Quarry Loop Trail─Lord Hill Park Trail is a cut above
Quick Facts:
Location: Lord Hill Regional Park
Land Agency: Snohomish County Parks
Roundtrip: 2.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 250 feet
Access: From Monroe, exit SR 522 onto Main Street heading west and immediately coming to a roundabout. Bear right onto Tester Road and proceed 3.0 miles to a T-intersection just after passing under SR 522. Turn left and proceed to Tester Parking Lot.
Notes: Dogs must be leashed.
Contact: Snohomish County Parks
Good to know: dog-friendly, kid-friendly, snow-free winter hiking
Snohomish County’s largest county park, nearly 1500-acre Lord Hill Regional Park acts as a giant green wedge between bustling Monroe and the city of Snohomish. A land of heavily forested slopes, lush ravines, wetland ponds, and a wild undeveloped stretch of the Snohomish River; Lord Hill is a haven not only for wildlife, but for thousands of folks living nearby. But despite its close proximity to the state’s main urban corridor, Lord Hill rarely gets crowded. And with more than 30 miles of trails and several more miles of old woods roads, this property provides countless hiking and trail running options.
Many visitors begin their park outings from the northern trailhead, reached off of 127th SE Ave from Snohomish. The Quarry Trail is accessed from the park’s southern trailhead. This area of the park once housed a beautiful old barn and a large quarry operation. The barn (suspiciously) went up in flames a few years ago and much of the quarry has been reclaimed. But, a handful of relics from the area’s human history can still be found in this area of the park.
The Quarry Loop with a jut along Beaver Lodge Pond makes for a nice short hike. From the parking lot locate the Steamshovel Trail diverging left just before the gated South Entrance Road. It’s a short stiff climb to the old quarry and the loop. Pass cut ledges now being reclaimed by greenery before coming to an old rusting steam shovel and small shack. The way then turns northward climbing steeply up a lush ravine. There are good views south over the river and rolling countryside. Soon come to a small wetland created by an old earthen dam since breached. Bear right and come to a junction.
You can head right for a shorter return, or bear left the preferred route climbing along the edge of a grassy depression—a reclaimed quarry pit. Reach a junction (the park’s unmarked trails can make navigation frustrating or fun) at Beaver Lodge Pond, usually hopping with animal activity. The trail left climbs to the River Trail. Follow it a short distance along the pond before doubling back. Then continue on the loop reaching the Pipeline Trail, which bisects the park following a gas line. Head right now on the gated South Entrance Road. Steeply drop back to your starting point. Feel free to extend your journey on the numerous radiating side trails you passed. A map can be found at the park’s website.
For more information on this hike and others in Lord Hill and throughout Western Snohomish County, on Camano Island and Whidbey Island, pick up a copy of my Urban Trails Everett (Mountaineers Books)
