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”
Category Archives: Northern State Trail System
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”
2022-2023: Building the Elevated Segment of the Pumphouse Trail
When the Pumphouse Bridge was complete, we celebrated! Now we could cross the creek with power carriers and materials to build the first section of the Pumphouse Trail. When we explored the trail routing in 2019, Hansen Creek had recently flooded, covering the lower meadow with heavy clay mud. Because it was such a beautifulContinue reading “2022-2023: Building the Elevated Segment of the Pumphouse Trail”
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 aContinue reading “2021-2022: Building the Pumphouse Bridge”
2021: Ivy Control at the Historic Guard Shack and Thompson Pond
Coming back from the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns in 2021 was a challenge. Contracts and permits were delayed, leaving our remaining work at Northern State Recreation Area uncertain. Hill Creek Trail was incomplete, and construction of the Pumphouse Bridge had not yet started. One of the proposals on our docket was a loop trail around ThompsonContinue reading “2021: Ivy Control at the Historic Guard Shack and Thompson Pond”
2019: Building Brickyard Creek Trail
When we started working on the Northern State Trail System in 2019, we were thrilled to accept the help of the 6 to 8 volunteers who showed up regularly. As the trail system has grown, so have our volunteer teams. At our June 28, 2025, work party, we had 56 volunteers participate, demonstrating that ourContinue reading “2019: Building Brickyard Creek Trail”
2019: Breaking Ground on Hill Creek Trail
During the winter of 2018-2019, we broke ground on Hill Creek Trail at Northern State Recreation Area. 🤓 (Side note! At the time, it was being called the “Pumphouse Trail” because of the historic pump house it runs adjacent to. In May 2025, it was renamed Hill Creek Trail). It connects to the north andContinue reading “2019: Breaking Ground on Hill Creek Trail”
2019: Building Dovetail Bridge
Skagit Trail Builders started working on the Northern State Trail System in 2019. After spending a few work parties breaking ground on the Pump House Trail (now renamed Hill Creek Trail), they built the Dovetail Bridge. This bridge is an essential connector for the Northern State Trail System, linking SWIFT Center and the Historic HospitalContinue reading “2019: Building Dovetail Bridge”
Trail Update: Build Year Report 2024-2025
Our 2024-2025 Build Year was our best year yet. We hosted 18 work parties engaging with 205 volunteers who donated over 4,000 hours of their time. 18% of our volunteer hours were contributed by youth under the age of 18! 25% of hours came from college and career-age people, 18-49. 57% of hours were givenContinue reading “Trail Update: Build Year Report 2024-2025”
Join us at Northern State Hospital for Public History Day July 26 2025
Join us on Saturday, July 26 for Public History Day at Northern State Hospital in Sedro-Woolley, Washington. Pre-register for a free tour of the Colman Ward. Learn from speakers and displays, explore the historic hospital with a self-guided walking tour, and purchase books. The event opens at 9:30 am. Bring a picnic lunch and aContinue reading “Join us at Northern State Hospital for Public History Day July 26 2025”
Skagit Trail Builders 