Exploring Norlum Trail Loop
In early April, Skagit Trail Builders and the Port of Skagit team walked the roughed-in route of Norlum Trail Loop. This is our second phase in expanding the Northern State Trail System at SWIFT Center. Norlum Trail will eventually connect to Goat Hill and a future bridge near the Powerhouse Building.
“Norlum,” short for “Northern Asylum,” was the name of the railroad spur connecting Sedro-Woolley to Northern State Hospital in the early 1900’s. (It was also the name of the baseball team.)
The trail begins at the Fire Access Road across from Quarry Trail and heads north, following the elevated, well-drained bed of the historic rail line while offering glimpses of Brickyard Creek. As the route continues, it thoughtfully navigates natural springs and areas of seasonal water flow.
The corridor is rich with native plants like Oso Berry, Salmonberry, Cedar, Big Leaf Maple, Ferns, and Bleeding Heart, creating a lush, distinctly Northwest experience.
Near a private access road, the trail turns east, looping back to reconnect with the SWIFT Campus behind Trevennen Hall.
This final stretch passes through a former sheep pasture from the hospital’s farming days, now overgrown with invasive blackberries. The Port crew has cleared a path, however this section will remain temporary and more rustic due to its designation as a development site.
Norlum Trail Loop is a delightful addition to this unique trail system that weaves together history, ecology, and public access.
For more photos and information about the historic hospital we encourage you to visit:
May 9, 2026 Work Party Plan
Our goals for the work party included:
- Manage native plants encroaching on the trail corridor, including trimming and transplanting where needed.
- Grade, outslope and level soils. Shape notch drains.
- Spot treat low areas with ballast.
- Stockpile native rock (exposed during rough-in).
- “Beautify” drains.
Schedule
We have 4 volunteer work parties scheduled for Spring 2026. We do not expect to complete the full loop before summer break.
Each Saturday volunteer work party is preceded by a Friday prep session to ensure that the work site, materials and equipment are ready for an effective volunteer work party.
- May 9: Guest Groups include SWHS Earth Club and the Skagit Alpine Club.
- May 23: Guest Group The Mountaineers GoHike Course
- June 13: Guest Group The Mountaineers GoHike Course.
- June 27: Last work party before summer break.
8:45 am Volunteers Sign-in at the trail head on the Fire Access Rd.
9:00 am:
Introductions, explain today’s work, team assignments,and safety talk.
New volunteers receive their free T-shirt!
Group Photo
930-noon: trail work
12-12:45 pm: lunch
1-3 pm: trail work
3 pm: clean up and organize tools
4:00 pm: Work Party Planning Meeting (by invitation for volunteers who work a full day 9am-3pm)
Teams
Roving Crew Leader: Paul
Native Plant Management: Lynn
Grade, Outslope, Level: Jerry
Ballast: Chloe & Amelia
Stockpile Native Rock + Beautify Drains: Jenny
Power Carrier Drivers: Kip, Michael and Craig
Material staging and loading: JT
Skagit Trail Builders is a program of United General District 304.
The trails at Northern State Recreation Area are the result of our partnership with Skagit County Parks and Recreation, the Port of Skagit, the City of Sedro-Woolley, and our incredible community of volunteers!
Skagit Trail Builders 
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