Hikeoftheweek.com

Quick Facts

Location: Arlington

Land Agency: City of Arlington

Roundtrip: 6.0 miles

Elevation Gain: 50 feet

Contact: Arlington Airport Commission: www.arlingtonwa.gov

Notes: Dogs must be leasshed.

Access:From Everett, head north on I-5 to Exit 206. Continue east on SR 531 (172nd Street NE) for 1.4 miles. Turn left onto 59th Avenue NE and proceed for one mile to airport parking near Bill Quake Memorial Park. Trail can also be accessed from 188th Street NE.

Okay, this isn’t exactly a nature hike. But, it’s no walk in the city either. The Arlington Airport Trail offers a nice place to stretch out your legs in rapidly growing northern Snohomish County. The trail is nearly level, perfect for kids, and dog-friendly too (don’t forget the leash). There are some nice wooded sections, some fields, and if you’re into aviation—you’ll be flying high! There are nine historical signs along the trail to enlighten you about this little municipal airport’s interesting past.

The airport was built in 1934 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and was used primarily by private fliers, aerial circuses and the Forest Service for transporting supplies to fight fires. In 1940 the US Navy leased the airport as an auxiliary air station. The runways were expanded to accommodate bombers during the outbreak of World War II. At one time personnel at the airport included over 700 officers and over 2,200 enlisted men. A third runway was constructed in 1945 along with several magazines.

After the war, the airport was used primarily as an emergency landing field for NAS Whidbey. By 1959 it was no longer used by the military and became municipal property. It was a popular spot for drag racing during the 1950s and 60s. But the activity was soon banned as the airport became a busier place for private and cargo planes. Plan on taking some time along the way at the interpretive signs; they are graced with some neat images of the past.

The trail pretty much heads around the periphery of the airport, paralleling a couple of busy roads but also traversing some quiet groves of mature timber. It’s nearly level with a few little dips around the northern limits of the airport. And because you are hiking through a large open area, there are some expansive views of the wooded foothills north and peaks south including Mount Rainier.

Along the trail’s southwestern corner you’ll pass by an athletic club where members of the Arlington Running Club frequently begin their workouts. This trail is quite popular with area runners—and a handful of mountain bikers enjoy it too. And of course plenty of local hikers and walkers take to this nice community path on a regular basis as well.

For information on lodging and other attractions near the Arlington Airport Trail, visit www.snohomish.org.