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A thousand-acre lake sits at the heart of Lake Stevens, and almost everything in this Snohomish County city happens on or around it, from summer swimming to rowing practice on calm morning water. It lies east of Everett, close to the Cascade foothills.
The town grew up around logging. In the early 1900s the Rucker brothers ran a huge sawmill on the shore, and a railroad carried timber out until fire and changing times closed the mill. The local historical museum keeps that story alive with photos, tools and old buildings. Lake Stevens was incorporated in 1960 and has since grown into a busy family community.
Visitors come for the shoreline parks, with public beaches, boat launches and docks, and for Aquafest, the summer festival that fills the downtown waterfront. The Centennial Trail runs near the city for biking and walking, and the mountain loop roads of the Cascades are within easy reach for day trips.
The largest natural lake in Snohomish County, about 1,000 acres of water used for swimming, waterskiing, fishing and rowing. Several public parks give access to the shore. Early mornings are calm and quiet, the best time for paddling before motorboats come out on summer afternoons.
A wooded park with soft-surface trails winding through second-growth forest and along a creek, a quiet contrast to the busy lakeshore. The loops are short and suitable for children and dogs on leashes. Wear sturdy shoes after rain, when the paths get muddy in places.
The city's downtown lakefront park, with a boardwalk, a fishing pier, lawns and space for festivals and concerts. It is a pleasant spot to watch sunset over the water. Shops and cafes are nearby along the main street, so it works well for an easy afternoon stroll and a meal.
A lakeside park on the north shore with a roped swimming area, a dock, a playground and picnic shelters. Families come on hot days for the beach and shady lawns. Lifeguard coverage and hours vary, so check before you go, and arrive early on summer weekends when parking fills up.
A shoreline park on the west side of the lake with a public boat launch, a small swimming beach and docks. It is the main put-in for boaters and paddlers heading onto the lake. Parking for trailers is limited on sunny weekends, so plan an early start if you are launching a boat.
A small museum telling the story of the lake's logging and sawmill era, with photographs, tools, household items and models of the old Rucker mill. Volunteers are glad to share local stories. Opening hours are limited, often weekends only, so check ahead before making a special trip.
The city's big summer celebration, held over a weekend in July, with a parade, live music, food booths, a car show, races and water activities on the lake. Most events gather around the downtown waterfront. Parking is tight during the festival, so walk or bike in if you can.
A paved rail trail on the old railroad grade that once served the lakeside mills, running past the east side of the city between Snohomish and Arlington. It is flat and easy for cyclists, runners and families with strollers. Several trailheads have parking and restrooms.
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Photo: Joe Mabel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Joe Mabel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Joe Mabel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ron Clausen, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Joe Mabel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Joe Mabel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Joe Mabel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
