Trot Off That Turkey: Trails Near Burlington

Feeling a little sluggish after a delicious Thanksgiving meal? No problem! Burlington and the surrounding areas have many walking, biking, and running trails that are perfect for picturesque exercise after the holiday. Grab your family, a hot mug of cocoa, and enjoy those fall leaves!

Cascade Trail

The Cascade Trail is a 22.5 mile gravel trail that connects Sedro Woolley and Concrete. It is the perfect excursion, whether you want to spend an hour or the whole day on the trail. There are 10 benches along the length of the trail perfect for taking a rest or just gazing at any of the gorgeous natural views along the way.

Best of all, the trail runs parallel to State Route 20 and passes straight through Lyman, Hamilton, Birdsview, and Concrete. That means that any local restaurants along the way are fair game for bikers or walkers that work up an appetite!

Highlighting a local favorite:

The Willowbrook Manor English Tea House and Chamomile Farm is located right along the Cascade Trail. The tea house hosts charming bicycle tours that showcase the nearby farmland and surrounding historic towns. Guests begin their experience with tea and scones and then set out on a bicycle tour of their selection (e-bikes are available to make the ride easy). Tours range from 8 to 12 miles along flat, gravel paths.

Padilla Bay Trail

This one is for the bird watchers!

Just 15 minutes from downtown Burlington, the Padilla Bay Shore Trail is a great option if you're looking for a leisurely stroll. This 4.4-mile "out and back" trail is an easy gravel route along the Skagit River estuary. This popular trail takes 1.5 hours to complete and is excellent for birding, hiking, and biking. The 2.2-mile trail is accessible from both entrances, so it’s possible to walk it one way if you bring a friend and drive two cars.

The Padilla Bay Trail frames one of the most diverse and biologically productive estuaries on Puget Sound. The estuary supports one of North America's largest wintering populations of peregrine falcons, including one endangered species. All five falcon species have been observed in Padilla Bay on the same day, as well as other raptors like merlins and snowy owls. Geese, herons, bald eagles, and more are commonly seen along the trail.

 
 

Settled atop its perch, a heron watches the sunset along the Padilla Bay Trail.

Visit the Interpretive Center this winter for guided nature walks and an education on the Skagit watershed and ecosystem relationships.

Skagit Valley provides wintertime habitat for hundreds of bird species. Click here to explore birding experiences this winter!

Whether you hike, bike, run, walk, or wheel, Little Mountain has it all; its extensive network of trails provides entertainment for anyone.

Little Mountain Park

A trip to Little Mountain Park after a Thanksgiving meal is a great way to get some exercise, whether you are pushing a stroller, on a date with a four-legged friend, or are having the kids run off a pie-induced sugar high. There are trails for every skill level and accessible viewpoints for all. (Thanksgiving leftovers picnic, anyone?)

  • South Viewpoint: Those that do not want to hike all the way up Little Mountain can take the paved road up to the summit observation deck. From there, a panorama of Skagit Valley, Puget Sound, Camano and Whidbey Islands, and the Olympic Range can be enjoyed.

  • North Viewpoint: Also accessible from Little Mountain Park Road, the northern viewpoint allows viewers to walk out onto a paraglider styled platform and overlook Mount Vernon and Burlington, Padilla Bay, North Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands, and Mount Baker.

  • Nature Trail: Stroller and wheelchair friendly, this 1/4 mile trail begins at the park’s East Trailhead. This trail is a low-incline option that features a shaded picnic table, a seasonal creek bridge crossing, and beautiful views of dense forest and fern-covered ground.

The park’s extensive network of trails allow visitors to “pick their own adventure,” no matter what it looks like! Leisurely strolls around the foothills of the mountain are just as beautiful as huffing and puffing up the aptly named “Up Quick” hiking route. Meander through sunlight dappled forest on “Ridge Trail” or zoom down “Pitch and Roll” on a morning mountain bike ride. It’s up to you!

Northern State Recreation Area

Originally opened in 1912 as self-sustaining mental hospital, this 700-acre facility is located just north of the Skagit River near Sedro-Woolley, Washington. Nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range, it boast a variety of wildlife (including a significant salmon stream) and diverse terrain.

At its peak of operation, 2,700 patients lived at Northern State Mental Hospital and operated the site’s lumber mill, greenhouse, library, bakery, dairy, and more. After the hospital shut its doors in 1976, the land it existed on was purchased by Skagit County and converted into a recreational area, job corps projects, and drug rehabilitation facility. Today, many of the old buildings remain and can be seen as visitors stroll through the park.

This fall, walk or bike the extensive trail systems to see a variety of landscapes, from single-track forest paths to wide open pastures that pass alongside the still-standing shells of barns, a milking shed, a cannery, and other structures originally used by the old hospital. For those especially daring folks, visit at dusk - you might catch a glimpse of a rumored ghost or two.

Bonus option: Walk Northern State and take in the scenery while disc-golfing the site’s 18-hole course.

 
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