Hiking Guide
www.visitskagitvalley.com
Table of Contents Introduction
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Getting Started
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Trail Resources
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Permits and Fees
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Trail Etiquette
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What About Dogs?
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Leave No Trace
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1. Sharpe Park
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2. Rosario Head
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3. Sugarloaf
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4. Whistle Lake
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5. Tommy Thompson
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6. Kukutali Preserve
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7. Padilla Bay Dike Trail
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8. Oyster Dome
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9. Lizard and Lily Lakes
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10. Skagit Wildlife Area Headquarters Unit
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11. Mount Vernon RiverWalk
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12. Little Mountain
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13. Burlington Dike Trail
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14. Cascade Trail
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15. Northern State Recreation Area
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16. Rasar State Park
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17. Sauk Mountain
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18. Rockport State Park
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19. Pressentin County Park
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20. Hidden Lake Lookout
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21. Cascade Pass-Sahale Arm
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22. Trappers Peak and Thornton Lakes
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23. Newhalem Area Trails
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24. Diablo Lake
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25. Cutthroat Pass
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Resources and Credits
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West Skagit County www.visitskagitvalley.com
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East Skagit County www.visitskagitvalley.com
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INtroduction Welcome to Skagit Valley, a place of natural beauty nestled between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. Here, the Skagit River — one of the Pacific Northwest's grandest rivers — cuts through the North Cascades before flowing across some of the country's most fertile agricultural lands and emptying into the wildlife-rich Salish Sea. Thriving communities are surrounded by parks, preserves, protected forests and one of the nation's wildest national parks. Within this remarkable landscape, a diverse network of hiking trails invites you to experience what makes Skagit Valley so special. From coastal beaches to awe-inspiring peaks in the North Cascades, Skagit Valley offers some of the nation's finest hiking. Explore trails in the North Cascades National Park Complex, national forests, Washington State Parks and outstanding local parks and preserves. You'll find hikes that are short and long, easy and challenging and with opportunities for hikers of all ages and abilities. Whether you're visiting for the first time, returning to a favorite trail or lucky enough to call Skagit Valley home, this guide is designed to introduce you to new places to explore. While not a comprehensive guide to every trail, it highlights the diversity of hiking experiences found throughout the valley. The 25 featured hikes include easy strolls, challenging mountain adventures, coastal beaches, cascading creeks, ancient forests, alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, wildlife preserves and historic sites. Most can be enjoyed as day hikes and are accessible by passenger vehicle, while a few offer rewarding backpacking adventures or trail runs. Together, they represent some of the very best hiking experiences the valley has to offer. There are hundreds more miles waiting to be explored. So grab your pack, lace up your boots and hit the trail!
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Getting started Hiking in the Skagit Valley can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s important to be wellprepared before setting out. Hikes vary in difficulty, terrain and distance. Being equipped for varying conditions and carrying appropriate gear are important for safety. Always check advisories and weather before hiking and follow these best practices:
Start with proper footwear For most well-groomed trails, walking or running shoes should be sufficient. But for wilderness trails and those that involve uneven terrain and backcountry travel, good hiking boots or trail running shoes are a must. Stay Hydrated Even on short trails, it’s easy to become dehydrated. Always carry water, especially on warm summer days. Consider all sources of water in the backcountry to be contaminated. Treat it with purification tablets, a filtering pump or another approved filtering device before drinking it. carry extra food On backcountry hikes, always carry extra food. Granola bars, energy bars and gels, and fruit make for convenient trail snacks. Bring a pack Carry your gear in a comfortable pack. Depending on the distance and degree of difficulty of your hike, this can be as simple as a hip-hugging fanny pack or a large multi-compartment backpack. Personal preference and hiking options should dictate what you use.
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consider your fitness level Be sure that you’re capable of completing the hike before heading out. A mile up a steep mountain is not the same as a mile on a flat, paved trail. Although the latter may take you only 20 minutes to walk, the former may take you more than an hour. Give yourself sufficient time to complete and enjoy your hike. be prepared for weather conditions When setting out on wilderness and backcountry hikes, it’s essential that you carry the “10 Essentials” (see below). Carry rain gear and extra clothing layers. Weather can change rapidly within the North Cascades. It’s not uncommon for a warm 75-degree morning to rapidly transform into a cool, windy and rainy afternoon. Be prepared for all conditions when hiking the Skagit Valley’s backcountry trails.
The 10 Essentials 1. Navigation (map and/or GPS unit) 2. Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen) 3. Insulation (extra clothing-rain/wind jacket/layers) 4. Illumination (flashlight/headlamp) 5. First-aid supplies 6. Fire (firestarter and matches) 7. Repair kit and tools (including a knife) 8. Nutrition (extra food) 9. Hydration (extra water and a filter device) 10. Emergency shelter (such as a space blanket)
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TRAIL RESOURCES The maps in this booklet are basic and meant to help familiarize you with the trails and their locations. They are not meant to be used for navigation. Carrying supplemental hard-copy maps and maps on a phone or GPS device is advised. Green Trails Maps make excellent field-researched maps for the trails within the North Cascades National Park and Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. They can be purchased at national forest and park ranger stations, outdoor specialty shops, convenience stores and sporting goods stores throughout the region. Online sources for trail information include the Tread Maps website, which incorporates input from land managers who oversee the trail systems. The Washington Trails Association also maintains an extensive database of trip reports written by trail users. Both of these sites are trusted sources for assessing current trail conditions. Be aware that trails and access roads are subject to change. They can wash out, be buried in snow or be damaged by wildfire. Occasionally they’re closed for wildlife management or other reasons. Always check with the appropriate governing land agency before setting out on your hike. Contact information for these agencies is included in each hike’s introduction.
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PERMITS AND FEES Some of the included hikes are within the Mount BakerSnoqualmie National Forest and require a pass to park at the trailhead. You can either use a Northwest Forest Parking Pass or an Interagency Pass (America the Beautiful Pass, Golden Age Pass or Golden Access Pass). Northwest Forest Passes (which you display on your rearview mirror) are good at national forest sites that charge a parking fee throughout Washington and Oregon. A better deal is to use an America the Beautiful Pass, which can be used at all national forest and national park sites that require a parking or entrance fee, not only here in Washington but throughout the country. In any case, be sure to purchase your pass before you arrive at the trailhead. You can purchase Northwest Forest Passes at most national forest ranger stations, from several outdoor retailers, at local businesses or online (https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r6/passes-permits). Several hikes in this booklet are also on lands managed by Washington State Parks, Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and require a Discover Pass (which you also display on your rearview mirror). The Discover Pass is valid at all state parks, DNR lands and WDFW properties. You can purchase one from several outdoor retailers, local businesses or online (http://www.discoverpass.wa.gov).
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TRAIL ETIQUETTE Outdoor recreation has gained popularity over the last two decades, and many of Skagit Valley’s trails can be busy at times. Many trails are open to uses other than hiking, and you may also encounter equestrians and mountain bikers along the way. To help ensure a good experience and minimize impacts on public lands, some general rules of trail etiquette are in order. Please be sure to follow all posted regulations. • Yield to horses. When meeting horseback riders, step off the downhill side of the trail if feasible. Maintain control of dogs and do not make loud noises. • Don't cut switchbacks. Doing so can cause erosion and damage vegetation. • Stay on trails in sensitive areas. Don’t leave the trail to hike across alpine meadows, wetlands or other environmentally sensitive areas. • Avoid disturbing wildlife. Always observe wild animals from a distance. • Take only photographs. Leave all natural things and historic artifacts as you found them for others to enjoy. • Never roll rocks off trails or cliffs. You risk endangering others below you. • Can the cairns. Don’t stack rocks because doing so can confuse hikers who may mistake them for directional markers. • Mind the music. Wear earbuds if you listen to music on the trail. • The scoop on poop. Always use restrooms when available, and if you need to heed the call of nature while out on the trail, do so at least 200 feet from any water source or trail. Follow trail regulations for proper disposal requirements. • Pack it in, pack it out. Anything you pack in must be packed out, even biodegradable items. www.visitskagitvalley.com
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WHAT ABOUT DOGS? Dogs are welcome on many trails, but owners are responsible for following all posted regulations. Dogs are prohibited in Kukutali Preserve (Kiket Island) and North Cascades National Park, and must remain on a leash in Washington State Parks and the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. Please respect all leash laws to protect wildlife, ensure the safety of other visitors and avoid fines. Always clean up after your dog and pack out all waste — do not leave bagged waste along the trail. Responsible pet ownership helps keep Skagit Valley's trails safe, clean and enjoyable for everyone.
LEAVE NO TRACE The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is an educational, nonprofit and apolitical organization that promotes responsible enjoyment and active outdoor stewardship. Its guidance is organized around seven principles: Plan Ahead and Prepare Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Dispose of Waste Properly Leave What You Find Minimize Campfire Impacts Respect Wildlife Be Considerate of Other Visitors Visit http://www.lnt.org to learn more. Finally, have fun! Enjoy the wonderful hiking trails in the Skagit Valley. They are among the finest and most scenic in the country. Happy trails! www.visitskagitvalley.com
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Sharpe Park
Coastal bluff granting sweeping Salish Sea views | Wildflowers distance: 3.5 miles of trails
difficulty: Easy to moderate
elevation gain: Up to 550 feet
season to hike: Year-round
closest community: Anacortes
permits: None
Trailhead Amenities: Privies, beaches
Trailhead GPs Waypoint: N 48 25.837 W 122 39.890
Kid-Friendly: Exercise caution – cliffs
Notes: Open dawn to dusk
Dog-Friendly: Permitted on leash
Contact: Skagit County Parks
Explore an incredibly rugged and wild stretch of coastline on Fidalgo Island at this gem of a county park just north of busy Deception Pass. A series of trails — some wide and well-groomed, others more technical and challenging — span this 112-acre park. Sharpe Park and the Montgomery-Duban Headlands encompass one of Fidalgo Island’s largest stretches of undeveloped coastline. In 2003, a campaign led by the San Juan Islands Preservation Trust, along with a generous donation from the Montgomery-Duban family, expanded Sharpe Park to include much of Sares Head, which rises more than 400 feet. From this windswept bluff, find sweeping views of Lopez Island, the Olympic Peninsula and Northwest Island, Deception Island, Rosario Head and Lighthouse Point in Deception Pass State Park.
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The 1.5-mile out-and-back hike to Sares Head gains about 200 feet in elevation. First, at Fox Pond (a large wetland complex), look for waterfowl, frogs and beavers. Then, continue a short climb to breathtaking views from Sares Head. Extend your hike on the 0.6-mile Broom-Tomb Loop Trail, traveling through shore pines, firs, madronas and rocky pocket meadows (look for flowers including camas in the spring) to another viewpoint. You can then return to the trailhead via the Fern Forest and Shelly Loop Trails. For a more challenging return, follow the Sunburst Trail to the Porpoise Trail. On this route, descend to a hidden cove and a series of steep, dramatic coastal ledges (use caution), granting close-up views of the surf and exceptional views across Rosario Strait to Lopez, Allan and Burrows Islands. Look in the surf for whales, seals, seabirds and, as the trail’s name suggests, harbor porpoises. Look above in the towering firs for perched eagles. Then, make a steep climb back to the trailhead.
Trailhead Directions: From Sharpes Corner Traffic Circle on Fidalgo Island, follow State Route 20 (SR 20) southwest for 5.1 miles and turn right onto Rosario Road. Then continue for 1.7 miles to the trailhead.
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Rosario Head
Deception Pass State Park | Dramatic coastal headland distance: 1.7 miles round trip
difficulty: Easy
elevation gain: 300 feet
season to hike: Year-round
closest community: Anacortes
permits: Discover Pass
Trailhead Amenities: Privies, beach, campground
Trailhead GPs Waypoint: N 48 24.997 W 122 39.072
Kid-Friendly: Exercise caution – cliffs
Notes: Closes at dusk
Dog-Friendly: Permitted on leash
Contact: Deception Pass State Park
The short hike to Rosario Head is a perfect introduction to Deception Pass State Park — Washington’s most popular state park. Deception Pass contains more than 4,100 acres of rugged headlands, old-growth forest, beaches and ponds at the turbulent strait separating Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands. Many of the park’s 3 million-plus visitors linger upon the historic and dramatic Deception Pass Bridge built in 1937. Many enjoy the park’s campgrounds. However, with more than 40 miles of trails in the park, there are ample opportunities for escaping the crowds. This hike, from Bowman Bay to Rosario Head, explores only a small section of the park, yet offers stunning scenery and fascinating history. Head west from the boat launch parking area across a grassy area to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Interpretive Center (open in summer). www.visitskagitvalley.com
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Learn how this park was developed or enhanced during the Great Depression through this federal program. The CCC had a lasting effect on conservation, outdoor recreation development and historic preservation. Those benefits continue today. The trail continues west from the center, skirting Bowman Bay Campground and climbing high above Bowman Bay on a trail blasted into the ledge. Enjoy views of the Gull Rocks below and Lighthouse Point across the bay. The trail then descends under a canopy of stately trees to a picnic area. Here, a short trail leads right to Rosario Beach and an alternative trailhead. The main way continues left to the Maiden of Deception Pass. The Samish Tribe placed this 23-foot-tall carved cedar story pole (sculpted by Tracy Powell in 1983) here at one of their traditional tribal campsites. Interpretive panels tell the story of the maiden and of the Samish People’s relationship with the Salish Sea. The hike continues on a 0.3-mile loop up and around Rosario Head. Admire windblown firs and a rainbow of wildflowers. Exercise caution along Rosario’s clifftops as you savor views of the Salish Sea and some prominent landmarks\: Sares Head, Deception Island, Whidbey Island, the San Juan Islands and the Olympic Mountains among them.
Trailhead Directions: From Sharpes Corner Traffic Circle on Fidalgo Island, follow SR 20 southwest for 5.1 miles and turn right onto Rosario Road. Turn left onto Bowman Bay Road and continue to a large parking area, boat launch and trailhead after 0.4 mile.
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Sugarloaf
Sweeping Salish Sea views | Wildflowers | Old-growth forest distance: 2.5 miles round trip
difficulty: Moderate
elevation gain: 650 feet
season to hike: Year-round
closest community: Anacortes
permits: None
Trailhead Amenities: Privy
Trailhead GPs Waypoint: N 48 28.069 W 122 37.776
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Notes: Some trails open to bikes/horses
Dog-Friendly: Permitted on leash
Contact: Anacortes Parks/ACFL
The second-highest summit in the Anacortes Community Forest Lands (ACFL), Sugarloaf offers splendid views of the San Juan Islands, Whidbey Island and the Olympic Mountains. It also provides a close-up view of Mount Erie, the highest peak in the ACFL. Its summit features open ledges and grassy slopes, adorned with wildflowers and framed by firs. There are more than 200 mountains and hills in the United States named Sugarloaf. The one rising adjacent to Mount Erie on Fidalgo Island is one of the smaller ones. Even so, it’s a steep climb to reach this peak’s incredible views. Start your hike by following Trail No. 215. Traverse a swampy draw filled with impressive, towering Douglas-firs and western cedars.
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Bear right at a junction, staying on Trail No. 215, and start steeply climbing. Ferns, moss and salal line the trail. Stay right again at the next junction, remaining on Trail No. 215, and continue climbing under a canopy of mature Douglasfirs. At 1 mile, veer left through a stile onto hiker-only Trail No. 227. Then, shortly afterward head right onto Trail No. 238. After a short final push, you’re standing on Sugarloaf’s 1,044-foot blocky summit. Here, Trail No. 228 (which connects back with Trail No. 215 for a loop) leads to sunny ledges and satisfying views of Whidbey, Burrows, Allan and Lopez Islands. As you wander around looking for the best views, be mindful of the fragile, rocky ecosystem at your feet. Stay on the rocks and ledges so pretty flowers can continue to dazzle hikers all season long!
Trailhead Directions: From Sharpes Corner Traffic Circle on Fidalgo Island, follow SR 20 southwest for 1.8 miles. Then turn right onto Campbell Lake Road and drive 1.5 miles, bearing right onto Heart Lake Road. Continue 1.5 miles to the trailhead on the Ray Auld Drive loop just beyond Mount Erie Road.
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Whistle Lake
Shoreline cliffs | Swimming | Fishing | Old-growth forest distance: 3.8-mile loop
difficulty: Moderate
elevation gain: 600 feet
season to hike: Year-round
closest community: Anacortes
permits: None
Trailhead Amenities: None
Trailhead GPs Waypoint: N 48 28.419 W 122 36.338
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Notes: Trail open to bikes/horses
Dog-Friendly: Permitted on leash
Contact: Anacortes Parks/ACFL
The sprawling 2,800-acre-plus Anacortes Community Forest Lands (ACFL) contain more than 50 miles of multiuse trails traversing its small mountains, lush forests and placid shorelines. One of the forest’s most popular hiking destinations is Whistle Lake. The second-largest body of water in the ACFL, Whistle Lake was once Anacortes’ main water supply. Today the city receives most of its water from the Skagit River, while the lake provides a backup supply. If you’re intent on just reaching the lake, it’s an easy 0.7mile walk on an old service road. It is also wheelchair accessible to the lake. You’ll likely share the path with people hoping to catch trout, perch,or bass. And if it’s a hot summer day, expect some company looking to soak, splash and jump into the lake. Consider looping the lake to extend your hike. www.visitskagitvalley.com
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Follow Trail No. 20, a wide service road beneath a thick forest canopy, ignoring radiating side trails. Pass a major junction complete with a privy and continue on Trail No. 20. At 0.7 mile, reach a junction with Trail No. 204 (Kenny Oakes Trail) at a cove on Whistle Lake. For the loop, you’ll be returning right, so keep hiking straight on the old service road to its end at a popular swimming area. Then, continue hiking on Trail No. 205 (ignoring side trails) along Whistle’s rugged shoreline. Pass lakeside ledges that offer good views of Mount Erie, before crossing a creek and steeply climbing a ledge shrouded with trout lilies in the spring. After descending the ridge, cross a small dam and skirt Toot Swamp on your left. Then, continue on Trail No. 205, steeply climbing until you reach a junction at 2 miles. Here, turn right onto Trail No. 22 and traverse a swampy cove before steeply climbing alongside a creek and reaching another junction. Turn right here onto wide Trail No. 21 and then soon afterward head right onto Trail No. 204. The way emerges onto a large ledge overlooking the lake. Use caution here while you admire springtime flowers and nearby nesting and perching eagles. Resume hiking on Trail No. 204, traveling up and over lakeside ledges before returning to Trail No. 20. From here, it’s 0.7 mile back to the trailhead.
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Trailhead Directions: From Sharpes Corner Traffic Circle on Fidalgo Island, follow SR 20-Spur to Anacortes for 2.7 miles, turning left at the traffic circle onto Commercial Avenue. After 0.4 mile, turn left onto Fidalgo Avenue and drive 0.2 mile. Next, turn left onto Hillcrest Drive. After 0.3 mile, turn right onto Whistle Lake Road and follow for 0.9 mile. Then turn left onto Whistle Lake Terrace and immediately turn right and follow the dirt road 0.3 mile to the trailhead.
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Tommy Thompson
Trestle across Fidalgo Bay | Exceptional wildlife viewing distance: 3.3 miles one way
difficulty: Easy
elevation gain: Minimal
season to hike: Year-round
closest community: Anacortes
permits: None
Trailhead Amenities: Benches, interpretive signs
Trailhead GPs Waypoint: N 48 30.804 W 122 36.644
Kid-Friendly: Yes, stroller accessible
Notes: Bikes, wheelchair accessible
Dog-Friendly: Permitted on leash
Contact: Anacortes Parks
Walk, run, or bike this paved rail trail from Anacortes’ Old Town to March’s Point, taking in beautiful views of Mount Baker. Part of U.S. Bicycle Route 10, this trail showcases the intersection of urban and wild. Tommy Thompson was a local railroad enthusiast who, for many years, operated the Anacortes Railway. He built it himself and ran it with his wife and children. This trail, which follows an abandoned rail line for 3.3 miles, honors him. From the Cap Sante Marina, the trail parallels Q Avenue, passing industrial lots, shipyards and the Anacortes Marina. The way crosses several roads — always exercise caution upon reaching them. At 1.4 miles, reach the 34th Street Trailhead — a good starting point for the southern section of this trail. www.visitskagitvalley.com
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Now, pass a picnic area, reclaimed industrial lands, several interpretive signs and an otter sculpture. Look for river otters in the bay as well as loons and seals. Also look in overhanging trees for bald eagles. The trail follows the bay to Fidalgo Bay Resort, a beautiful camping area owned by the Samish Indian Nation. Here, admire a totem pole before heading out onto a causeway and restored trestle for nearly 1 mile across Fidalgo Bay. Wildlife viewing is excellent here in the bay, a state aquatic reserve. At low tide, look for birds on the glistening mudflats and watch for shell shards on the trail, courtesy of gulls. Upon crossing the trestle, the trail ends at March’s Point Road (no parking).
Trailhead Directions: From Sharpes Corner Traffic Circle on Fidalgo Island, follow SR 20-Spur to Anacortes for 2.6 miles and turn right onto R Avenue. Continue on R Avenue, which eventually becomes Q Avenue, for 1.4 miles to Cap Sante Marina and parking areas near the trail’s northern terminus. Other trailhead access areas with parking include 34th Street and Fidalgo Bay Resort (limited) on Fidalgo Bay Road. The northern trailhead is accessible by Skagit Transit (SKAT) Route 410.
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Kukutali Preserve
Swinomish Indian Reservation | Culturally significant tombolo distance: 2 miles round trip
difficulty: Easy
elevation gain: 180 feet
season to hike: Year-round
closest community: La Conner
permits: Discover Pass
Trailhead Amenities: Privy, interpretive signs
Trailhead GPs Waypoint: N 48 25.255 W 122 33.209
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Notes: Open 6:30 a.m. to dusk
Dog-Friendly: No
Contact: WA State Parks/Swinomish Tribe
The Kukutali Preserve (Kiket Island) is the first park in the country co-owned and jointly managed by a federally recognized Indian tribe and a state government. Kukutali is Lushootseed for “place of the cattail mat,” a reference to the temporary shelters of cattail mats that the Swinomish people historically erected at summer clam digging and beach seining sites. The 83-acre preserve protects Kiket and Flagstaff Islands, which are connected to Fidalgo Island by a tombolo. While this wildlife-rich and culturally important site is now protected, it was threatened in the past as a site for a nuclear power plant. Note that the tombolo connecting Kiket Island to Fidalgo Island will be underwater and inaccessible during some high tides exceeding 9 feet mean lower low water (MLLW) — plan accordingly.
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Now, head down the Kiket Trail (an old road) onto the tombolo. Look south over Kiket Bay and north at Kiket Lagoon (off limits to protect wildlife habitat) for a myriad of bird species. Then, reach the island and slowly climb up the center of the forested island to a junction. Here, the South Trail diverges left, meeting back up with the Kiket Trail in 0.4 mile. The North Trail diverges right to meet back up with the Kiket Trail in 0.5 mile. Use the two trails to make a loop. The North Trail climbs close to the island’s high point, traversing old-growth forest and a bald graced with wildflowers and rare plants. It also offers a good view of Similk Bay and Deception Pass. All three trails lead to a small clearing that once contained a residence. From here you can continue exploring. Take the short Beach Trail south to the island’s southern shoreline, which is open to beach walking (but no harvesting). Note that the island’s northern shore is offlimits to exploration. The Kiket Trail continues west from this spot heading along the tombolo connecting Kiket to tiny Flagstaff Island. Flagstaff is off limits to visitors due to its sensitive environment. However, a hike along the sandy tombolo will give you a close-up view of Flagstaff, as well as good views of Skagit and Hope islands to the south in Kiket Bay.
Trailhead Directions: From Burlington, head west on SR 20 for 9.8 miles. Then, turn left onto Reservation Road and drive 1.6 miles, bearing right onto Snee Oosh Road. Continue for 1.5 miles to the trailhead.
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Padilla Bay Dike Trail Exceptional bird-watching | Estuary Preserve
distance: 4.8 miles round trip
difficulty: Easy
elevation gain: 30 feet
season to hike: Year-round
closest community: Bayview
permits: None
Trailhead Amenities: Privies
Trailhead GPs Waypoint: N 48 28.818 W 122 28.383
Kid-Friendly: Yes, stroller accessible
Notes: Be aware of nearby hunting
Dog-Friendly: Permitted on leash
Contact: Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Admire mudflats, sloughs, Mount Baker and scads of birds from raptors to dabblers on this delightful trail along Padilla Bay’s eastern shore. Follow a dike built by settlers and farmers through the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Established in 1980 to protect extensive mudflats of eelgrass, the nearly 12,000-acre reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise and one of 30 sites in the National Estuarine Research Reserve system. Start your hike by walking south on 2nd Street to Bay View-Edison Road. Then, carefully walk along this road to the Padilla Bay Shore Trailhead, which snakes along the bay for 2.25 miles. The Padilla Bay reserve was established for research, education and stewardship. It protects one of the largest beds of eelgrass in the contiguous United States. www.visitskagitvalley.com
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Although the bay’s shorelines have been heavily influenced by agriculture and industry, the bay remains ecologically viable and incredibly scenic, especially during low tide when the bay, which measures about 8 miles by 3 miles, is transformed into glistening mudflats and sloughs. Birdlife is prolific in the bay, especially during migrations. Look for herons, eagles, falcons, dunlins, brants and more. Islands dot the bay. Sugarloaf and Mount Erie rise to the west on Fidalgo Island. Mount Baker rises above the countryside to the east, and to the south, Mount Rainier hovers over the Skagit Flats. The trail comes to a sloughside barn, a favorite motif among photographers. It then turns away from the mudflats and follows Indian Slough for its final 0.5 mile, terminating at its southern trailhead on the Bay View-Edison Road (parking limited).
Trailhead Directions: From Burlington, exit 231 on I-5, proceed west on Josh Wilson Road for 6.4 miles, entering the community of Bay View. Turn left onto 2nd Street and continue for 0.1 mile to a large parking area on the right.
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Oyster Dome
Blanchard State Forest | Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail distance: 6.2 miles round trip
difficulty: Difficult
elevation gain: 1,900 feet
season to hike: Year-round
closest community: Bow-Edison
permits: None
Trailhead Amenities: None
Trailhead GPs Waypoint: N 48 36.522 W 122 26.000
Kid-Friendly: Exercise caution – cliffs
Notes: Alt. trailheads req. Discover Pass
Dog-Friendly: Permitted on leash
Contact: WA Dept. of Natural Resources
The pearl of the Chuckanut Mountains, Oyster Dome provides sweeping views of the Salish Sea. Stand mouth agape over shimmering waters and islands backed by mountains. One of the most popular hikes in the Skagit Valley, Oyster Dome isn’t easy. It’s one steep grunt to this exposed hunk of sheer cliffs, 2,000 feet above the Salish Sea. And while the scenic payoff is the goal, this natural landmark is also sure to intrigue, with its jumbled, massive boulders and talus heaps at its steep base. Follow the Chuckanut Trail, which is also part of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (a 1,200-mile route from the Olympic Coast to Montana’s Glacier National Park). Via a couple of sweeping switchbacks, steadily ascend on a well-trodden path. Pass a small ledge granting big views out to the San Juan Islands and Olympic Mountains.
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It’s a teaser to the views that await at the summit. At 1.5 miles, reach a junction. The Chuckanut Trail continues right 0.4 mile to the Samish Overlook, providing breathtaking views over the Skagit Flats. The overlook (reached by DNR roads from the east) is also a good alternative starting point for the Oyster Dome. From the junction, continue left on the Samish Bay Trail, traversing steep slopes and crossing a few small creeks. The trail then once again steepens, weaving around big boulders and following alongside a small tributary of Oyster Creek. After some twisting, turning and a lot of grunting, reach a junction. The trail to the right heads toward Lily Lake. You want to go left, descending to cross a small creek before making one last steep push to the rocky rim of the Oyster Dome. The drop-off is precipitous, so exercise caution, especially with children and dogs. Now feast on Oyster Dome’s views — the San Juan Islands, Fidalgo Island, Whidbey Island, Vancouver Island, the snowcapped Olympic Mountains, the Skagit River Flats and a whole lot of Salish Sea. It’s one shell of a view!
Trailhead Directions: From Exit 231 on I-5, follow SR 11 (Chuckanut Drive) north for 10.2 miles to the trailhead. Park on the west shoulder of the highway, well out of traveled road lanes and away from posted areas (or risk being towed).
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Lizard and Lily Lakes Blanchard State Forest | Backcountry lakes | Camping
distance: 7.5 miles round trip
difficulty: Moderate
elevation gain: 1,500 feet
season to hike: Year-round
closest community: Alger
permits: Discover Pass
Trailhead Amenities: Privy
Trailhead GPs Waypoint: N 48 36.933 W 122 23.230
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Notes: Trail open to bikes/horses
Dog-Friendly: Permitted on leash
Contact: WA Dept. of Natural Resources
High on Blanchard Mountain, tucked in deep forest, lie two little tranquil lakes. Lily and Lizard Lakes see a fraction of the hikers that nearby Oyster Dome attracts, making them wonderful destinations for a quieter backcountry excursion. Both lakes are also graced with backcountry campsites, making them great destinations for early- and late-season backpacking when the Cascades are buried in snow. The loop hike described here is the most popular way to access the lakes, but they can also be reached by other trail combinations, including from the Samish Bay Trail (Oyster Dome approach). Locate the Lily Lizard Trail just south of the trailhead parking lot. Then follow it, paralleling above a forest road for a short distance. The trail, like several others in the Blanchard State Forest, utilizes parts of old logging railroad beds. www.visitskagitvalley.com
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Cross a bridge over a cascading creek to begin a moderate ascent. The way switchbacks east, reaching a junction with the Lily Max Connector. You’ll be returning left, so continue right. Cross the creek once more and steadily climb, coming to a junction with the Lily Lake Trail. If you’re intent on just visiting Lily Lake, head left; otherwise, continue right for the loop, now on the Lizard Lake Trail, which is part of the long-distance Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT). Traverse steep slopes shrouded in mature second-growth forest. Soon, bear left at a junction and reach Lizard Lake 3.4 miles from the trailhead. Marshy with lots of snags, the lake provides good habitat for birds and frogs. To continue the loop, head left on the Lizard Lily Connector Trail. Pass a massive glacial erratic and a few big trees as you climb to a small saddle. Here, a side trail leads to North Butte with its excellent views of Mount Baker and the Salish Sea. The loop continues straight, descending to Lily Lake. Much prettier than Lizard Lake, it’s a good place for admiring waterfowl and, as its name suggests: lilies. Continue hiking along a stream to a junction. The trail to the right leads to Oyster Dome. You want to go left and then immediately turn right onto Max’s Shortcut Trail (also part of the PNT). Steadily descend through forest, reaching a junction. The trail to the right leads to the Samish Overlook. You want to go left on the Lily Max Trail, traversing forested slopes to a familiar junction. Then, head right and return to the Upper Trailhead.
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Trailhead Directions: From Exit 240 on I-5 in Alger, turn left onto Lake Samish Road and drive 0.5 mile. Then, turn left onto Barrel Springs Road and proceed for 0.7 mile. Turn right onto gravel DNR Road BL-ML and continue for 1.9 miles to upper trailhead.
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Skagit Wildlife Area Headquarters Unit
Skagit Wildlife Area | Wiley Slough | Exceptional bird-watching distance: 2 miles of trails
difficulty: Easy
elevation gain: Minimal
season to hike: Year-round
closest community: Conway
permits: Discover Pass
Trailhead Amenities: Privy
Trailhead GPs Waypoint: N 48 19.537 W 122 22.770
Kid-Friendly: Yes; ADA accessible
Notes: Active bird-hunting area, Oct-Jan
Dog-Friendly: Permitted on leash
Contact: WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife
Located on the Skagit River Delta along the South Fork of the Skagit River, the Headquarters Unit is one of the best bird-watching locations in Western Washington, especially for viewing snow geese migrating from Wrangel Island, Russia. Hunters are drawn to these flocks too, so it’s best to visit after snow goose hunting season ends (usually in late January) and before the geese return to Alaska (usually by April). This is a great area to visit and watch birds year-round. The Skagit Wildlife Area consists of more than 18,000 acres in several parcels, primarily within the Skagit River Delta. The Headquarters Unit (home to the refuge’s offices) is the best in the refuge for hiking. www.visitskagitvalley.com
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Here, two main trails follow dikes. Follow the trail west from the boat launch to enjoy sweeping views south across the delta to the Olympic Mountains and north across Fir Island's farmland to Mount Baker. The other dike trail is more primitive and scenic. Follow it along Wiley Slough and Freshwater Slough, enjoying excellent views of Mount Baker and other Cascade peaks. On clear days, Mount Rainier is visible in the distance. Look for nesting, wading, dabbling, soaring and migrating birds along the way. From the boat launch parking area, follow the wide trail 0.2 mile to the access point from the alternative trailhead. Then continue another 0.3 mile to a junction. The main wide wheelchair-accessible trail continues right, crossing Wiley Slough. Follow it for 0.5 mile to its end. It provides good views north into adjacent farmlands, where thousands of snow geese can often be seen from late fall through early spring. The other trail heads south, following Wiley Slough and its extensive wetlands and marshes. Scan the reeds, bulrushes, grasses and snags here for a myriad of bird species. Enjoy views of Mount Baker rising in the distance. At 1 mile, the trail ends at the extensive tidal flats lining Skagit Bay. Just to your left, the South Fork Skagit River’s Freshwater Slough empties into this wildlife-rich bay.
Trailhead Directions: From Exit 221 on I-5 in Conway, head west to the traffic circle and continue west on Fir Island Road for 1.7 miles. Turn left onto Wylie Road and drive 1.1 miles to the Headquarters Unit of the Skagit Wildlife Area. Park at the boat launch area for wheelchair accessibility, or turn right on Game Farm Road for an alternative trailhead in 0.1 mile.
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Mount Vernon Riverwalk Vibrant urban trail | Public art and sculptures | Historic downtown distance: 1.4 miles round trip
difficulty: Easy
elevation gain: Minimal
season to hike: Year-round
closest community: Mount Vernon
permits: None
Trailhead Amenities: Privy, picnic tables
Trailhead GPs Waypoint: N 48 25.578 W 122 20.351
Kid-Friendly: Yes, stroller accessible
Notes: Bikes, wheelchair accessible
Dog-Friendly: Permitted on leash
Contact: Mount Vernon Parks
Stroll along the mighty Skagit River through the heart of Mount Vernon, Skagit County’s largest city and county seat. Admire historic landmarks, sculptures and natural beauty — all just a hop, skip and jump from this small river city’s historic downtown. Stop for a drink or a bite to eat afterward, or just make yourself comfortable on a trailside bench. From Lions Park, the Riverwalk heads south, passes a playground and immediately hugs the east bank of the Skagit River. The Riverwalk resulted from the Mount Vernon Waterfront Revitalization and Flood Protection Project initiated in the early 2000s.
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Walk toward downtown Mount Vernon and notice an old smokestack with a tulip mural on it, representing the region’s most famous crop. The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is North America’s largest tulip festival, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors throughout the month of April. After darting under Division Street, the trail enters the Skagit Riverwalk Park, which was transformed from an old revetment and parking lot. Throughout the year, festivities and outdoor markets take place here. The annual Illuminight Winter Walk here brings together hundreds of folks to send luminaries into the sky. The Riverwalk ends 0.7 mile from Lions Park, just south of Kincaid Street. Extend your walk from the Lions Park parking area following a 0.2-mile paved path, paralleling Freeway Drive and the Skagit River, to a wooded section of the park. Then, follow a 0.6-mile loop trail through a towering grove of cottonwoods at a bend in the river.
Trailhead Directions: From Exit 227 on I-5 in Mount Vernon, head west on College Way and immediately turn left onto Freeway Drive. Continue 0.7 mile south to Lions Park. The Riverwalk also can be accessed at several points in downtown Mount Vernon near public parking, Skagit Transit stops and the Amtrak station.
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Little Mountain
Exceptional views of Skagit Valley | Extensive trail system distance: 10+ miles of trails
difficulty: Easy to difficult
elevation gain: Up to 600 feet
season to hike: Year-round
closest community: Mount Vernon
permits: None
Trailhead Amenities: Privy
Trailhead GPs Waypoint: N 48 24.079 W 122 18.248
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Notes: Some trails open only to bikes
Dog-Friendly: Permitted on leash
Contact: Mount Vernon Parks
Little Mountain hovers more than 900 feet above Mount Vernon and the farmlands of the Skagit River delta. Mount Vernon’s grand park, Little Mountain, consists of 522 forested acres traversed by a summit road and more than 10 miles of well-built, interconnecting trails. Hikers and trail runners can get a good workout in the park, while mountain bikers can challenge their skills on trails and take a mountain bike skills course. Two overlooks on this small but locally prominent peak provide beautiful views. Little Mountain Park’s several trailheads and extensive trail system allow for many hiking variations. Download or print out a map before you go, as it’s easy to end up on the opposite side of the mountain from where you began.
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For an easy 0.5-mile loop with less vertical climbing than many of the park’s trails, check out the Nature Trail and Sidekick. You can access them directly from the Eastern Trailhead or hike 1 mile to them from the main parking area via the La-Z-Boy and Cairn Trails. To hike to Little Mountain’s summit from the main parking area, there are several variations and loops you can make, ranging from 3 to 5 miles round trip. Follow Rooty to HuffN-Puff, Service Road, Sidewinder and Viewpoint to the Summit, or Rooty to Ridge Trail to the summit. The Ridge Trail is a nice, hiker-only route that can also be accessed from a parking area halfway up the Little Mountain Summit Road. Once on the summit, plan on having a snack or lunch at the picnic area. And of course, check out the two lookouts. The one on the mountain’s high point provides great views west across the Skagit flats to the Olympic Mountains. The north lookout on the North Viewpoint Trail offers an exceptional view over the city of Mount Vernon to peaks to the north including snowy Mount Baker. On the park’s southern reaches, two trailheads off Hickox Road provide longer and less-used trails to the summit. The all-volunteer Mount Vernon Trail Crew continues to add trails to the park’s system, so don’t be surprised to find a new one on a return visit.
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Trailhead Directions: From Exit 225 on I-5 south in Mount Vernon, head east on Anderson Road (which becomes LaVenture Road) for 1 mile. Then turn right onto Blackburn Road and bear right in 0.3 mile onto Little Mountain Road. Continue 0.4 mile, turn right into Little Mountain Park and soon reach a large parking area. Additional parking and trailheads can be found in the park.
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Burlington Dike Trail
Skagit riverfront | Playfields and disc golf course | Cottonwoods distance: 3 miles one way
difficulty: Easy
elevation gain: Minimal
season to hike: Year-round
closest community: Burlington
permits: None
Trailhead Amenities: Privy
Trailhead GPs Waypoint: N 48 26.915 W 122 19.365
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Notes: Trail open to bikes
Dog-Friendly: Permitted on leash
Contact: Burlington Parks/Dike District 12
East of bustling Burlington Boulevard, beyond stores, shops and restaurants, is an inviting strip of greenery along the Skagit River. Located between two large bends in the river, this stretch of Burlington contains active farms, the Skagit River Park sports complex and the Skagit River Raceway, a radio-controlled car racetrack. The Burlington Dike Trail skirts all of the park and farm activity, snaking along the river. Walk the wide dike for 3 miles, admiring the Skagit, the longest river flowing into the Puget Sound Basin. When the river is not at flood stage, you can follow a single track along it, paralleling the dike. Burlington lies almost entirely within the Skagit River floodplain, and the dike you'll be walking atop helps protect the city from seasonal flooding.
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From the trail’s southern terminus near the disc golf course (be aware of flying discs), walk through a procession of tall cottonwoods. Then follow the dike. To the east across the river are more large cottonwoods. Admire the Cascade Mountain foothills in the distance. During the spring and fall migrations, watch scores of trumpeter and tundra swans flying overhead to area fields, wetlands and sloughs. At about 1.7 miles, the trail crosses South Gardner Road, leading to the Roger “Gus” Tjeerdsma boat launch. The landscape now changes from parkland and playfields to agricultural land (stay on the trail). Pass by a big bend in the river where you’ll get a good view up the Skagit Valley. The trail then bends west away from the river and ends after 3 miles.
Trailhead Directions: From Exit 229 on I-5 in Burlington, head east on George Hopper Road for 0.2 mile and turn right onto South Burlington Boulevard. Continue for 0.4 mile, exiting right onto East Whitmarsh Road. Turn left and drive 1.1 miles to Skagit River Park and parking. The trail can be accessed throughout the park as well as from the Disc Golf Course and Gus Tjeerdsma Boat Launch on South Gardner Road.
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Cascade Trail
Long-distance rail trail | Skagit River views | Countryside views distance: 23.4 miles one way
difficulty: Easy
elevation gain: Minimal
season to hike: Year-round
closest community: Sedro-Woolley
permits: None
Trailhead Amenities: Restrooms at Silo Park
Trailhead GPs Waypoint: N 48 30.900 W 122 12.707
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Notes: Trail open to bikes/horses
Dog-Friendly: Permitted on leash
Contact: Skagit County Parks
Traverse a large stretch of the Skagit Valley from SedroWoolley to Concrete on this rail trail along a former Great Northern trunk line that later became part of the Burlington Northern Railroad. Pass through friendly communities, quiet woodlots, productive farmlands and wildlife-rich wetlands, and travel along the banks of the mighty Skagit River. The Cascade Trail runs for more than 23 miles. A popular objective for many cyclists and distance runners is to complete it end to end, but a walk or short hike on any section is equally worthwhile. The western end is the trail’s most popular because it is close to Skagit County’s population centers. The middle stretch through Lyman is the most scenic, where it traverses wetlands and travels along the banks of the Skagit. Traveling through the old company town of Concrete on the eastern end of the trail is delightful, with its historic concrete silos and buildings.
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The trail’s western terminus is currently at Metcalf Street in Sedro-Woolley. From there, it travels to Township Street. It’s then paved for 0.75 mile to the main trailhead on State Route 20 (SR 20). Eastward from here, the path is crushed gravel. The trail at first runs close to SR 20, passing another trailhead before angling away from the busy roadway, crossing a couple of creeks and traversing active farms. After crossing Minkler Road, the trail crosses Coal Creek and continues across open farmland. After crossing Hoehn Road, it crosses Wiseman Creek, which is prone to flooding from late fall to spring. The trail then crosses Minkler Lake, an oxbow lake teeming with birds, protected by the Skagit Land Trust. After crossing Robinson Road, the trail travels along a bank of the Skagit River, providing stunning views. Just beyond, the trail crosses Main Street in Lyman and continues east, traversing woodlots and crossing a couple of creeks on small trestles. After crossing Petit Street in Hamilton, the way reaches a slough and makes a slight detour on a road where a trestle is washed out. It then crosses SR 20 (exercise extreme caution) and parallels it before reaching Baker Lake Road. From here, it is necessary to walk the shoulder of SR 20 to cross Grandy Creek before returning to the trail. The way then traverses away from SR 20 through a forest and climbs a hillside. The trail reaches Concrete, passing through Silo Park, and then on pavement continues another 0.5 mile to its eastern terminus at the old depot, now serving as a senior center.
Trailhead Directions: From Exit 232 on I-5 north of Burlington, drive Cook Road 4.3 miles east to SR 20. Then continue 1.8 miles east on SR 20 to the trailhead parking at the intersection with Fruitdale Road. Parking areas and trailheads can also be found at the junction of Polte Road and Township Street in Sedro-Woolley, near Helmick Road on SR 20, South Main Street in Lyman, and Silo Park in Concrete.
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NORTHERN STATE RECREATION AREA
Historic dairy farm | Restored wetlands | Disc golf course distance: 9+ miles of trails
difficulty: Easy
elevation gain: Up to 200 feet
season to hike: Year-round
closest community: Sedro-Woolley
permits: None
Trailhead Amenities: Privy, picnic area
Trailhead GPs Waypoint: N 48 31.727 W 122 11.724
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Notes: Some trails open to bikes/horses
Dog-Friendly: Permitted on leash
Contact: Skagit County Parks
Wander old farm roads through large fields and amble on new trails through forests and alongside salmon-rearing creeks in this sprawling 723-acre park. Northern State Recreation Area was once a dairy farm for the Northern State Hospital, which ceased operations in 1973. Many of the hospital’s historic Spanish Colonial Revival buildings have since been repurposed as the Port of Skagit’s Swift Center. The former farm now contains a veterans memorial, disc golf course and miles of beautiful trails built by the volunteer Skagit Trail Builders. The large, century-old yellow barns on the bluff north of the trailhead are sure to attract your attention. The Northern State Hospital was built in 1909 to treat patients. www.visitskagitvalley.com
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It was designed by Massachusetts-based Olmsted Brothers, an influential landscape architectural firm responsible for designing many highly acclaimed projects — among them Seattle’s park system. The hospital had its own farm, worked by the patients, providing them with food and clothing. Admire the old barns and buildings here and at the adjacent Swift Center, but stay out of them, as they are historic landmarks and unsafe due to deteriorating conditions. Northern State’s extensive trail system allows you to piece together routes short and long. The 1.1-mile Veteran’s Loop Trail and 1.2-mile Farmstead Trail both travel on dikes through restored floodplain wetlands along Hansen Creek. Bird-watching and views of surrounding mountains are good from these trails. A couple of trails allow for loop hikes in the rolling upper fields. Northern State’s finest trails are located in the northwest section of the park. Here, the Skagit Trail Builders have constructed several miles of well-built, aesthetically pleasing paths. The 0.9-mile Pump House Trail travels along Hill Creek through groves of mature firs and cedars. The 1.9-mile Hill Creek Loop is exceptionally pretty, traveling along Hill Creek and Hansen Creek, and provides access to Big Rock (North Knoll) and a small meadow restored with native wildflowers. The new Song Sparrow Bridge connects these two beautiful trails.
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Trailhead Directions: From Exit 232 on I-5 just north of Burlington, drive Cook Road 4.3 miles east to SR 20. Then continue 2.8 miles east on SR 20, turning left onto Helmick Road. After 0.4 mile, turn left into the park to reach the trailhead.
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Rasar state park
Skagit River access | Interpretive signs | Historic farm distance: 5 miles of trails
difficulty: Easy
elevation gain: Minimal
season to hike: Year-round
closest community: Concrete
permits: Discover Pass
Trailhead Amenities: Restrooms, campground, picnic area, playground Kid-Friendly: Yes
Trailhead GPs Waypoint: N 48 31.000 W 121 54.140
Dog-Friendly: Permitted on leash
Contact: Rasar State Park
Notes: ADA-accessible trail
A popular camping state park, Rasar also contains 5 miles of family-friendly hiking trails. Amble along the Skagit River, stopping to soak your feet at sandy beaches along the way. Look for eagles perched majestically on firs and cottonwoods and wander across fields cleared by a homesteading family a century and a half ago. Rasar State Park’s natural beauty is complemented by aesthetically appealing camping and picnic grounds, and dwellings constructed of fieldstone that echo the simple beauty of earlier Civilian Conservation Corps structures. Head out in any direction from the day-use area and piece together your own routes, from a simple evening stroll to an all-day adventure. A paved 0.2-mile ADA-accessible trail in the park leads to a sandy stretch of beach on the Skagit River. www.visitskagitvalley.com
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Excercise caution, as the river currents can be strong. Rasar contains 4,000 feet of shoreline along the river. The 0.3-mile Skagit River Woods Trail traverses a small bluff graced with maples, cottonwoods and Sitka spruces. Keep binoculars at hand, ready to zoom in on eagles, osprey, woodpeckers or geese. The Field Trail makes a 0.9-mile loop around a sprawling old hay field. Wildflowers add an array of colors to the swaying grasses in late spring and summer. The trail offers excellent views of surrounding peaks, including Sauk Mountain, easily recognized by its hogback ridge. A series of trails travel through mature second-growth forest connecting the Field and River trails to the campground. Head to the northern section of the park and follow the 1mile loop around the group campsites and park cabins. When this area is free of campers, the trail will likely be quiet as well, allowing for a peaceful stroll.
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Trailhead Directions: From Burlington, head east on SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) for 21 miles and turn right onto Lusk Road. Continue 0.6 mile and turn left onto Cape Horn Road. Then, drive 0.8 mile and turn right into Rasar State Park and proceed 0.25 mile to the trailhead in the day-use area.
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sauk mountain
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest | Wildflowers distance: 4.2 miles round trip
difficulty: Easy
elevation gain: 1,200 feet
season to hike: July to October
closest community: Concrete
permits: None
Trailhead Amenities: Privy
Trailhead GPs Waypoint: N 48 31.277 W 121 36.429
Kid-Friendly: Yes, older children
Notes: Avalanche danger early in season Contact: Mount Baker Ranger District
Dog-Friendly: Permitted on leash
Sauk Mountain rises one vertical mile above the confluence of the wild and scenic Sauk and Skagit Rivers. Easily recognized throughout the Skagit Valley with its hogback summit and steep western slopes draped in verdant meadows, Sauk calls out to be hiked. It’s a short hike, but a steep one involving switchbacks through high grasses and dazzling wildflowers in the summer. The views stretch from snowcapped Mount Baker and Glacier Peak all the way down to the Skagit Valley and the Salish Sea. The popular trail immediately begins in a beautiful sprawling meadow. After a short, easy stint, it gets down to business, switchbacking up Sauk’s steep west face. The floral show here is supreme throughout the summer. You’ll find harebells, lupines, daisies, parsleys, thimbleberries, paintbrushes, thistles, columbines, fireweeds and more.
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Admire the surrounding beauty, but stay focused on the ground as you ascend. The trail sports hidden burrows and other potential ankle twisters. After some serious steady climbing, crest the hogback ridge and take in the amazing views south to the confluence of the Sauk and Skagit, Glacier Peak and Whitehorse Mountain. The view east is grand too, encompassing the Pickets, Teebone Ridge and the Cascade River Valley. The trail continues north, coming to a junction at 1.5 miles. Here, a lightly used trail heads right 1.5 miles, steeply dropping into an open emerald basin cradling Sauk Lake. It’s a 1,100-foot drop from the ridge, which helps keep the crowds away. The main trail continues left, traversing a rocky area before reaching Sauk’s 5,537-foot summit. A fire tower once graced this Cascades outpost. It was here, in 1953, that Beat poet Philip Whalen worked as a fire lookout. His fellow Beat poet, Jack Kerouac, staffed the fire lookout on Desolation Peak. While the tower is long gone, the views are still majestic, encompassing scores of ridges and peaks, with Mount Baker stealing the show.
Trailhead Directions: From Burlington, drive east on SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) for 36.5 miles to milepost 96. Then, turn left onto Forest Road 1030 (a high-clearance vehicle is recommended) for 7.8 miles to the trailhead.
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Rockport state park
Old-growth forest | ADA Nature Trail | Interpretive displays distance: 3 miles round trip
difficulty: Moderate
elevation gain: 250 feet
season to hike: Year-round
closest community: Rockport
permits: Discover Pass
Trailhead Amenities: Privy, water, picnic tables
Trailhead GPs Waypoint: N 48 29.270 W 121 36.866
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Notes: Faucets shut off during winter
Dog-Friendly: Permitted on leash
Contact: Rockport State Park
Located at the base of Sauk Mountain, this delightful 632acre state park invites hikers of all ages and abilities to explore its ancient forest. Wander through impressive groves of towering Douglas-firs and western red cedars and stroll alongside cascading creeks. Delightful throughout the year, Pacific dogwoods add showy white bouquets to the forest in spring, while vine maples add golden touches in the fall. Rockport State Park is one of the best places in the Skagit Valley to easily access a stunning primeval forest. Due to its low elevation, you can hike here year-round, often with very few fellow trail users. There are several miles of trails within the park. The Evergreen Trail described here makes a nice 3-mile loop in the park.
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The trail heads east from behind the restroom, winding through stately fir groves. It dips and curves as it makes its way to the park’s eastern boundary by an old logged area. Here, catch a glimpse of Sauk Mountain towering over the park. The trail bends west and passes the Broken Fir, a centuries-old fallen tree that grew here for 300 years. The trail now slowly gains elevation — veer right at an intersection and follow alongside tumbling Fern Creek. Then, cross the bridge over a ravine. Now slowly descend, coming to another creek. The trail crosses it several times before merging with the wheelchair-accessible West Loop Trail. The Evergreen Trail continues right through a grove of stately hemlocks before leaving the West Loop. The trail, now wheelchair accessible, skirts the park’s old campground (closed due to danger from aging trees). It then passes a junction with the Skagit View Trail and a monstrous fir before crossing the park access road and returning to your starting point, completing the loop. If visiting with a wheelchair, head out west from the parking area for a 1.3-mile lollipop loop. If you want to do more wandering, check out the 0.7-mile Skagit View Trail and 0.4-mile Sauk Springs Trail located south of SR 20. Catch window views of the Skagit River through stately trees on these lightly visited trails.
Trailhead Directions: From Burlington, drive east on SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) for 37 miles to Rockport State Park. Turn left into the park, and then immediately turn right into the trailhead parking area.
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pressentin county park Historic pioneer homestead | Spawning salmon viewing
distance: 1.7 miles of trails
difficulty: Easy
elevation gain: Minimal
season to hike: Year-round
closest community: Marblemount
permits: None
Trailhead Amenities: Privy
Trailhead GPs Waypoint: N 48 31.581 W 121 26.343
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Notes: Park trail system is still being developed Contact: Skagit County Parks
Dog-Friendly: Permitted on leash
This wonderful little park is located at the confluence of the Cascade and Skagit rivers. Hike through meadows and groves of cottonwoods and maples, and cross channels that support spawning salmon. Once part of a homestead established by Frank and Mabel Pressentin in 1904, their heir, Warren, donated this property to the county to be established as a park. Frank’s parents came to the Skagit Valley in the 1880s. The family was prominent in the Upper Skagit Valley, operating a hotel and roadhouse and running packing operations for the Forest Service. This park honors their pioneer spirit as well as the natural environment of the Upper Skagit. The county has recently been making some major improvements to the park, including new parking lots, a play area, a restored side channel on the Skagit River and a bicycle-only campground. www.visitskagitvalley.com
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Lollipop Loop Trail was also recently constructed. Several new trails are in the works. While the trail system is currently pretty short, you can easily spend several hours here admiring the Skagit River and in-season spawning salmon. Three large bridges span the channel, allowing for excellent salmon-viewing opportunities. Along the loop, a couple of short spurs provide access to the river for fishing. A picnic shelter set in a restored meadow makes a great place to stop whether you are exploring the park or traveling on SR 20. From the meadow, enjoy good views of the steep mountains surrounding the upper Skagit Valley. Look north to the prominent Helen Buttes. A side trail leaves the loop and heads east through an area recently planted with native shrubs to an excellent view of the Cascade River Road Bridge. This trail will eventually be upgraded with interpretive panels.
Trailhead Directions: The trailhead is located on SR 20 in Marblemount 0.4 mile west of Cascade River Bridge.
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hidden lake lookout
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest | Alpine views distance: 9.0 miles round trip
difficulty: Challenging
elevation gain: 3,340 feet
season to hike: July to October
closest community: Marblemount
permits: None
Trailhead Amenities: None
Trailhead GPs Waypoint: N 48 30.842 W 121 13.316
Kid-Friendly: No
Notes: Trail can be extremely dangerous (avalanche activity) Contact: Mount Baker Ranger District
Dog-Friendly: Dogs prohibited
A classic North Cascades hike leads to the historic Hidden Lake Lookout, which sits on a precipitous perch more than 6,000 feet above the deep glacier-carved Cascade River Valley. From this knob, shrouded in jumbled talus and harboring glistening snowfields, peer out at a surrounding skyline of lofty serrated summits. It’s some of the wildest, most formidable backcountry in America. The trail begins in an old clear-cut. While Hidden Lake Lookout is an exceptionally beautiful place and provides habitat for a myriad of critters, including ptarmigans, pikas and many other species, it’s not protected by wilderness or national park status. The trail soon enters old-growth forest and begins climbing steeply. After about 1 mile of traipsing through the trees, the trail enters an alder-choked avalanche chute to cross the East Fork of Sibley Creek.
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Now, resume traversing steep brushy slopes that sport showy wildflowers during the summer months. The trail re-crosses East Fork Sibley Creek and bends south, working its way toward the lookout. Pause to admire Mount Baker hovering in the western sky. Continue hiking across heather meadows with granite slabs funneling snowmelt. At 3 miles, reach a steep gully that is treacherous to cross if snow-filled. It may be best to turn around here if snow lingers in the gully. Otherwise, continue across heather meadows and snowfields beneath hulking Hidden Lake Peak. The trail steepens again, delivering you to a high saddle between the 7,088-foot true summit of Hidden Lake Peaks and the 6,890-foot knoll housing the lookout. Shimmering Hidden Lake (often snowbound through summer) lies 800 feet below. Enjoy its beauty from above, framed by a stunning backdrop of impressive North Cascades summits — Eldorado, Forbidden and Boston among them. To reach the lookout, continue climbing 300 feet over ledge, rock and possibly lingering snowfields. Views of Rainier, Baker and every peak, valley, and ridge in between expand with every step! Reach the summit and admire its lookout, built in 1931.
Trailhead Directions: From Marblemount, head east on the Cascade River Road for 9.7 miles and turn left onto Forest Road 1540 (Sibley Creek Road). Follow rough FR 1540 (high clearance-vehicle recommended) for 4.7 miles to the trailhead.
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Cascade Pass-Sahale arm North Cascades National Park | Alpine views | Wildlife viewing distance: 12 miles round trip
difficulty: Challenging
elevation gain: 4,000 feet
season to hike: July to October
closest community: Marblemount
permits: None
Trailhead Amenities: None
Trailhead GPs Waypoint: N 48 28.490 W 121 04.410
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Notes: Camping by permit and only in designated campsites Contact: North Cascades Visitor Center
Dog-Friendly: Dogs prohibited
From a lofty start beneath the fierce face of 8,200-foot Johannesburg Mountain, follow a route once used by Indigenous peoples, explorers, prospectors and surveyors to reach Lake Chelan. Today, this well-built trail is hiked by folks of all abilities from all over the country in pursuit of stunning alpine views. The Cascade Pass trailhead is the only trailhead within the park that is accessible by vehicle, making the hike one of the most accessible and scenic high-country hikes in the North Cascades. The lofty ridge is also home to gregarious marmots, flush with dazzling wildflowers in summer and carpeted with crimson berry bushes in fall. The well-built trail starts in open forest switchbacking about 30 times. After climbing 1,400 feet in 2 miles, the grade eases and makes a long traverse across heather meadows, talus slopes and the occasional lingering www.visitskagitvalley.com
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snowfield. At 3.7 miles, reach the heather parklands of Cascade Pass, elevation 5,400 feet. The views are good here — especially east down the Stehekin River valley to massive Mount MacGregor. But the views are so much better from Sahale Arm, so consider pushing onward. Continue east from the pass to a junction and head left to begin steeply climbing. Upon cresting a shoulder of Sahale Arm, bear left at a junction with the trail to Doubtful Lake. Now amble through wide-open meadows and alpine tundra, feasting on sweeping views of serrated summits. Stop when content, but if you don’t mind clambering up steep rock, glacial moraine and a snowfield or two, continue hiking to the toe of Sahale Glacier. Here, at an elevation of 7,600 feet and 6 miles from the trailhead, be mesmerized by an up-close view of 8,484-foot Sahale Mountain’s glistening glacier. The views out to a sea of surrounding peaks are equally stunning. Climbers can go higher, but for hikers, this is as good as it gets — and it’s amazing!
Trailhead Directions: From Marblemount, head east on the Cascade River Road for 23.2 miles (pavement ends at 10.3 miles) to its end at the trailhead.
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TRAPPERS PEAK AND THORNTON LAKES
Ross Lake National Recreation Area | North Cascades NP distance: 10.4 miles round trip
difficulty: Challenging
elevation gain: 3,460 feet
season to hike: July to October
closest community: Newhalem
permits: None for day use
Trailhead Amenities: None
Trailhead GPs Waypoint: N 48 39.220 W 121 19.450
Kid-Friendly: No
Notes: Camping by permit and only in designated campsites Contact: North Cascades Visitor Center
Dog-Friendly: Dogs prohibited
It’s a tough climb that’ll have you using your hands at times, but the visual reward is worth every ounce of sweat expended. Stand on this 5,964-foot North Cascades peak. Stare straight down to tiny Newhalem 1 vertical mile below and admire the mouth of the Skagit River Gorge. This is one of the best views of the legendary, jagged and precipitous Picket Range, as it’s one of the best views of this notorious subrange of peaks coveted by climbers. Start your hike at the edge of a huge old clear-cut. Much of the surrounding forest could have been logged if it had not been included in North Cascades National Park when it was established in 1968. Follow a decommissioned
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logging road-turned-trail for an easy first couple of miles. Cross Thornton Creek en route. The trail eventually leaves the old roadbed and heads straight up deeply forested slopes. Never formally designed by the Park Service, this trail was beaten into the ground long ago by anglers intent on reaching the 3 Thornton lakes. At about 4 miles, the trail enters North Cascades National Park and continues steeply climbing. A half-mile beyond, it reaches a junction in a saddle. Here, a trail leads left, dropping 500 feet into a basin housing the largest and lowest of the three Thornton Lakes. It’s an excellent side trip or destination in itself. To ascend Trappers Peak, follow the trail right, climbing steeply along a narrow ridge. At times you’ll need to use your hands to help you up a few rocky areas. It’s not exposed, and not particularly difficult for seasoned hikers, but it may pose challenges for some. Carry on and reach the summit — prepare to be wowed! The jagged Pickets, one of the most formidable and awe-inspiring ranges in the Cascades, are right before you. Shimmering directly below are the Thornton Lakes, beneath glacier-clad Mount Triumph. Newhalem can be seen to the east, set upon the Skagit River.
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Trailhead Directions: From Marblemount, follow SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) east for 11 miles and turn left onto Thornton Lakes Road. Continue on this rough gravel road for 5 miles to the trailhead.
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Newhalem Area Trails
Ross Lake National Recreation Area | Waterfall | Historic sites distance: 5 miles of trails
difficulty: Easy
elevation gain: Up to 200 feet
season to hike: Year-round
closest community: Newhalem
permits: None
Trailhead Amenities: Privy, campground
Trailhead GPs Waypoint: N 48 39.951 W 121 16.011
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Notes: Skagit River access
Dog-Friendly: Permitted on leash
Contact: North Cascades Visitor Center
Spend an hour or all day exploring these delightful, family-friendly trails in the town of Newhalem and the adjacent North Cascades Visitor Center and camping area. Cross the Skagit River on a suspension bridge. Amble through a grove of ancient cedars. Marvel at a crashing waterfall in a tight chasm — and more! The Newhalem Area Trails are great to explore while camping in the area, or on a break while passing through, or as an add-on while checking out the national park visitor center. They are especially enchanting during the winter months when you may have them all to yourself. Start your exploration at the visitor center, campground or the town of Newhalem. You can hike one or two trails, or string them all together for a complete day of hiking.
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Newhalem is a fascinating place, blending history with natural beauty. It was founded as a Seattle City Light company town for its employees working on the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project’s three dams. Trails through town provide interpretive panels on the town’s history. You can learn about the area’s Indigenous history, too, by hiking the 0.3-mile Rock Shelter Trail (which is wheelchair accessible). The shelter is a 1,400-year-old hunting camp at a large boulder by the crashing Newhalem Creek. You can continue hiking upstream beyond the shelter for another 0.3 mile to a grove of old-growth cedars. The Trail of the Cedars is a short, easy 0.3-mile loop through impressive cedars. This trail can be accessed right from town via an exciting suspension bridge across the Skagit River. The Skagit River Loop Trail descends from the visitor center and makes a nearly 2-mile loop through forest and along the banks of the river. The trail provides access to inviting gravel bars along the river. The 0.7-mile Linking Trail connects this loop to the campground and Rock Shelter Trail. The 0.4-mile Ladder Creek Falls Trail makes for a fun excursion. This trail also utilizes a suspension bridge across the Skagit River. It then passes by the historic Gorge Powerhouse and a beautiful, manicured garden before climbing (some steps involved) to the beautiful falls crashing down a narrow gorge.
Trailhead Directions: From Marblemount, follow the North Cascades Highway (SR 20) east for 14 miles to Newhalem. Turn right on the access road to the Newhalem Creek Campground and the national park visitor center. Cross the Skagit River, pass the campground booth and in 0.2 mile come to a four-way stop. Continue straight for 0.5 mile to the trailhead (elev. 575 feet) at the parking area for the visitor center. Water and restrooms are available.
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Diablo Lake
Ross Lake National Recreation Area | Views of Skagit Gorge distance: 7.6 miles round trip
difficulty: Moderate
elevation gain: 1,400 feet
season to hike: April to November
closest community: Newhalem
permits: None
Trailhead Amenities: Privy
Trailhead GPs Waypoint: N 48 43.172 W 121 07.191
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Notes: Access road closes at 4:15 p.m. in winter Contact: North Cascades Visitor Center
Dog-Friendly: Permitted on leash
Diablo Lake was formed in 1930 when the Skagit River was dammed to provide hydroelectric power to Seattle. Taking its name from the deep, rugged canyon housing it, Diablo Lake, however, is not a devil of a hike. Follow this trail above the lake through the canyon for heavenly views of the lake’s turquoise waters (thanks to suspended glacial flour) against a backdrop of precipitous ice-capped summits. The hike is even more delightful in the fall when maples and birches add touches of gold to the surrounding forest. Follow the trail along Sourdough Creek, skirting the North Cascades Learning Center. Opened in 2005, the center is a nonprofit educational institute serving learners of all ages.
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After crossing a service road, reach a junction. Here, the Sourdough Creek Trail heads left 1.5 miles to a small waterfall. It’s a great side trip or destination in itself. The trail to the right leads to the learning center. The Diablo Lake Trail continues straight, soon following alongside Deer Creek. Because the area lies in a rain shadow, the forest is drier and salal is abundant. Slowly gain elevation crossing old slides and several talus slopes before reaching viewpoints near a powerline clearing. Look out at prominent peaks hovering above Diablo Lake. The trail continues teetering on the edge of the spectacular gorge. Keep children and dogs nearby. Marvel at waterfalls plummeting down the forbidding canyon walls. Directly across the gorge, cars pass by on the North Cascades Highway. At 2.6 miles, the trail descends, passing a transmissionline clearing providing an excellent view of Ross Dam and 9,000-plus-foot Jack Mountain rising behind it. Continue losing elevation (650 feet in all), crossing a series of creeks in the process before coming to a suspension bridge spanning the Skagit River. Cross it to the lawn at the base of Ross Dam. During the summer months, a passenger ferry operated by Seattle City Light journeys up the lake to this point from docks near the trailhead. A nice option is to take the scenic cruise one way and then hike back to your vehicle. Contact Seattle City Light for ferry information.
Trailhead Directions: From Marblemount, follow SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) east for 21.5 miles and turn left onto the Diablo Dam Road (signed for the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center). Proceed across Diablo Dam for 1.2 miles to the trailhead.
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Cutthroat Pass
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest | Pacific Crest Trail distance: 10 miles round trip
difficulty: Moderate
elevation gain: 1,850 feet
season to hike: July to October
closest community: Mazama
permits: NW Forest Pass
Trailhead Amenities: Privy
Trailhead GPs Waypoint: N 48 31.084 W 120 43.988
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Notes: Interagency Pass permit also accepted Contact: Methow Valley Ranger District
Dog-Friendly: Permitted on leash
From a lofty trailhead elevation, follow the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) to a high, broad pass straddling the Cascade Crest. Here at the demarcation zone between the wet western and the dry eastern slopes of the Cascades, marvel at emerald old-growth forests, wildflower meadows and clusters of alpine larches clinging to rugged mountains. Watch for whistling marmots, lumbering bears, shrilling ground squirrels, wallowing mountain goats, soaring ravens and raucous Clark’s nutcrackers perched on the pass’s whitebark pines. The hike to Cutthroat Pass is via the PCT, a 2,650-mile National Scenic Trail that traverses West Coast mountain ranges from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. Begin your hike in the forest at the base of Cutthroat Peak. After crossing Porcupine Creek, the climb steepens.
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Gaining elevation, the forest thins while views of surrounding summits increase. After passing a backcountry camping area, the way traverses groves of alpine larches (breathtaking in autumn with their golden needles) and meadows full of boulders and granite slabs. Crimson blueberry bushes pop up in the fall. At 5 miles, reach the 6,800-foot pass. Take in panoramic, sweeping views. To the west, Corteo, Black and Fisher Peaks form an impressive backdrop to the North Cascades Scenic Highway. Gaze east to the sunny Methow Valley and the 8,876-foot behemoth Silver Star Mountain on the horizon. Consider walking a little farther north on the PCT for about 1.4 miles to a spectacular view of 8,444-foot Tower Mountain and its companion, 8,366-foot Golden Horn, piercing the sky. Composed of pink and gold feldspars, this dynamic duo emits a golden hue that’ll leave you awestruck.
Trailhead Directions: From Marblemount, follow SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) east for 51 miles to Rainy Pass near Milepost 158. Turn left onto Spur Road and follow 0.3 mile to the trailhead.
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Your nExt Adventure Awaits www.visitskagitvalley.com
dine Fall under the spell of nature’s bounty Gifts from the sea, delights from the earth and artisans who know how to make the best of all of it. It’s all here, waiting for you to make it disappear. That’s the Magic of Skagit.
sip Make your worries disappear Sip in Skagit Valley, where local wineries and breweries serve exceptional drinks amid stunning scenery. From crisp wines to craft beers, every sip is a taste of the region’s unique charm.
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Plan Your Trip Find the perfect place to stay and explore all that Skagit Valley has to offer, from outdoor adventures and local flavors to charming communities and hidden gems. Check out local businesses using the QR code below!
stay Conjure up the perfect escape Staying in Skagit Valley means waking up to stunning views, relaxing in cozy accommodations and enjoying local charm. It’s the perfect retreat for a peaceful getaway.
Discover Sights this unbelievable are no illusion Maybe it’s the views that go on forever. Maybe it’s the smell of pure, clean air. Whatever it is, it’s enough to make you forget about the real world for a bit. That’s the Magic of Skagit. 69
Land Manager Contacts North Cascades Visitor Center City of Mount Vernon Parks https://www.nps.gov/noca & Recreation (360) 854-7200 https://www.mountvernonwa .gov/parks Mount Baker Ranger Station (360) 336-6215 https://www.fs.usda.gov/06/m bs City of Sedro-Woolley Parks (360) 854-2553 & Recreation https://www.sedroWashington State Parks & woolley.gov/parks Recreation Commission (360) 855-1661 https://parks.wa.gov (360) 902-8500 Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Skagit County Parks & https://www.swinomishRecreation nsn.gov https://www.skagitcounty.net/ (360) 466-3163 parks (360) 416-1350 Skagit County Dike District 12 City of Anacortes Parks & https://www.skagitcounty.net Recreation (360) 757-3484 https://www.anacorteswa.gov/ parks Methow Valley Ranger (360) 293-1918 Station https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/ City of Burlington Parks & okanogan-wenatchee Recreation (509) 996-4000 https://www.burlingtonwa.gov /parks (360) 755-9649
About the Author Craig Romano is an award-winning author of more than 25 books on hiking in Washington state and the Pacific Northwest. He has hiked and run trails all over the world, from Alaska to Argentina and Sicily to South Korea. He has logged more than 35,000 miles in Washington alone and concludes that some of the world’s best trails are right here in the Evergreen State. A content provider for Hikeoftheweek.com and co-host of the Washington State Hiking Podcast, Craig also regularly contributes to Washington Trails, Northwest Travel and Life and Tracing the Fjord. Visit him at www.CraigRomano.com. And for more information on scores of other hikes in and near the Skagit Valley, check out his books Day Hiking North Cascades, 2nd Edition; Backpacking Washington, 2nd Edition; and Urban Trails Bellingham (Mountaineers Books). Craig and his family call the Skagit Valley home.
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Safety and Liability Notice Hiking and outdoor recreation involve inherent risks. Weather, terrain, trail conditions, access, closures and regulations may change without notice. This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. Skagit Tourism Bureau does not own, operate, inspect, maintain or control the trails or lands described and makes no representation or warranty regarding their safety, accuracy or current condition. Users must confirm current information with the appropriate land manager, prepare properly and hike within their abilities. By using this guide or entering a trail, users knowingly assume the risks of outdoor recreation and accept responsibility for their own safety, decisions and actions. To the fullest extent permitted by law, users release and hold harmless Skagit Tourism Bureau and its directors, officers, employees and agents from claims arising from reliance on or use of this guide, including claims alleging ordinary negligence, except where liability cannot lawfully be waived. Listing a trail does not imply endorsement or approval by its land manager. Qualifying landowners may have protections under RCW 4.24.200 and RCW 4.24.210.
Contributing Parties Craig Romano Guy Corp Aaron Logue Skagit Tourism Bureau Publishing made possible through grants from the State of Washington Tourism and Skagit County 2026
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Skagit Tourism Bureau info@visitskagitvalley.com (360) 610-7111
www.visitskagitvalley.com @visitskagitvalley #magicskagit