Mileage: 1.2 miles, 90 acres
Elevation Gain/Highest: neglible
Map: City of Monroe
Find out current conditions and as always, practice Leave No Trace. Pretty Please.
Favorite Places To Eat: My favorite places to stop post hike with friends are Grilla Bites, Route 2 Taproom and Grazing Place, or just Pack A Cooler. You can learn more about these places in my Must Hike Must Eat Eating Out Guide.
My hike:
Al Borlin Park (Buck Island) was my go to hike the 8 years I worked in Monroe, WA. I could literally walk out of the office and be there in about 5 minutes. The trails loop around for at least an hour of rambling from the banks of the Skykomish River to the deciduous forest it gives life.
You have both the dappled woods and the Skykomish River for your backdrop. There was an old railroad track to explore and sandy beach for taking off your shoes. The only downside is that the park is prone to flooding and the trail along the river is eroding. Watch your step.
I have written more about this trail in We Are Not Broken, We Are Still Not Broken But Something Is, and On Uneven Ground.
Directions: Al Borlin Park is just off of S Lewis Street in Monroe. From Highway 2 heading west, turn right just past the junction with Highway 522 onto Hwy 203 (S Lewis St). Just before the bridge over the Skykomish River, the parking area is on your left.
For more hikes along HWY 2. click HERE.
Thank you so much for stopping by Must Hike Must Eat!
If you need some healthy eating inspiration start here:..
Need some eating out suggestions when friends want to stop after a hike? I have a Pacific Northwest Eating Guide here.
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