Trail Update: Growing the Northern State Trail System in 2025-2026

Trail Project Update – Phase 1 We’re excited to share the first steps in creating new trails at the SWIFT campus! Thanks to the dedicated work of the Port of Skagit and the City of Sedro-Woolley, we’ve received approval to start building Phase 1 of the planned trails. This fall, volunteers from Skagit Trail BuildersContinue reading “Trail Update: Growing the Northern State Trail System in 2025-2026”

Community Support at the Song Sparrow Bridge Ribbon Cutting

We are proud to be part of an amazing community that recognizes the health benefits of parks and trails and wholeheartedly supports outdoor recreation! On September 19, we celebrated the completion of our work at Northern State Recreation Area with an open house at the Port of Skagit SWIFT Center and a Ribbon Cutting CeremonyContinue reading “Community Support at the Song Sparrow Bridge Ribbon Cutting”

Trail Update: Stewarding Our Trails on September 13

You may have heard that that September 13 was our last volunteer work party on property managed by Skagit County Parks and Recreation. We were joined by 41 community volunteers including 21 people from the Mountaineers Go Hike Course. These volunteers come from all over Western Washington to explore and steward our local trail systemContinue reading “Trail Update: Stewarding Our Trails on September 13”

Trail Update: September Events!

🌼 September 13 Our final work party at Northern State Recreation Area! We will be focused on trail stewardship activities like managing vegetation and decommissioning unsanctioned trails. 🎉 September 19 Hosted by Skagit County Parks and Recreation, the Port of Skagit, and the City of Sedro-Woolley. Join us for an open house at the SWIFTContinue reading “Trail Update: September Events!”

In the News: Olmsted Park construction in full swing

VINCE RICHARDSON . Skagit Valley Herald Aug 20, 2025 SEDRO-WOOLLEY — Olmsted Park continues to take shape as what was once an empty field is being transformed into a highly-anticipated recreation destination. The city’s newest park, at 1451 North Fruitdale Road, encompasses about 14.8 acres and was formerly a portion of the Northern State Hospital complexContinue reading “In the News: Olmsted Park construction in full swing”

Song Sparrow Bridge Ribbon Cutting September 19, 2025

Press Release from the City of Sedro-Woolley: Ribbon Cutting for Song Sparrow Bridge September 19, 2025 The public is invited to celebrate the grand opening of the Song Sparrow Bridge, a remarkable new addition to the region’s trail network, on Friday, September 19. Festivities begin at 1:00 p.m. at 1960 Thompson Road with refreshments and updates onContinue reading “Song Sparrow Bridge Ribbon Cutting September 19, 2025”

2025: Putting the Final Touches on Hill Creek Trail, Pumphouse Trail, and Elk Trail

While we completed work at Song Sparrow Bridge in the spring of 2025, we also put the final touches on the Northern State Trail System. With excellent weather and record-setting turnouts, our dedicated volunteer crews tended to the details that make this trail a peaceful escape into nature. We held several “special sessions” with smallContinue reading “2025: Putting the Final Touches on Hill Creek Trail, Pumphouse Trail, and Elk Trail”

2024-2025: Song Sparrow Bridge and the Connector Trail

The site for Song Sparrow Bridge was identified for a trail crossing during the planning phase in 2018. We were thrilled when permitting was granted in 2024! Note: At that time, it was referred to as both “North Bridge” and “Hill Creek Bridge.” It was renamed by the Parks Department in 2025. Master Trail BuilderContinue reading “2024-2025: Song Sparrow Bridge and the Connector Trail”

2023-2025: Developing North Knoll Trail and the West Meadow Loop

North Knoll Trail is a 3/4 mile section that extends from the Song Sparrow Connector, past the North Knoll, to the wild flower meadow. It follows Hansen Creek’s east bank through mature cedar forest, passing pools of bright blooming skunk cabbage, salmon berry patches, and hanging gardens of moss and licorice fern. Rough-in work onContinue reading “2023-2025: Developing North Knoll Trail and the West Meadow Loop”