Skagit River Trail

The Skagit River is one of the most enchanted places a hiker can go to retreat from the city. As an avid hiker, I must rate this hike as one of my favorite for family hiking/picnicking. It is only 2 hours from Vancouver, and in an amazingly wild setting. Often I have driven into the small parking lot, to find black bears just a few feet away from my car door eating berries, or walking along the trail on which I had planned to hike. The entire setting is one that you will never forget, with cool waters, great fishing, and pleasant hiking.

Please treat this area carefully, there are few precious areas like this left for us to enjoy.

The trail

The easy and well marked Skagit River trail starts at the picnic site just off Hwy 3, at Summallo Grove. It follows the Skagit River almost the entire 14km trail. The trail runs through a magical old growth forest, with moss covered trees that are hundreds, perhaps even thousands of years old. The fishing is excellent, and the wildlife seems untouched, as Pine Martens, squirrels, raccoons, the Northern-spotted owl, bears, and coyotes are abundant.

There are several designated camping sites located along the trail, and there are many places to fish and rest as well.

It stays cool on this trail, and very damp, especially after rain, be very sure you have some bug repellent!