North Creek Park
May 22, 2008 - 01:56 PM
by Vince Richardson
by Vince Richardson
A wooden boardwalk runs over a 15,000-year-old bog.
In the park, the roar of cars is replaced by a plethora of bird calls. This is good outing for the entire family in an area that seems unlikely for a nature hike.
The hike is on a boardwalk just above and, at times, below the level of a 15,000-year-old peat bog.
What’s a peat bog?
It’s partially decayed, moisture-absorbing plant matter. And at North Creek, there is a lot of it.
Of course, 15,000 years worth of decay means a load of peat — about 20 feet worth. That’s equivalent to a two-story barn.
Distance: 1.2 miles
Destination: Across bog and back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: None
Getting there: I-5 south to exit 183 (164th Street SW). Turn left on 164th and go 1.8 miles. Turn right on Bothell-Everett Highway (SR 527). Go 1.3 miles. Turn right on 183rd Street SE. Proceed 0.2 of a mile. The park is on the right.
The Trek: After parking in the lot, proceed down the trail to a large placard. It provides a wealth of historical information, such as how the area was first settled in 1891.
Continuing down the gravel trail, the boardwalk is reached. Insects of various types and sizes are a-buzz this time of the year.
After a couple turns, another placard is reached. It describes the benefits provided by wetlands. It states that wetlands are the “Kidneys of the Earth.” In other words, wetlands are massive filters.
Continuing down the boardwalk, look off to the sides and see large holes filled with dark water. These provide access for a variety of creatures seeking the murky underworld of the bog.
Some 80 species of plants, 20 species of fish, 20 species of birds, 15 species of mammals and six species of amphibians and reptiles call this place home.
Reaching the first junction, bear left to Peat Bog Pond. This is the lowest point in the area, so it stands to reason that a lot of water ends up here. So much so that a pond has formed.
The pond is home to a variety of creatures, including ducks, Canada geese, Western pond turtles, kingfishers and water spiders.
Walk back to the intersection and proceed left. The boardwalk is now bordered by fields of enormous cattails.
At the next intersection, proceed left once again in the direction of a beaver pond. It’s on this stretch that the bog and boardwalk become one. There are portions where the water creeps over the boards and others where the boards rock up and down with each step.
The beaver pond really can’t be viewed from the platform at the end of the boardwalk. Another placard explains how man and animal tamed the waters of North Creek as it flows through the area.
Return to the intersection and go left. It’s another couple sweeping bends before the boardwalk ends.
Hit the gravel trail and return to the rig.
