Tag: Local Guide

  • Silver Lake Everett: A Lakeside Neighborhood Guide

    Silver Lake Everett: A Lakeside Neighborhood Guide

    Quick Answer: Silver Lake is a family-friendly neighborhood in southeast Everett anchored by a glacier-formed lake with three connected parks, a loop trail, and seasonal outdoor events. With about 22,000 residents, a strong neighborhood association, and the laid-back feeling of a lakeside community inside a mid-size city, Silver Lake is one of Everett’s most livable spots.

    There’s something a little unusual about Silver Lake that takes a moment to fully register when you first move to Everett: it’s a neighborhood named after a lake that actually exists, right in the middle of it. That sounds obvious, but in a region full of neighborhoods named after features that were paved over decades ago, Silver Lake delivers. The water is real, the parks around it are real, and the sense of community that’s built up around both is very much real.

    Located in the southeastern part of the city, Silver Lake is one of Everett’s larger neighborhoods with roughly 22,000 residents. It doesn’t have the boutique-y trendiness of some Everett spots closer to downtown, and it doesn’t try to. What it has is a quiet, family-friendly character built around a genuine natural amenity — and a community that takes that seriously.

    The Lake That Started It All

    Silver Lake itself is a glacial lake, formed over 10,000 years ago when the glaciers that shaped this whole region retreated north. The lake once supported silver salmon populations — which is how it got its name. Those salmon runs are long gone, but the lake remains the physical and social heart of the neighborhood.

    Three parks ring the water and connect via the Silver Lake Loop trail, a walking and biking path that makes a full circuit around the lake:

    • Thornton A. Sullivan Park — on the west shore, this is the social hub of the lake. It has picnic shelters, a sandy beach, and a seasonal swimming area. On Friday nights in July and August, it hosts “Cinema Under the Stars,” a free outdoor movie series that draws families from across the area.
    • Hauge Homestead Park — on the southeast shore, with car-top boat launch access for kayakers, canoeists, and small watercraft.
    • Green Lantern Park — on the northeast side, popular with anglers who know the good fishing spots along this stretch of the bank.

    In summer, the lake comes alive with canoe races and miniature hydroplane races that launch from Sullivan Park — the kind of local tradition that sounds charmingly old-fashioned until you’re standing on the bank watching it happen and realize this is just what Everett neighborhoods do when they have a lake.

    What the Neighborhood Is Actually Like

    Silver Lake is the kind of neighborhood that tops the “dog friendly,” “family friendly,” and “peaceful” lists on community platforms like Nextdoor — and means it. The streets surrounding the lake are mostly residential, with the kind of mix of mid-century homes and more recent construction that defines much of Everett’s southeast side. The vibe skews quiet and outdoorsy.

    The neighborhood is well-served for daily needs. Pinehurst-Beverly Park neighbors to the south, and the broader corridor along 19th Avenue SE and Airport Road keeps grocery stores, pharmacies, and the usual suburban commercial mix within a short drive.

    What Silver Lake is most consistently praised for: the trail. The Silver Lake Loop gives residents a car-free path around an actual lake within walking distance of most homes in the neighborhood. In a city where most “nature access” means driving to a state park, having a loop trail out the front door is a genuine quality-of-life feature that residents don’t take for granted.

    The Neighborhood Association

    Silver Lake has an active neighborhood group — the Silver Lake Neighborhood Group — which maintains a presence online and holds regular meetings for residents who want to stay connected to what’s happening in the area. The group has done historical documentation work, including video presentations featuring research into the neighborhood’s past, going back to when land titles were first issued in the 1890s.

    The neighborhood is also engaged with environmental stewardship of the lake itself. Snohomish County provides a lake health report card for Silver Lake, and the community participates in protection initiatives to keep water quality high. When a lake is the center of your neighborhood’s identity, you tend to care about what goes into it.

    If you want to get involved, the Silver Lake Neighborhood Group is easy to find via the City of Everett’s Office of Neighborhoods, or through their Facebook and social media presence.

    Getting There and Getting Around

    Silver Lake sits in the southeastern quadrant of Everett, roughly bounded by Highway 99 to the west and Interstate 5 to the east, which makes it genuinely accessible for commuters heading both directions. The Everett Station area and downtown are about a 15-minute drive north. South Everett’s commercial corridor is close, and the Alderwood Mall area in Lynnwood is reachable without much highway pain.

    For families with school-age kids, Silver Lake is served by Everett Public Schools, which is currently in the process of planning its next three-year strategic direction — meaning there’s an active window for community involvement in how the district serves neighborhoods like this one. Watch for announcements at everettsd.org.

    What Makes Silver Lake Worth Knowing About

    Everett has 21 neighborhoods, and each one has something that makes it worth knowing. Silver Lake’s thing is this: it’s the neighborhood where nature isn’t a weekend trip — it’s Tuesday evening. It’s the family on the loop trail after dinner. It’s the fishing at Green Lantern Park on a Saturday morning. It’s Cinema Under the Stars on a warm July night when the water is still and the whole neighborhood shows up with blankets and lawn chairs.

    It’s a neighborhood that has figured out what it wants to be and is quietly, steadily being it. That’s rarer than it sounds.

    For more information on Silver Lake’s neighborhood group, visit silverlakewa.org. For parks information, visit everettwa.gov/parks.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where is Silver Lake in Everett WA?

    Silver Lake is located in the southeastern part of Everett, Washington. The neighborhood is anchored by Silver Lake, a glacial lake surrounded by three connected parks and a loop trail.

    Is Silver Lake a good neighborhood in Everett?

    Silver Lake is consistently rated as one of Everett’s most family-friendly and livable neighborhoods. Residents praise it for being dog-friendly, peaceful, walkable around the lake, and community-oriented.

    What parks are in Silver Lake Everett?

    Three parks ring Silver Lake and connect via the Silver Lake Loop trail: Thornton A. Sullivan Park (west shore, beach, swimming, outdoor movies), Hauge Homestead Park (southeast, boat launch), and Green Lantern Park (northeast, fishing).

    Does Silver Lake have a neighborhood association?

    Yes. The Silver Lake Neighborhood Group holds regular meetings and maintains an active community presence. Find them at silverlakewa.org or through the City of Everett’s Office of Neighborhoods.

    What is Cinema Under the Stars at Silver Lake?

    Cinema Under the Stars is a free outdoor movie series held on Friday evenings in July and August at Thornton A. Sullivan Park on the west shore of Silver Lake. It’s a popular community event open to all.

    How big is the Silver Lake neighborhood in Everett?

    Silver Lake has approximately 22,000 residents, making it one of Everett’s larger neighborhoods by population.

  • Everett Neighborhood Meetings: The New Districtwide Format

    Everett Neighborhood Meetings: The New Districtwide Format

    Quick Answer: Everett launched a new format for neighborhood engagement in February 2026, replacing individual association visits from city officials with annual districtwide meetings that bring all neighborhood groups in a council district together at once. The first meeting drew about 60 residents to the Cascade Boys and Girls Club in District 2, with Mayor Cassie Franklin, Police Chief Robert Goetz, and Council Member Paula Rhyne attending.

    Something shifted in how Everett connects with its residents this past February, and if you’re involved in any of the city’s neighborhood associations — or you’ve been meaning to get involved — it’s worth understanding what changed and why it matters.

    For years, city officials made the rounds by visiting individual neighborhood associations, showing up at separate meetings across all 19 groups scattered through Everett’s five council districts. It was well-intentioned, but it meant the same officials repeating the same updates dozens of times while different neighborhood groups often didn’t know what was happening two blocks away. The city piloted a new approach this year, and if it takes hold, it could genuinely change how engaged Everett residents feel in their own neighborhoods.

    What the New Format Looks Like

    On February 24, 2026, the city held its first districtwide neighborhood meeting at the Cascade Boys and Girls Club in District 2. Instead of sending officials out to individual neighborhood associations one at a time, the new model convenes all neighborhood groups within a single council district together in one room, once a year.

    About 60 residents turned out for that first meeting — not a massive crowd, but a meaningful one for a pilot format. Attending alongside neighbors from across District 2 were Mayor Cassie Franklin, District 2 City Council Member Paula Rhyne, and Police Chief Robert Goetz.

    The idea is simple: equitable engagement. Every neighborhood in a district hears the same information at the same time, from the same officials. Nobody gets the mayor’s visit and nobody gets left with just a staffer. The individual neighborhood associations still hold their regular meetings independently — this annual districtwide gathering is an addition, not a replacement.

    What They Actually Talked About

    The February meeting covered a lot of ground — these weren’t soft, feel-good topics. Officials addressed immigration enforcement response, housing policy, youth safety, traffic safety, economic development, and the city’s drones-as-first-responders program.

    Council Member Rhyne went into specifics about a significant challenge ahead: Everett is facing an anticipated $14 million general fund shortfall heading into 2027. Rhyne outlined potential paths to close that gap, including regionalizing library and fire services or implementing a targeted property tax levy increase for parks or public safety.

    Mayor Franklin added that if additional funding does materialize, the city intends to maintain and expand services — extending library hours was one specific example she mentioned.

    These are real conversations about real tradeoffs, held in a room with the people most affected by them. That’s exactly the kind of civic engagement Everett neighborhoods have asked for.

    Why This Change Matters for Neighborhood Life

    Everett has 19 active neighborhood associations spanning five council districts. They range in size and energy — some run robust programs, others are smaller groups that meet a few times a year. The challenge has always been making sure every neighborhood feels like it has a real channel to city leadership, not just the ones with the loudest voices or the most organized association leadership.

    The districtwide format addresses that in a couple of ways. First, it puts neighbors from different associations in the same room, which tends to surface shared concerns that individual groups might not realize are city-wide. Second, it makes city officials directly accountable to a broader cross-section of residents at once, rather than managing separate narratives with each group.

    Council Member Rhyne also mentioned preliminary work toward annexing southern Everett areas — a process that, if it happens, would likely span several years. That’s exactly the kind of long-horizon planning news that neighbors need to hear early, not after decisions are already made.

    What About Your Neighborhood Association?

    Your neighborhood association isn’t going anywhere. This new districtwide meeting is meant to complement, not replace, the regular work of neighborhood groups. If anything, it gives associations a better reason to stay active and connected — because now there’s an annual districtwide event where their voices contribute to a larger district-level conversation.

    Everett’s 19 neighborhood associations are:

    Bayside, Boulevard Bluffs, Cascade View, Delta, Evergreen, Glacier View, Harborview-Seahurst-Glenhaven, Holly, Lowell, Northwest, Pinehurst-Beverly Park, Port Gardner, Riverside, Silver Lake, South Forest Park, Twin Creeks, Valley View-Sylvan Crest-Larimer Ridge, View Ridge-Madison, and Westmont.

    If you’re not sure which association covers your block, the City’s Office of Neighborhoods keeps an updated map and contact list. You can reach them at (425) 257-7112 or nwebber@everettwa.gov, or visit everettwa.gov/neighborhoods.

    The Bigger Vision: One Everett

    Mayor Franklin has been using the phrase “One Everett” to describe her administration’s approach to the city. The districtwide neighborhood meeting format fits squarely into that framing — the idea that city leadership should be equally accessible across all neighborhoods, not just the ones that are easiest to reach or most organized.

    Whether this pilot format becomes permanent depends on how well it works. If turnout grows and the conversations it generates prove more productive than the old model, it seems likely to continue and expand. If you care about how your neighborhood connects to city government, showing up to the next one in your district is the most direct way to have a say in whether this experiment succeeds.

    How to Stay Informed

    Watch for announcements about upcoming districtwide meetings at everettwa.gov and through your neighborhood association. The city also offers email and text notifications for neighborhood-specific updates — you can subscribe on the city’s website. Your neighborhood association is often the fastest way to hear about these events, which is one more reason to stay connected to yours.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Everett’s new districtwide neighborhood meeting format?

    Instead of individual visits to each neighborhood association, city officials now host one annual meeting per council district that brings all neighborhood groups in that district together at once. The first pilot meeting was held February 24, 2026 in District 2.

    Does this replace regular neighborhood association meetings?

    No. Neighborhood associations continue to hold their regular independent meetings. The districtwide meeting is an annual addition to the existing system, not a replacement.

    How many neighborhood associations does Everett have?

    Everett has 19 active neighborhood associations spread across five council districts.

    How do I find my Everett neighborhood association?

    Contact the City’s Office of Neighborhoods at (425) 257-7112, email nwebber@everettwa.gov, or visit everettwa.gov/neighborhoods. There’s also an interactive map on the city website to find your council district.

    What topics were covered at the first districtwide meeting?

    The February 2026 District 2 meeting covered immigration enforcement response, housing policy, youth safety, traffic safety, economic development, the city’s budget situation, and the drones-as-first-responders program.

    Who attended the first districtwide neighborhood meeting?

    Mayor Cassie Franklin, Police Chief Robert Goetz, and District 2 Council Member Paula Rhyne attended, along with approximately 60 residents from neighborhood associations across District 2.

  • Garfield Park Playground Renovation in Everett (2026)

    Garfield Park Playground Renovation in Everett (2026)

    Quick Answer: Everett is investing $940,000 to renovate the 19-year-old playground at Garfield Park in the Riverside neighborhood. Construction is scheduled for late spring or early fall 2026, with new slides, climbers, a zip track, expanded swings, shade structures, and fully accessible play surfaces replacing the existing equipment.

    If you’ve watched kids clamber over the aging wooden structure at Garfield Park and thought, “that thing’s been there forever” — you’re not wrong. The playground at 2300 Walnut Street in Everett’s Riverside neighborhood has been serving families for nearly two decades, and the City of Everett has decided it’s time for a serious upgrade. A $940,000 renovation is now officially planned for 2026, and the new setup is going to be genuinely exciting for families in north Everett.

    This isn’t a patch job. It’s a full rethink of one of Riverside’s most beloved community spaces.

    What’s Actually Being Built

    The renovation will completely replace the existing playground equipment while staying within the park’s current footprint. Here’s what’s coming:

    • Multiple slides and climbing structures designed for different ages and abilities
    • A dedicated play area for ages 2–5, so the littlest ones have space designed just for them
    • A cable-free zip track ride — the kind of feature that instantly becomes every kid’s favorite thing in the park
    • Expanded swings, including accessible options
    • Integrated shade structures, because Everett summers do get warm and shaded play areas make a real difference for families spending hours outside
    • New play turf surfacing replacing the old wood fiber, for better safety and cleaner footing year-round

    Inclusive play features are woven throughout the entire design — not tucked into one corner as an afterthought. Cory Rettenmeier, Everett’s recreation and golf manager, emphasized the city’s focus on “improved safety, accessibility and cleanliness” as the core goals driving the new design.

    When Will Construction Happen?

    The city is targeting late spring 2026 for construction to begin, though the actual start date depends on permitting timelines and how long it takes for the custom playground equipment to be fabricated and delivered. If permitting stretches longer than expected, the city has said it will keep the current playground open through summer so families aren’t without the space during the busiest season — then begin construction once local schools are back in session in the fall.

    Either way, the goal is to have the new playground complete and open before the end of 2026.

    The Community Had a Say

    The design wasn’t created in a vacuum. The City worked with the Riverside Neighborhood Association and gathered input through community surveys before finalizing the plans. That process shaped the emphasis on inclusivity and age-specific play zones — things Riverside families said they wanted.

    This is the kind of civic engagement that makes a difference. When neighbors show up for their neighborhood association and respond to surveys, the parks department takes note. The new Garfield Park playground reflects what this particular community asked for.

    A Little History on Garfield Park

    Garfield Park has deep roots in the Riverside neighborhood. It was established in 1931 when the Riverside Chamber of Commerce purchased the land and donated it to the city of Everett — a genuinely community-driven founding that set the tone for what the park has always been. The park underwent major renovations in the 1970s and again in the early 2000s. This 2026 project marks its third significant transformation in nearly a century.

    The park itself offers more than just the playground — there’s open green space, picnic areas, and the kind of neighborhood-scale gathering place that doesn’t get enough credit until it’s gone. The playground renovation is the centerpiece of this round of improvements, but Garfield Park as a whole remains one of north Everett’s most consistent community anchors.

    The Bigger Picture: Everett Investing in Its Parks

    This project is part of a broader commitment by the City of Everett to upgrade its parks infrastructure. Garfield Park’s $940,000 renovation sits alongside other planned improvements across the city’s parks system for 2026. For families in Riverside, it’s a tangible sign that the neighborhood is getting real investment — not just in roads and utilities, but in the green spaces where everyday life actually happens.

    Everett’s Parks & Facilities Department can be reached at 425-257-8300 or recreation@everettwa.gov if you have questions about the project timeline or want to stay updated on construction progress.

    What to Expect as a Neighbor

    Once construction begins, the playground area will be closed for the duration of the project. The city has been thoughtful about minimizing disruption — that’s the reason for the potential late spring or fall start, whichever avoids peak summer use. For families in Riverside who rely on Garfield Park as part of their daily routine, it’s worth knowing that the closure, when it comes, will be temporary and the result will be worth the wait.

    Keep an eye on everettwa.gov/parks and the city’s official news feed for construction updates as permits move forward.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When will the Garfield Park playground renovation start?

    Construction is planned for late spring or early fall 2026, depending on permitting and equipment fabrication timelines. The city will keep the playground open through summer if the spring window isn’t met.

    How much is the Garfield Park renovation costing?

    The city approved $940,000 for the Garfield Park playground renovation, funded through the city council’s parks budget.

    What new equipment is being installed at Garfield Park?

    The new playground will include multiple slides, climbers, a cable-free zip track, expanded swings, shade structures, a dedicated 2–5 age zone, and new play turf surfacing. Inclusive play features are integrated throughout the design.

    Where is Garfield Park in Everett?

    Garfield Park is located at 2300 Walnut Street in Everett’s Riverside neighborhood in the north part of the city.

    Will the playground be accessible?

    Yes. The new design incorporates inclusive play features and accessible surfacing throughout, not just in designated areas.

    How can I stay updated on the Garfield Park renovation?

    Follow updates at everettwa.gov/parks or contact Everett Parks & Facilities at 425-257-8300 or recreation@everettwa.gov.

  • Forest Park Everett Guide: Trails, Animal Farm & History

    Forest Park Everett Guide: Trails, Animal Farm & History

    Q: What is Forest Park in Everett known for?
    A: Forest Park is Everett’s oldest and largest park at 197 acres, featuring a WPA-era trail system with up to 4.9 miles and 13 hill climb courses, a free seasonal animal farm, a water playground with an orca theme, the Forest Park Swim Center, and historic structures dating back to the 1930s New Deal era — all located at 802 E. Mukilteo Boulevard.

    This Isn’t Just a Park — It’s Where Everett Goes to Be Everett

    Every city has a park it points to on the brochure. Forest Park is the one Everett actually uses. On any given weekend, you’ll find trail runners grinding through the hill climb courses, families lined up at the animal farm, kids screaming through the splash park, and retirees doing slow loops on the upper ridge trail while learning about native plants from interpretive signs a local Boy Scout troop installed. It’s 197 acres of forest, history, and community packed into the city limits, and most people who don’t live in Everett have never heard of it.

    That’s fine with the locals. They like it that way.

    A Park Built by the Great Depression

    The land that became Forest Park was first purchased on September 27, 1894 — ten acres for $4,300, with a requirement that $600 in improvements be made within five years. By 1909, the city had expanded its holdings to 80 additional acres, and in 1913, the park was officially named Forest Park.

    But the park you walk through today was really built during the 1930s. England-born parks superintendent Oden Hall ran one of Washington State’s largest Works Progress Administration projects right here, employing hundreds of workers during the Great Depression to transform what had been rough forestland into a genuine public park. WPA crews cleared trails, built rock walls that still stand today, planted specimen and native trees, constructed animal enclosures for a growing zoo, and erected Floral Hall — a community exhibition building that opened in 1940 and now sits on the National Register of Historic Places.

    When you hike the trails and notice the mossy stone steps and aged service roads winding through old-growth-sized trees, you’re walking on infrastructure that Depression-era workers built by hand nearly a century ago. There’s something about that history that makes every trail feel a little more intentional.

    The Trail System: 13 Hill Climbs and a Ridge You’ll Want to Take Slow

    Forest Park’s trail network is the real draw for anyone who wants to get their heart rate up without driving to the Cascades. The system includes 13 mapped hill climb courses that you can combine for up to 4.9 miles and over 1,100 feet of elevation gain. Kiosks at trailheads show the routes, all marked with numbered posts so you can track your progress — or know exactly where you are when you’re gasping for air on climb number seven.

    The terrain is a mix of soft wooded single-track, moss-lined WPA-era stone stairs, aged service roads, and narrow boot paths. It’s not manicured and it’s not paved — this is real Pacific Northwest forest hiking, with roots to step over, mud after rain, and canopy so thick that even on sunny days the light filters green.

    For a mellower experience, the upper ridge trail is worth every minute. It follows the park’s high spine through mixed forest, and interpretive signs along the way teach you about the native plant species, local wildlife, and geological history of the area. Bring a camera — the filtered light through the canopy is the kind of thing that makes non-hikers understand why people hike.

    The Animal Farm: Free, Charming, and Your Kids Will Not Want to Leave

    Forest Park has had animals since 1914, when a small zoo opened that would operate for over six decades. When the zoo closed in 1976, the Animal Farm rose from its footprint — literally built at the old butcher shop location at the park’s west end starting in 1970. Today it operates seasonally during summer months as a free petting farm with goats, chickens, rabbits, sheep, ducks, and horses.

    For families with young children, this is the anchor attraction. Kids can pet and feed the animals, and horse rides are available for a small donation. It’s low-key, unpretentious, and exactly the kind of thing that creates the memories your kids will bring up at Thanksgiving twenty years from now. The price — free — means you can come every weekend all summer without thinking twice.

    Splash Park, Swim Center, and the Playground That Never Ends

    Behind the main playground area, Forest Park’s water playground features an orca-themed splash park with spray features designed for different age groups, including a smaller section for toddlers. It’s the kind of place where you’ll watch your kids run through the same water jet fourteen times in a row and somehow never get bored.

    The playground itself is enormous — swings, multiple climbing structures, bars, a digger, spinners, and a train-shaped jungle gym that serves as the unofficial meeting point for every playdate in the park. Covered picnic shelters nearby make it easy to set up camp for the day.

    The Forest Park Swim Center, which opened to the public in 1975, sits at the park’s edge. Originally built with a unique removable roof — revolutionary for its time — it was damaged in the Thanksgiving Day storm of 1984 and replaced with a permanent structure in 1985. The swim center offers public swim sessions, lessons, and lap swimming year-round, making it one of Everett’s most-used recreational facilities regardless of season.

    How to Get Here and What to Know Before You Go

    Forest Park is located at 802 E. Mukilteo Boulevard, Everett, WA 98203. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to dusk. From I-5, take exit 192 for 41st Street and head toward the Mukilteo Ferry. 41st Street becomes Mukilteo Boulevard, and the park entrance is the first left turn.

    Public transit reaches the park via Everett Transit routes 3 and 18. Parking is free and generally available on weekdays, though summer weekends can fill the main lot — arrive before 10 a.m. if you’re bringing kids to the animal farm or splash park.

    Trail surfaces are natural — wear real shoes, not sandals. After rain, the lower trails get muddy, so boots are worth the effort. The hill climbs are legitimate exercise; bring water. And if you’re visiting the animal farm, check the City of Everett Parks website for current seasonal hours before you go — operating dates vary year to year.

    Why Locals Love It

    Forest Park isn’t flashy. It doesn’t have a brewery attached to it or a waterfront view. What it has is 197 acres of honest-to-goodness forest in the middle of a city, trails that were built by hand during the hardest economic period in American history, a free animal farm that delights every kid who walks through the gate, and the kind of quiet that’s increasingly rare in the Puget Sound region.

    It’s the park where Everett residents proposed, where their kids learned to ride horses, where their grandparents danced to band music, and where — if you show up on any given Tuesday morning — you’ll find a handful of regulars doing their hill climbs in comfortable silence, nodding to each other like old friends. Because they are.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How big is Forest Park in Everett?

    Forest Park covers 197 acres, making it Everett’s largest park. It has been part of the city’s park system since the first ten acres were purchased in 1894.

    Is Forest Park’s Animal Farm free?

    Yes. The Animal Farm operates seasonally during summer months and admission is free. Horse rides are available for a small donation. Animals include goats, chickens, rabbits, sheep, ducks, and horses.

    How long are the trails at Forest Park?

    The trail system includes 13 hill climb courses that can be combined for up to 4.9 miles with over 1,100 feet of elevation gain. A more relaxed upper ridge trail is also available for those who want a gentler walk.

    What are the hours for Forest Park?

    Forest Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to dusk. The Forest Park Swim Center has separate hours for public swim sessions, lap swimming, and lessons — check the City of Everett website for the current schedule.

    How do I get to Forest Park?

    From I-5, take exit 192 for 41st Street and head toward the Mukilteo Ferry. 41st Street becomes Mukilteo Boulevard, and the park entrance is the first left turn. The address is 802 E. Mukilteo Boulevard, Everett, WA 98203. Everett Transit routes 3 and 18 also serve the park.

    Is Forest Park good for kids?

    Forest Park is one of the best family parks in Everett. It features an enormous playground, an orca-themed splash park with age-appropriate sections, a free seasonal animal farm, covered picnic shelters, and gentle trail options alongside more challenging hill climbs for older kids.

    What is Floral Hall at Forest Park?

    Floral Hall is a community exhibition building constructed during the WPA era and opened in 1940. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and continues to host community events.

    Can you swim at Forest Park?

    Yes. The Forest Park Swim Center has been open since 1975 and offers public swim sessions, lap swimming, and swim lessons year-round. The outdoor splash park is seasonal and free.

  • Everett Breweries Guide: Scuttlebutt, At Large & Taprooms

    Everett Breweries Guide: Scuttlebutt, At Large & Taprooms

    Q: Where are the best breweries in Everett, WA?

    A: Everett’s brewery scene is anchored by three distinct experiences: Scuttlebutt Brewing (1205 Craftsman Way, Sun–Thu 11AM–9PM, Fri–Sat 11AM–10PM), the city’s full-service brewpub institution since the ’90s; At Large Brewing (2730 W. Marine View Drive, Wed–Thu 3–9PM, Fri–Sat 2–10PM, Sun 2–8PM), the waterfront taproom with the best beer garden view in Snohomish County; and Sound to Summit Brewing, the Snohomish-adjacent operation that’s pulling Everett drinkers east. Here’s how to do all three in one Saturday.

    The Everett Brewery Scene: Your Locals’ Guide to the Best Taprooms in Town

    Everett doesn’t get enough credit for its beer scene. We’re not going to pretend it’s Bellingham or the South Sound — Everett doesn’t have a Structures Brewing or a Chuckanut — but what we do have is a tight, legitimate craft beer community built on a few really good operations, distinct from each other, each worth your time for different reasons.

    If you’re new here, or just new to Everett’s beer scene, here’s the honest local’s guide: where to go, what to drink, and what each place is actually good at.

    Scuttlebutt Brewing: The Institution

    Scuttlebutt Brewing at 1205 Craftsman Way, Everett, WA 98201 has been part of the city’s identity since the 1990s, and it shows — in the best way. This is a full-service brewpub: sit-down restaurant, full menu, hand-crafted ales, and a house-made root beer that’s legitimately one of the best in the state for people who don’t drink.

    Hours: Sunday–Thursday 11 AM–9 PM | Friday–Saturday 11 AM–10 PM
    Phone: (425) 257-9316

    The food at Scuttlebutt is better than it needs to be for a brewery. Beer-battered fish and chips, homemade clam chowder, fish tacos, burgers, sandwiches — and then from 4 PM on, a real dinner menu with steaks, prime rib, chicken, and salmon. The Cajun shrimp linguine gets ordered constantly and for good reason. There’s a dedicated gluten-free menu, which matters for a certain percentage of the people you’re going to drag here.

    The beer program at Scuttlebutt is the kind of consistent that gets dismissed as “safe” by the hop-forward IPA obsessives but is actually just good craft brewing. They know their audience — Everett families, waterfront visitors, regulars who’ve been coming since Clinton was president — and they brew for it without apologizing. The ales are clean, the seasonals are worth watching for, and the Big Dumper lager (their Cal Raleigh-collab Mariners beer) sold out its release party last summer for good reason: it’s approachable, crushable, and perfectly timed for baseball season.

    Best for: Family dinner, out-of-town guests you need to impress without intimidating, first dates, anyone who needs a full meal with their beer.
    Parking: Lot on-site, generally easy.
    Price: $$ — Food $12–$28, pints $6–$8.

    At Large Brewing: The Taproom With the View

    At Large Brewing at 2730 W. Marine View Drive, Everett, WA 98201 is doing something different from Scuttlebutt, and it’s not trying to compete. This is a taproom — 15 rotating taps of At Large beer, growler fills, limited can releases — set on Marine View Drive with an outdoor patio that has arguably the best casual-beer-drinking view in Snohomish County. Sunset over the Sound. Fire pits for when the temperature drops. A beer garden that’s dog-friendly and family-friendly in the way that actually means kids and dogs are welcome, not just technically tolerated.

    Hours: Wednesday–Thursday 3–9 PM | Friday 2–10 PM | Saturday 2–10 PM | Sunday 2–8 PM
    Phone: (425) 324-0039
    Closed Monday and Tuesday.

    The beer program at At Large leans into variety: Passion Fruit Kettle Sour, Mango Fruited Blonde Ale, Chocolate Raspberry Stout. These are not timid beers. They’re rotating, experimental, and the kind of thing that makes a taproom worth coming back to because what’s on tap this week is genuinely different from last week. If you want something straightforward and easy-drinking, they’ll have it. If you want the fruit sour or the barrel-aged experiment, they probably have that too.

    Food situation: At Large doesn’t have a kitchen, but food trucks rotate through regularly. Check their Instagram before you go — @atlargebrewing — so you know what’s parked outside that day. They also allow outside food, which means this is the place people show up with takeout from elsewhere and nobody judges you for it. Activities on-site include foosball, air hockey, and basketball. The vibe is neighborhood hangout, not craft beer tourism stop.

    Best for: Lazy Saturday afternoons, dog owners, people who want to try a bunch of different styles, anyone who cares about sitting outside with a view.
    Parking: Street parking and nearby lot, easy on weekdays, manageable on weekends.
    Price: $ — Pints $6–$8, growler fills available.

    Sound to Summit Brewing: The Wildcard Worth the Drive

    Sound to Summit Brewing operates out of Snohomish but pulls a significant Everett crowd — and if you’re doing a proper brewery crawl day, it belongs on the route. The brewery has earned its reputation on the strength of technical brewing and a taproom that feels genuinely like a community gathering space rather than a brand experience. It’s the kind of place where the regulars know each other and the bartender knows their usual. Worth adding to any Everett-adjacent brewery day.

    Check sound2summit.com for current hours and tap list before heading out — they rotate frequently and the tap list changes constantly.

    How to Do the Everett Brewery Day Right

    Here’s a Saturday itinerary that works:

    • 2 PM: Start at At Large Brewing when they open. Grab the patio, try a couple of taps, let the dog run around. Order from whatever food truck is there.
    • 4:30 PM: Head to Scuttlebutt for an early dinner. Their full dinner menu starts at 4 PM and the kitchen is busy by 5:30, so getting there in that window means faster service. Order the Cajun shrimp linguine or the fish and chips.
    • After dinner: If you’re still going, head to Scuttlebutt’s taproom or, if you’re making a longer day of it and don’t mind the short drive, Sound to Summit in Snohomish for a nightcap beer.

    Designated driver makes this significantly more fun for everyone else in the group. The drive between At Large and Scuttlebutt is less than 10 minutes. The whole crawl is doable without a car if you’re disciplined about pacing, but Everett’s beer geography doesn’t lend itself to walking — you’re going to want transportation.

    The Verdict

    Everett’s brewery scene is worth your Saturday. Scuttlebutt is the institution you take everyone to; At Large is the hidden gem you keep to yourself until enough people beg you to share it. Sound to Summit extends the day if you’ve got the energy. None of these are famous outside the region, and that’s exactly what makes them ours. Go drink good beer. Support local.

    Quick Reference: Everett Breweries

    • Scuttlebutt Brewing — 1205 Craftsman Way, Everett | (425) 257-9316 | Sun–Thu 11AM–9PM, Fri–Sat 11AM–10PM | Full brewpub, family-friendly, gluten-free menu | scuttlebuttbrewing.com
    • At Large Brewing — 2730 W. Marine View Drive, Everett | (425) 324-0039 | Wed–Thu 3–9PM, Fri–Sat 2–10PM, Sun 2–8PM | Taproom only, dog-friendly, food trucks rotate | atlargebrewing.com
    • Sound to Summit Brewing — Snohomish (Everett-adjacent) | Rotating hours — check sound2summit.com | Community taproom, great for adding to a crawl

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What breweries are in Everett, WA?

    Everett’s main breweries are Scuttlebutt Brewing (1205 Craftsman Way), At Large Brewing (2730 W. Marine View Drive), and Scuttlebutt’s second taproom location on Cedar Street. Sound to Summit Brewing in nearby Snohomish is also popular with Everett locals and worth adding to a brewery crawl day.

    What are Scuttlebutt Brewing’s hours?

    Scuttlebutt Brewing at 1205 Craftsman Way is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 AM to 9 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM. Phone: (425) 257-9316.

    What are At Large Brewing’s hours?

    At Large Brewing is open Wednesday and Thursday from 3–9 PM, Friday from 2–10 PM, Saturday from 2–10 PM, and Sunday from 2–8 PM. They are closed Monday and Tuesday. Phone: (425) 324-0039.

    Is At Large Brewing dog-friendly?

    Yes. At Large Brewing has a dog-friendly beer garden and outdoor patio at their 2730 W. Marine View Drive location in Everett. Food trucks rotate through, so check their Instagram @atlargebrewing before you visit to see what’s serving that day.

    Does Scuttlebutt Brewing have food?

    Yes — Scuttlebutt is a full brewpub with a complete restaurant menu. Lunch items include fish and chips, fish tacos, burgers, and sandwiches. From 4 PM, a dinner menu adds steaks, prime rib, chicken, and salmon dishes. They also have a dedicated gluten-free menu and house-made root beer for non-drinkers.

    What’s the best beer at Scuttlebutt?

    Scuttlebutt’s core lineup of hand-crafted ales is their bread and butter. Seasonal releases are worth watching for, and their Big Dumper lager — a collaboration with Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh — was a summer 2025 hit. Their house-made root beer is one of the best in the state if you’re not drinking alcohol.

  • Mason County Historical Society Museum: Shelton History

    Mason County Historical Society Museum: Shelton History

    Did you know Shelton is the westernmost city on Puget Sound? 🌊 Long before it was a logging town, this land at the head of Oakland Bay was home to the Squaxin Island Tribe — the “People of the Water” — who lived and thrived along these inlets for centuries. When settlers arrived in the 1850s, Shelton grew into a hub of timber, shellfish, and small-boat commerce, eventually served by the famous Puget Sound Mosquito Fleet steamboats that connected remote communities across the water.

    You can explore that history right here in town. The Mason County Historical Society Museum on West Railroad Ave in Shelton has a free collection of photos, artifacts, and documents spanning the county’s logging, farming, and shellfish heritage — plus free walking tour maps of historic downtown. It’s a great Sunday stop for locals and visitors alike.

    Open Tue–Fri 10am–4pm and Sat 11am–4pm. Free admission. 📍 427 W Railroad Ave, Shelton.

    Sources: HistoryLink.org — Shelton History | Wikipedia — Shelton, WA | Mason County Historical Society | Squaxin Island Tribe Official Site

  • Mason County History: Shelton & Squaxin Island Tribe

    Mason County History: Shelton & Squaxin Island Tribe

    Did you know Shelton is the westernmost city on Puget Sound? Long before it was a logging town, this land at the head of Oakland Bay was home to the Squaxin Island Tribe — the “People of the Water” — who lived and thrived along these inlets for centuries.

    When settlers arrived in the 1850s, Shelton grew into a hub of timber, shellfish, and small-boat commerce, eventually served by the famous Puget Sound Mosquito Fleet steamboats that connected remote communities across the water. The Simpson Lumber Company would go on to shape the city’s identity for generations, building company towns, railroads, and a mill that defined Mason County’s economy for over a century.

    That history didn’t disappear — it’s preserved right here in town. The Mason County Historical Society Museum on West Railroad Ave in Shelton holds a free collection of photos, artifacts, and documents spanning the county’s logging, farming, and shellfish heritage. Free walking tour maps of historic downtown are also available at the museum, making it an easy and rewarding Sunday stop for locals and visitors alike.

    Explore Mason County History

    • Mason County Historical Society Museum: 427 W Railroad Ave, Shelton. Free admission. Open Tue–Fri 10am–4pm, Sat 11am–4pm. Logging, shellfish, and maritime exhibits. Free downtown walking tour maps available.
    • Squaxin Island Tribe: The original “People of the Water,” with deep ancestral ties to Puget Sound inlets throughout Mason County. Learn more at squaxinisland.org.
    • Mosquito Fleet Legacy: Small steamboats once connected Shelton, Hoodsport, Union, and other Hood Canal communities before roads — a fascinating chapter in PNW maritime history. HistoryLink.org has a comprehensive Mason County thumbnail history.

    Mason County’s story is one of water, timber, and community — and it’s still being written every day.

    Sources: HistoryLink.org (Shelton Thumbnail History), Wikipedia (Shelton, WA), Squaxin Island Tribe official website, Mason County Historical Society