Snohomish has a remarkably active and vital downtown as well as distinct neighborhoods. This is not because of the volume of car traffic. Rather it is because of the walkable and bike-friendly nature of our town and its concentration of attractive, amusing businesses and delicious food services in its downtown core. Snohomish’s personality is linked also with the friendly, helpful nature of our residents and the city’s safe reputation.
Whether you are a resident or a visitor, you will find, on this site, resources to help you stay safe, get around, explore new venues or seek out a new trail.
While exploring Snohomish, if you notice a safety issue or suspicious situation please report it. Here are some resources:
As always, if you witness an emergency, report it immediately to 911. This includes accidents, or fires. Any situation where a response is critical and an individual’s life or safety may be at immediate risk.
If you see a situation that may be a non-emergent safety risk, please report it to the county’s non-urgent issue reporting telephone number: 425-407-3999. These might include a fire hazard, a broken water pipe, or the smell of natural gas. In addition, Snohomish, like all cities in the state, has an elevated issue with opioids. If you see signs of drug use, including abandoned paraphernalia, while out and about in town, please report it to the non-emergency report telephone number.
Snohomish also wants to know of safety issues cyclists may encounter. These are not emergencies, but do represent a risk to safety. If you find a pothole, a dangerous unmarked ridge or road edge, rail, road debris, such as downed branches or loose gravel on a paved surface, report your road hazard to the City Engineer at 360-282-3161.
For dog walkers, walkers and runners, the same is true. If you encounter lifted pavement, or missing sidewalk sections, pathway erosion within the city limits reporting to the City Engineer is appropriate: 360-282-3161.
For any report, to any of the supporting resources, be ready with the following information:
the time you noticed the problem
the specific location
a description of what you saw or found
take a picture if you safely can
be willing to give your name, address, and contact information
Parking and Other Relevant Info
If you are driving to town with bicycles on your car rack, you will find plentiful longer term parking to the west of Avenue D, opposite Snohomish’s Historic Business District.
Even if you are planning a walking tour First Street, west of Avenue D, is a close and convenient location to park.
If you park on the west side of Avenue D, you will walk past the Snohomish Visitor Center. Inside, there is a vast amount of detailed information on Snohomish’s local parks and walking tours.
A rule of thumb for most cities is that 12 blocks roughly equal a mile. Snohomish is approximately a mile square. However, the historic business and residential districts together are about 6 blocks square. Regardless, pace yourself.
During the summer, several restaurants expand service to outdoor seating with river views.
The Snohomish Farmer’s Market is open from May through September, every Thursday.
Resources for Snohomish Dog Walkers and Friends
General Resources
Water Fountains are available in most city parks, as well as on First Street; and Centennial Trail, at the north side of Sixth Street, in Snohomish.
Public Restrooms are available on First Street, Ferguson Park, Hill Park, and Pilchuck Park; and for cyclists and hardy walkers: the Centennial Trail at Machias.
Resources for Dog Walkers
Dog Friendly Water Fountains
First Street (south side) at the foot of Avenue C
Centennial Trail, at the north side of 6th Street, and in Machias
...And many merchants on First Street put bowls of water out for pets
Dog Friendly parks and trails (see page “Snohomish Dog Walkers and Friends”). These are parks that welcome dogs, on leash.
Ferguson Park
Centennial Trail
Kla-Ha-Ya Park
Morgantown Park
Playground behind the Aquatic Center
The Riverfront Trail (from Kla-Ha-Ya Park, on First Street, to Cady Landing, at 40 Maple Ave)
Centennial Trail (the gateway to which is just east of McDaniel’s Hardware on Second Street)
Abandoned railroad grade path behind the Aquatic Center (from Maple at 6th Street to Avenue D)
Willis Tucker Park
Lord Hill Regional Park
Veterinarians
Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital (24 Hour Emergency Service)
Mountain View Animal Hospital, 107 Maple Ave.
Snohomish Veterinary Hospital 1109 13th Street
Dog Waste Stations (waste bag dispensers and disposal)
Riverfront trail (east end at Cady Park, and behind Todo’s Mexican Restaurant)
Centennial trail at various spots
Waste Water Treatment Facility (where First Street ends at Second Street, at the west end of both.)
Aquatic Center Trail (at the beginning and end of the abandoned railroad grade behind the Aquatic Center).
Ferguson Park at the restrooms.
It’s the law, you have to scoop!
Please do not take your dog to the Riverview Wildlife Refuge, or to Bob Hierman Wildlife Preserve Park
More Paths, Trails and Maps: The Snohomish Visitor’s Center has many resources for walks and tours in Snohomish. You will find the SVC at the corner of First Street and Avenue D. Also refer to page “Snohomish Dog Walkers and Friends”)
Nearby Dog Parks: There are several off leash parks near, but not in, Snohomish. Go to the Snohomish Visitor’s Center (SVC). Also refer to page “Snohomish Dog Walkers and Friends”).
Resources for Cyclists
Tool Kits
Centennial Trail at Machias
Bike Friendly Streets, Paths and Lanes:
In Snohomish, some streets are more bicycle friendly than others. Here are the exceptions; that is, because of the high volume of vehicle traffic, these streets are not a first choice for bicycle traffic. If you must use them, while cycling, be vigilant.
Avenue D (west Snohomish). This is a busy arterial. Rather, use a N/S surface street with less traffic, if you can. Avenue A, three streets to the east of Avenue D also runs almost the full north/south length of Snohomish, is much less busy, and has bicycle share rows for part of its length.
Second Street (south Snohomish). Again this is a busy arterial. First Street has its own issues as an alternative.
Maple Ave. and Pine Ave. (in east Snohomish. Both of these streets travel north/south, in east Snohomish. Use the Centennial Trail, which runs parallel to, and a bit to the east of, Maple Ave. and west of downtown Pine Ave., if you can.
Resources for Walkers
Even if you live in Snohomish, a stop at the Snohomish Visitor Center will provide you with brochures for some new walks. Also visit our page (Snohomish Dog Walkers and Friends) for information on these resources:
Sidewalk Map for the City. Most of Snohomish has sidewalks, many with generous parking strips. Walkers and dog walkers are most welcome.
All Parks
Riverview Wildlife Sanctuary (1805 First Street)
Centennial Trail
Snohomish’s Riverfront Trail
Walkable Railroad Grade Behind Aquatic Center
Nearby County, Regional, and Off-Leash Parks
Lowell River Front Trail
Lord Hill Regional Park
