Was looking for a trail less traveled today and with only four trip reports, I thought this one could use some love. Parked at Howard Miller Steelhead Park and after a short walk entered the trail behind campsite #36. Sun warmed blackberries by the handful, moss draped trees, mountain views and of course the Skagit River are all close at hand. With the exception of the far west end of the trail, it is wide and fairly smooth, making this a good walk/hike for all visitors. Surprising, though, that with a full campground and a beautiful summer day, I had the whole trail system to myself. Spotted a solitary bald eagle over the river and some older bear scat, a good reminder whose homes you are visiting. Side note: while looking over the cabin on display near the parking lot, I noticed an older couple taking a keen interest in it. I offered to take their picture in front and in turn they started sharing the history of it. Turns out the late 1800's cabin had been donated by his father, the second owner, when the park was first opened in the 1960's. Very interesting and unexpected local history lesson!

Me and another Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest Eagle Watcher volunteer, took leave or our spotting scope on the bridge to warm up inside the Skagit River Eagle Interpretive Center, and then joined visitors on a walk guided by Ranger Matt. Starting from Rockport's Howard Miller Steelhead Park we followed the Wetland Wildlife Trail rather than the Skagit-Sauk Reach Trail for a short distance (see map). The trailhead is located at the west end of the park and is clearly marked. The trail meanders along the Wild and Scenic (Skagit) River with interpretive signs on spawning salmon and the winter eagle population. Our group walked .5 (1 mile RT) mile to a beautiful spot where the Sauk River joins the Skagit River. The flat, easy trail was covered in 6-8 inches of new snow. The eagles were out in numbers riding the thermals. Eagle Watcher information booths with spotting scopes will be set up Saturdays and Sundays through January 28th from 10 am to 3 pm at Howard Miller Steelhead Park, Milepost 100, and Marblemount Fish Hatchery.

This trail is a nice and fairly flat trail that follows the river. There was lots of wildflowers in bloom and ripe salmon berries.

This is a beautiful 8 mile (round) Skagit River trail just past Rockport State Park. The interpretive trail is a all ages family friendly loop. Past this is the Sauk-Reach trail. This is also a fairly flat easy-going path, yet some might need to stop short due to several banks that are eroding into the river. Other than that, this trail displays the best of the wild Skagit. Love it!

Saturday was Eagle Watcher volunteer training led by the USFS. Starting from Rockport's Howard Miller Steelhead Park we followed the Wetland Wildlife Trail rather than the Skagit-Sauk Reach Trail for a short distance (see map). The trailhead is located at the west end of the park and is clearly marked. The trail meanders along the Wild and Scenic (Skagit) River with interpretive signs on spawning salmon and the winter eagle population. Our group stopped to watch a Red Tailed Hawk through the scope. As our time was tightly scheduled, we walked as far as the open wetland area and returned to the park. We continued our training up the road at the mile post 100 turn-out and at the Marblemount Fish Hatchery. Eagle Watcher Information Booth & Spotting Scopes – Saturdays & Sundays December 13th-January 31st 10am-3pm; State Route 20 – Mt. Baker Ranger District – Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest - Join the Mt. Baker Ranger District at one of three stops along Highway 20 to enjoy and learn about Eagles of the Skagit Valley. Forest Service staff and volunteers will be stationed at Howard Miller Steelhead Park, Milepost 100 and Marblemount Fish Hatchery to provide information and Eagle viewing opportunities.