What: This 31/2-mile walk takes you along a bluff overlooking the waterfront, Port Gardner and, if it’s a clear day, the Olympic Mountains.

Why: Here you’ll get a look at beautiful, old north Everett, the part of town people forget when they think of Everett as a rough, industrial town.

You’ll see a fascinating mix of architecture, including pillared mansions of all sorts, Dutch colonials, folk Victorians, grand as well as cozy bungalows and more than a few unclassifiable homes, to boot.

How: Park on the west side of Alverson Boulevard across from Legion Park and head south in the bike lane for about 0.5 miles until you reach Grand, where you can pick up sidewalks for the rest of the trip.

Lovingly landscaped yards, many with plenty of winter-interest plants, provide a tour of botanical delights.

Gradually, you’ll transition from modern homes into a steadily more historic and grand section of Everett with a climax at Grand Avenue Park. Plan to spend a little extra time here to see some of the city’s most stately homes and views.

On your way back north, take Rucker, where more impressive homes and yards abound. At 15th Street, warm up for a spell at Under the Red Umbrella, a deli and coffee bar that also serves wine and beer.

Amenities: You’ll find a play structure and flushable toilets at Legion Park, which also offers access to the Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens, a delight any time of year.

View Ridge

Where: Start at Miller’s Produce at the intersection of Mukilteo Boulevard and Elm Street, about a half-mile west of Forest Park.

What: This 13/4-mile winding loop in the View Ridge neighborhood doesn’t have any sidewalks, but traffic is light and views of Possession Sound, even on cloudy days, are sweet. Slight hills along the route will add an extra challenge to help burn off those stubborn holiday calories.

Why: This is another great place to see a cross-section of Everett architecture. Here the well-kept houses are an eclectic mix of large view homes and more modest 1950s ramblers.

How: Head north on Elm and take the first left onto Heather Road, which winds for about a quarter-mile to intersect with View Ridge Drive. Go downhill or left on the winding drive. Go downhill again when you reach Havens Road to reach Olympic Boulevard, where you can take a little side trip to a viewpoint at Howarth Park, to your left. Come back on Olympic and take another left or downhill turn on North Park Drive, which eventually loops around, turns into Crown Drive and spits you out onto Olympic Boulevard. Head uphill from here on Olympic and take a right on View Ridge Drive, then a left on Elm to the finish.

Amenities: You will find gas stations and other services near the corner of Mukilteo and Elm.

Silver Lake

Where: Start at Hauge Homestead Park at 19th Avenue SE and 121st Street.

What: Wind all the way around the lake, using neighborhood and side streets to create a complete 2.7-mile loop that hits two parks with great play structures for kids.

Why: Though the streets are busy around here, lovely 120-acre Silver Lake provides a quiet respite where you can spot all kinds of waterfowl, even in winter, including double-breasted cormorants, mallards, American coots and bufflehead ducks. Numerous docks allow fishing and wildlife-ogling access.

How: Begin by walking north on the 1.1-mile Green Lantern Trail, an interpretive walk on the eastern shores of the lake. You’ll eventually reach the northern end of the lake where the paved trail and signs end. Walk about 50 feet up the road and take a left on the residential Lake Road, also known as Silver Lake Road. It ends in a cul-de-sac, but there’s a short path through the woods to take you to Thornton A. Sullivan Park, where you’ll find a huge play structure and, this time of year, only portable toilets.

You can turn back now to make this a point-to-point, park-to-park hike. If you’re feeling ambitious or need closure, however, wander to the western edge of the parking lot to pick up a sidewalk on Silver Lake Road.

Though the sidewalk runs out quickly as you move south, you can continue along the shoulder and the well-trod paths in the grass on the side the road. Take a left onto 118th Place and cut through the modest neighborhood by winding your way down to Silver Lake Drive and then Silver Lake Road, which will take you by sidewalk back to Hauge Homestead Park.

Amenities: You’ll find flushable toilets at Hauge Homestead Park, as well as access to nearby Emory’s on Silver Lake, a seafood restaurant and steak house.