Category Archives: Uncategorized

We’ve heard this question a lot “What are you guys going to do about all those blackberries sprouting next to the trail?” Skagit Trail Builders is volunteer trail building organization. Maintenance is carried out by Skagit County Parks and Recreation (SCPR) staff. This week we got word – they are increasing maintenance staff for summerContinue reading “Trail Update: Parks Department Increasing Staff for Summer Maintenance”

We accomplished a lot at our May 27 work party! We spread and compacted fine gravel on the section of trail that leaves the lower meadow and climbs up to the plateau. Our crew also worked at the trail’s end shaping for drainage, smoothing curves, and filling in low spots. Our goal is to extendContinue reading “Trail Update: Getting Hill Creek Trail ready for summer hikes”

Our next volunteer work party is scheduled for Saturday, May 27. At our last work party, we made improvements to the Pump House Trail. This week we’ll get back to work on our newest project – Hill Creek Trail. Here’s the plan for May 27: Sign up through our website, so we know you areContinue reading “Trail Update: On May 27 we’ll get back to Hill Creek Trail and prepping for summer!”

Our volunteer crew spent an unusually sultry Saturday working on the Pump House Trail. Temperatures hit the low 80’s! whew! Fortunately, there are lots of cool shady places along the creek to take a break. We completed the gravel capping at the hairpin turn and made a few repairs to other sections of trail. It’llContinue reading “Trail Update: Pump House Trail repaired and ready for summer hiking, cycling, and running!”

Our next volunteer work party is scheduled for Saturday, May 13! We are focused on getting the Pump House Trail in great shape for summer: Sign up through our website (so we know you are coming, it helps us plan!) Work parties are scheduled 9am-4pm. Plan to arrive at the Pump House Trailhead at 8:50Continue reading “Trail Update: Let’s get the Pump House Trail ready for summer!”

At the north end of the Pump House Trail you might notice some yellow tape dangling from a couple tree branches. It marks the potential site of a bridge, where we hope our two trails, on each side of Hill Creek, will connect. The video that follows shows the potential bridge site, and beneath itContinue reading “In the works: Linking two trails with a bridge – we hope!”

Our next work party is Saturday, April 22 – Earth Day! You can participate in this day of environmental action by joining us to develop sustainable community trails at Northern State Recreation Area. Here’s the plan: 1. Planting grass and native wildflowers in the big meadow: this involves prepping the soil, spreading seed, raking itContinue reading “Trail Update: Planting the big meadow and other spring tasks”

We got so much done at our April 8 work party! Thanks to our volunteers who came out on Saturday! Gravel capping from the big meadow to the Pump House Bridge has been completed. Cyclists, baby strollers, runners, and walkers now have a solid, sustainable surface to enjoy – no mud, no bumps. It’s takenContinue reading “Trail Update: Gravel capping complete from the big meadow to the bridge!”

JT, Jerry, and Art were honored by the Skagit County Commissioners for their trail work at Northern State Recreation Area. Pictured left to right: Commissioner Lisa Janicki, recreation volunteers Bob and Fred, trail volunteers Jerry, Art, and JT, Commissioner Ron Wesen. On April 10 the Skagit County Commissioners honored our leadership team for their commitmentContinue reading “Skagit Trail Builders honored by Skagit County Commissioners”

Here’s the plan for our work party Saturday, April 8. We will be splitting up into three teams: Sign up through our website (so we know you are coming, it helps us plan!) Work parties are scheduled 9am-4pm. Plan to arrive at the Pump House Trailhead at 8:50 am so you have time to signContinue reading “Trail Update: Spring Work Party April 8”