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This 624-acre site includes a shallow lake surrounded by extensive wetlands, fields, forest and riparian zone.

The area boasts miles of trails, an interpretive center and a 50-foot observation tower.

The Tennant Lake Interpretive Center is an old farmhouse built by the Nielson family in 1906 and donated to the county in the 1970s.

The site is also home to an award-winning fragrance garden.

Inside the interpretive center, mounted wildlife, displays and maps tell about the surrounding flora, fauna and natural processes at Tennant Lake. Displays provide hands-on activities for children. On-site naturalists are available to answer questions.

This trek is practically all upon a boardwalk. It is wheelchair accessible.

The boards twist and turn their way through a marsh teaming with plants and wildlife. Ecologically speaking, it’s quite a place.

Distance: 1.4 miles

Destination: Loop trail

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation gain: None

Getting there: I-5 to Exit 262. Go west a half-mile. Turn left immediately after going under a railroad underpass. Follow the signs to Tennant Lake Interpretive Center.

The Trek: After stopping to smell the flowers, venturing through the interpretive center and climbing to the top of the observation tower, set out on the trail.

Immediately cross a small boardwalk and set out upon a straightaway of gravel that runs between a massive wetland. The views of Mount Baker over the tops of the high grass are impressive.

Cross a bridge spanning a lily pad-choked Tennant Creek and continue on a gravel path. Bending to the right, the trail borders the creek. On this day, two Canada geese made quite a ruckus as they landed on the water.

At a fork, an interpretive sign explains the inner workings of a wetland and how it is by no means a wasteland. Proceed right. From here on out, it’s all boardwalk. Some sections are raised, while others are right at water level.

Pass a stump with the markings of a busy beaver as the boardwalk snakes its way between rafts of vegetation and islands of trees.

A wide spot in the boardwalk makes for an excellent viewing platform, allowing hikers the opportunity to see up and down the channel. A great blue heron was stoically stalking its prey in the distance.

Traipsing upon a raised section allows for views of the expansive wetlands. Thick vegetation dominates the landscape.

The next viewpoint is at Tennant Lake. Here, there are several benches from which to sit and watch the activity. Insects buzz about while birds flicker from lily pad to lily pad.

Continuing on, cross another bridge. At the intersection, proceed right. At the next intersection, also proceed right.

Cross another bridge and wind your way through the willows to another viewpoint. If the day is clear, Mount Baker can be seen in the distance.

After taking it all in, return to the first intersection and proceed right to return to the rig.