The North Creek trail offers a quiet urban oasis that links the cities of Mill Creek, Bothell, and Everett. It's a wide, shaded path that leads from McCollum Park in Everett to the city center. 

Initially, the North Creek Trail follows the eastern boundary of McCollum Park.

North Creek Trail, for much of its length, is ten feet wide and paved, so there's ample room for walkers, runners, baby carriages and bicyclists to share the space. You are likely to encounter a variety of users as you continue farther south along the trail.

The western edge of the trail follows the fenced boundary of the North Creek watershed, and the vegetation is thick enough that views of the creek are infrequent.

In sharp contrast, much of the eastern edge of North Creek Trail is bordered by apartment complexes, and some buildings are just a few feet from the trail. (If you catch the eye of a local resident, offer a wave or other friendly greeting.)

The ongoing trail reaches a large shopping mall where it flirts briefly with mall side streets. (There are options for a coffee break or a snack. And, if you are in doubt about the ongoing route, just head toward the fence that borders the watershed.)

The trail passes several ponds, home to a number of itinerant ducks. Beyond the largest duck pond the trail bends sharply east and reaches Mill Creek Blvd, about 2.25 miles from the McCollum Park trailhead.