EVERETT, MARCH 21: The Swamp Lantern Festival is back and running now through April, at Adopt A Stream Foundation’s Northwest Stream Center. The center is located in what feels like a private nature preserve in McCollum Park right right here in Everett.
At more than 20-acres, 3-feet above the forest floor and surrounding wetlands, the nature trail is a half a mile long. Tours offer a Trout Stream Exhibit with viewing windows into a freshwater stream habitat. Guests then explore the amazing Elevated Forest and Wetland Walk. The Swamp Lantern Walking trail at the Northwest Stream Center only allows up to 5 visitors every 15 minutes, so you are never in a crowd, but you do want to register ahead of time to save your spot in line. Plus of course you can see the swamp lanterns in bloom.
Swamp Lanterns are a really unique plant that has been around for over 245 million years predating dinosaur by about 15 million years. You can walk and tour through real prehistoric history. Swamp lanterns are also referred to as “skunk cabbage” due to the strange and off putting odor. But their beauty and history cannot be missed.
The Center offers a relaxing outdoor experience and, if you read all the beautiful interpretive signs on your tour, you just might pick up a little knowledge along the way. The Swamp Lantern Walk at the Northwest Stream Center trail is a truly inspiring look at the very special area we call home here in the Pacific Northwest.
Tours run Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10am to 4pm through April at the Northwest Stream Center in Everett’s McCollum Park.
Because of high popularity advanced registration is highly recommended. Tickets at www.streamkeeper.org or by calling 425-315-8592; Pricing runs $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 students, $3 EBT card holders, and kids 5 and under get in free.
The center is located at 600 128th Street SE in Everett and is open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays 10am to 4pm.
