Kulshan Trail

Start with the Kulshan Trail and finish with the Riverwalk in time for lunch or treats in downtown Mount Vernon. The trail is in a forested greenbelt between housing. You get glimpses of a little creek running through town to meet the Skagit and maybe on a clear day, the trail’s Native namesake, Koma Kulshan — also know as Mount Baker.

There are four large metal sculptures along the side to add some interest to the trail. The trail ends at Waugh Rd, two miles from the start. To get to Bakerview Park, follow Waugh Rd to E Fir, this little section is the only hill on the route. Turn right on E Fir to the park where there are restrooms, picnic tables and ball fields. To go back, go down E Fir to 30^th and catch the trail back. That gives you 4 miles.

Once back to Lions Park, go south on the Riverwalk and add another 2 miles. You will notice a tulip theme on the route, as Mount Vernon and the Skagit Valley are famous for the Tulip Festival and the colorful fields of tulips and daffodils.

Pass the old smokestack with the painted tulip that you can see from the freeway and when you get to Riverwalk Park you will also see some colorful tulip sculptures. Keep walking until you reach the end at Kincaid Street. Turn around and walk back to check out the little town, the specialty chocolate shop or perhaps grab a hot cup of joe. Before you get back in your car, finish your walk by walking north along the river through a small grove of trees. Now you should have a total of 6 easy miles for the day’s walk.