U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (third from left) listens to Leafline Trails Coalition project manager Claire Martini talk about regional trail gaps along the Interurban Trail in Mountlake Terrace on Tuesday. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (third from left) listens to Leafline Trails Coalition project manager Claire Martini talk about regional trail gaps along the Interurban Trail in Mountlake Terrace on Tuesday. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

‘Is this the Interurban?’ Trail advocates seek federal money

U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen toured parts of the Interurban Trail in Mountlake Terrace, where it seemingly vanishes and joins a road.

Coming down the paved trail, bumpy from roots of the trees that cover it, a bicyclist asked the question at the heart of a tour of trails near Mountlake Terrace.

“Is this the Interurban Trail?”

Amid laughter, the resounding answer from a group of about 20 was yes. Still, the cyclist had another query.

“Then why were there no signs?”

The trail from Everett to Seattle crosses east of I-5 south of Everett and weaves under and around I-405.

At some places, the trail seemingly loses its way, like at the dead end near Mathay-Ballinger Park. That is, unless someone knows to get onto 76th Avenue W, keep going south across Highway 104 that marks the King County line, at which point 76th becomes Meridian Avenue W.

Confused? So are a lot of people, like the cyclist.

The need for trail networks and wayfinding is part of Leafline Trails Coalition’s mission for the Puget Sound region. Leafline led a ride in October to highlight trail gaps in Edmonds, Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace as the area prepares for light rail to arrive in 2024.

The message and route was similar Tuesday, when U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen joined a small group of cycling and trail advocates.

“Maintenance is a real need in addition to construction,” coalition project manager Claire Martini said along the moss-covered trail section in Shoreline.

Chris Boucher of Brier wasn’t on the bike tour but often bikes on the Interurban Trail in south Snohomish County. He said navigating the trail north from Lynnwood is like riding on a washboard because of all the root bumps. But it also leads to a steep hill and fast traffic on Maple Road.

Getting to the Lynnwood Transit Center, about three miles from home, takes him onto streets without bike lanes or shoulders, he said.

“This is not helpful for getting people out of cars,” Boucher said.

But there could be federal money for trail projects in the years ahead.

U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen shares a laugh during a bike tour of the Interurban Trail through Mountlake Terrace and Edmonds on Tuesday. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen shares a laugh during a bike tour of the Interurban Trail through Mountlake Terrace and Edmonds on Tuesday. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Larsen secured $2 million in federal earmarks for Mountlake Terrace’s Gateway Plaza project. It will build a pedestrian space and trails to connect with the light rail station just north of 236th Street SW.

He also got $1 million for Lynnwood to redevelop Scriber Creek Trail, which goes southeast to the Lynnwood Transit Center and the Interurban Trail.

There’s also an annual average of $1.4 billion for trails through the Transportation Alternatives Program in the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

“There’s money in there for trails,” Larsen said.

His hope is a trail gets developed between Snohomish and Skagit counties.

Those projects are important to give people a safe way to travel without a car, said Washington State Department of Transportation active transportation director Barb Chamberlain. Instead of driving to a park-and-ride lot at a light rail station or other transit hub, someone could roll or walk there with dedicated paths and trails.

“We want infrastructure that’s inviting, not intimidating,” she said.

Martini highlighted the differences in noise and safety between riding on the Interurban Trail away from vehicles and being on the road separated only by paint along 76th Avenue W.

Along the trail, even where it’s shared with residents along 74th Avenue W, plenty of other people rolled and strolled.

When the group reached 76th, where the trail went onto the road next to cars, there wasn’t another rider.

Have a question? Call 425-339-3037 or email streetsmarts@heraldnet.com. Please include your first and last name and city of residence.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Firefighters respond to a 911 call on July 16, 2024, in Mill Creek. Firefighters from South County Fire, Tulalip Bay Fire Department and Camano Island Fire and Rescue left Wednesday to help fight the LA fires. (Photo provided by South County Fire)
Help is on the way: Snohomish County firefighters en route to LA fires

The Los Angeles wildfires have caused at least 180,000 evacuations. The crews expect to arrive Friday.

x
Edmonds police shooting investigation includes possibility of gang violence

The 18-year-old victim remains in critical condition as of Friday morning.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River. Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council approves water, sewer rate increases

The 43% rise in combined water and sewer rates will pay for large infrastructure projects.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Riley Boyd, 6, left, and sisters Vivienne Boyd, 3, ride a sled together down a hill at Anderson Center Field on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County shouldn’t expect snow and cold to leave any time soon

Residents can expect a reprieve from the snow until possibly this weekend. Colder than normal temperatures are expected to remain into next week.

Modern DNA tech comes through again for Everett police in 1989 murder case

Recent advances in forensic genealogy led to the suspect’s arrest in Clark County, Nevada.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.