Our work on the Thompson Pond Loop Trail at Olmsted Park continues on April 11! On March 28 we were joined by youth volunteers from Kidz-N-K9s 4-H. We put them to work excavating the trail routing on section 2 on the east side of Thompson Pond. Our plan for April 11 is to re-focus ourContinue reading “Trail Update: Work Party Plan for April 11, 2026”
Category Archives: Olmsted Park
Trail Update: Work Party Plan for March 28, 2026 at Olmsted Park
Adapting to the Elements and Making Progress at Olmsted Park! Our plans for the March 14 work party evolved thanks to several days of heavy rain. But, as it turns out, the weather gave us exactly what we needed. With water actively flowing down the hillside toward the pond, we were able to clearly seeContinue reading “Trail Update: Work Party Plan for March 28, 2026 at Olmsted Park”
Trail Update: Photos from our March 14, 2026 Volunteer Work Party
Trail Update: Thompson Pond…here we come!
We wrapped up our work on Quarry Trail, Saturday, February 28 with final capping and trail side restoration. On March 14, we’ll be crossing the road to start work on the Thompson Pond Loop Trail! Our work at the pond will start just below the Historic Guard House, removing the layer of sod to create a levelContinue reading “Trail Update: Thompson Pond…here we come!”
Trail Update: Good times building Quarry Trail…photos and video from our Jan 10, 2026 work party
For planning purposes, Quarry Trail is divided into 3 sections (see map below). On January 10, 2026, our volunteer crew made excellent progress! The trail surface is nearly complete on Section 3; out-sloped, drained, and compacted for sustainability and trail user’s enjoyment. Our restoration crew did their magic so this segment of trail looks likeContinue reading “Trail Update: Good times building Quarry Trail…photos and video from our Jan 10, 2026 work party”
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”
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”
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”
Skagit Trail Builders 