Howarth Park

Updated April 16, 2024

HOWARTH PARK – Updated October 2025 – 76 Photos & 53 Reviews – 1127 …

## Howarth Park (Everett, Washington): what to expect before you go

Howarth Park is a City of Everett waterfront park at 1127 Olympic Blvd, Everett, WA 98203. WA It’s a practical “do-a-lot-in-one-stop” place: viewpoints, short trails, a playground, picnic tables, restrooms, a tennis court, and direct beach access—with a designated off-leash area at the north end of the beach. WA

### Quick facts (from the City of Everett)
– Hours: Open 6 a.m. to dusk WA
– On-site features: off-leash area, picnic tables, playground, restrooms, tennis court, trails, viewpoint WA
– Park setup: three separate parking areas, each with different access and “best use” depending on what you want to do WA
– Established: 1971 WA

## Choosing the right parking area (this matters here)

Howarth Park isn’t a single “one entrance” layout. The city describes three parking areas, and picking the right one saves time and unnecessary climbing. WA

### 1) South parking lot: easiest for play + facilities + a viewpoint stroll
The furthest south lot is the most straightforward if you want amenities without much walking. It provides access to:
– two sport courts
– a playground
– restrooms
– a short, level walking path to a water view that includes visibility of Hat Island WA

This is the best “family logistics” choice if you want bathrooms and a playground close by, or if someone in your group needs minimal grades.

### 2) Central parking lot: viewpoint + trail down the hillside
The central lot sits at a small viewpoint and connects to a trail that leads down the hillside to the beach. WA
If your goal is a quicker “view + beach” combo (and you’re okay with downhill/uphill movement), this is a strong option.

### 3) North parking lot: most direct pedestrian access to the beach
The north lot is described as the closest pedestrian access to the beach, via:
– a short trail
– a pedestrian bridge that spans over the railroad tracks
– and then you’re dropped directly onto the beach WA

If you’re visiting primarily for beach time (especially with a dog), this is the most targeted starting point.

## Dog setup: where off-leash is allowed (and where it isn’t)

Howarth Park is one of the more nuanced dog parks in the area because the off-leash zone is not the entire beach.

– The city states: “The north end of the beach is open to off-leash dogs and pets”. WA
– The south side of the beach is for general access, including leashed pets. WA

### Park rule context (city policy)
Everett’s park guidelines emphasize that pets must be leashed unless in designated off-leash areas (and owners are responsible for cleanup and behavior). WA

Practical takeaway: if you’re coming for the off-leash section, plan to enter from the north lot and stay oriented to the north end once you reach the sand.

## Beach access and mobility reality check

Howarth Park offers beach access, but not all routes are mobility-friendly.

– Multiple visitor resources describe the beach route involving significant stairs, including a notable wooden spiral staircase as part of the beach access experience.
– A local guide-style listing also explicitly notes the beach access is not wheelchair accessible.

### What this means in practice
If anyone in your group has limited mobility, consider treating Howarth Park as a viewpoint + upper-park destination (playground, restrooms, picnic tables, viewpoint) rather than a “definitely going down to the sand” plan. The city’s description supports that the south lot provides a short, level walk to a strong water view. WA

## What to do at Howarth Park (beyond “walk around”)

### 1) Viewpoint time that’s actually worth it
The city’s viewpoint description is unusually specific: from the south area’s water view, you can see Hat Island. WA
That’s helpful because it tells you this isn’t just “peek at the water”—it’s a legitimate sightline vantage point.

### 2) Short trails with a purpose
Trails are listed as a core feature by the city. WA A regional hiking/outing resource adds that the upper area includes common park infrastructure (restrooms, playgrounds, tennis courts, picnic areas) alongside the shoreline setting. Mountaineers
Use trails here as connectors: viewpoint → beach route → return, rather than expecting a long loop hike.

### 3) A structured “picnic + play” setup
With picnic tables, a playground, and restrooms explicitly listed, Howarth Park is built for low-friction half-days—especially if you choose the parking area that matches your plan. WA

## Safety and situational awareness near the shoreline

Because one beach access route uses a pedestrian bridge over railroad tracks, it’s reasonable to assume an active rail corridor is part of the immediate geography. WA
Some visitors also note the shoreline area’s proximity to tracks and the absence of fencing in places—treat that as a reminder to actively supervise kids and keep dogs reliably under control when you’re near the corridor.

## Accuracy notes (what could change)
– Hours (“6 a.m. to dusk”) are from the City of Everett facility listing; cities sometimes adjust hours seasonally or for maintenance, so it’s smart to re-check close to your visit. WA
– Off-leash boundaries are explicitly described by the city (north end off-leash; south side general access). Still, signage and temporary restrictions can change—follow posted notices on site. WA

## Internal links
I can’t include RealJourneyTravels.com internal links “contextually” without knowing your exact URL structure (so I’d be guessing, which would violate your “100% known facts” rule). If you paste 2–3 relevant slugs (e.g., your Everett guide + your Washington parks roundup), I’ll weave them in cleanly.

Key Highlights

Howarth Park

Location

Places to Stay Near Howarth Park

Find and Book a Tour

Explore More Travel Guides