2021-2022: Building the Pumphouse Bridge

Work on the Pumphouse Bridge began in the fall of 2021. When the overwater work was put on pause during the salmon run from November to March, our volunteer crew concentrated on building the switchback trail.

Working with our backs to the water, every time we heard a splash💦splash💦splash💦, we would turn to watch a big red spawning Coho swim through the rocks on their way up Hill Creek. That winter we developed a great appreciation for these incredible creatures.

Coho Salmon Spawning in Hill Creek at Northern State Recreation Area in Sedro-Woolley, WA November 2021 — Coho Salmon making it’s way upstream to the spawning beds in Hill Creek 2021.

It was cold and muddy when bridge work began again in the spring of 2022, with temperatures just above freezing. But our hardy volunteers bundled up and got it done.

With a gravel switchback in place and an access trail established for the power carrier, getting materials to the bridge was a little easier than it had been in the fall. We mixed concrete at the trailhead and delivered it in buckets to pour the footings.

With the weather warming and the trees lit up by the spring sun, the decking and final panels were installed. Being able to cross the bridge with power equipment and start work on the earthen ramp was a major highlight!