Yellow Pages
Lake Boren Park has something for just about everyone within its 22.6 acres. It consists of a looped walking path, a children’s play area, picnic shelters and a fishing dock. The park also boasts restrooms, two tennis courts, a basketball court, a sand volleyball court and a large parking lot.
There is also plenty of history here, including hiking along the old railroad bed of the Seattle & Walla Walla and past the Newcastle cemetery.
Plans were for the railroad line to be transcontinental. However, it ended up being 22 miles in length, running from Seattle to Coal Creek.
Coal discovered in Newcastle in 1863 was transported by rail to piers in Seattle where it was loaded onto freighters bound for San Francisco.
Local lore has it that the lake’s bottom has yet to be located. A train loaded with coal supposedly left its tracks and plunged into its murky waters. The train, crew and payload were never located — or so the story goes.
The cemetery was founded that same year to meet the needs of the miners. The first burial took place in 1879 and the most recent in 1979.
Newcastle coal mines began operation in 1867 and remained open until about 1929. The cemetery was designated a King County Landmark in 1982 and is the final resting place for families of Welsh, Scottish, English, Finnish, Italian, Irish, Belgian, Swedish and other immigrants, most of whom toiled in the mines.
A locked gate keeps the cemetery closed to the public.
Distance: 1.3 miles
Destination: Out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: Minimal
Getting there: From I-405 south, take exit 10 for Coal Creek Parkway. Keep left at the fork to continue toward SE Coal Creek Parkway. Coal Creek Parkway becomes SE Coal Creek Parkway in about 3.3 miles. From SE Coal Creek Parkway, turn right on SE 84th Way, then take the next right to enter Lake Boren Park.
The Trek: After parking in the lot at Lake Boren Park, set out toward the restrooms, in front of which is a sign. Get your bearings for the Cross Town Trail.
Set out on a double-wide paved sidewalk that leads past the athletic courts and a stage.
At a fork, continue right, passing the sand volleyball court before descending toward the shores of Lake Boren.
A large green sign on the right explains the Lake Boren Park Wetlands. Read about storm water runoff, water quality, wildlife habitat and the aesthetics of the wetlands.
Venture onto the 75-foot fishing dock that allows not only opportunities to cast, but to view the lake’s entire length.
Return to the main trail and continue to the right, following the signs toward the cemetery and Hazelwood Park.
Continue past a blackberry thicket on the right. At the next “Y,” proceed right on 129th Street. The road leads past the cemetery.
A short distance beyond the cemetery, reach a marker for the Waterline Trail. Proceed left on the gravel Waterline Trail. The trail enters the forest as it borders the cemetery.
Atop a small incline, break out into a clearing, which allows for maintenance of a buried pipeline.
Pass the trailhead for the Olympus Trail, opting to stay straight on a single-wide track of natural tread. The path continues to narrow as stinging nettles and blackberry brambles close in.
The trail bends to the right then to the left as you pass a pair of large cedar trees.
Reach a “Y” intersection and proceed uphill to the left. At the next intersection, go right. Cross over a footbridge and pass a massive rootball as the trail twists and turns through the forest.
Break out into another clearing, this one running between the forest and the back fences of homes. To the right is the return route.
Cross the clearing and proceed down a staircase of gravel. At the bottom of the hill, proceed right and follow the sidewalk north along 122nd Place SE. Cross the street at the stop sign just north of SE 75th Place and continue north along the other side of the street.
Pass the trailhead for the Wetland Trail. This trail will be highlighted in the future.
Continue down the street to reach Donegal Park. Loop up and around the small park.
Cross 123rd Avenue. Pick up a utility road on the other side that leads to the clearing mentioned above. Proceed to the left and retrace your steps back to the rig.
Cross Town Trail
Vince Richardson
A pier extends over the waters of Lake Boren.
Other Recent Hikes
Most Read Stories
Top Jobs
LIVE-IN CAREGIVER. Room and board furnished. Clean, cook, secretarial, farm management. Integrity required. 360-873-9600
REFINERY OPERATOR Tesoro is currently seeking to fill the position of Refinery Operator at its Anacortes facility. An Operator monitors and controls refinery process equipment while working a rotating 12-hour shift, often outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. This can be a physically/mentally challenging job requiring mechanical ability and a basic understanding of physical sciences and chemistry. In addition, candidates must possess a positive work ethic, good communications and teamworking skills and have the willingness to take personal responsibility for the safety of themselves and others. Along with a dynamic work environment, Tesoro offers an excellent compensation and benefits package. Starting wage will be $21.38 per hour that will initially increase to $25.59 after successful completion of training. Employment applications (one application per person) can be obtained at the Work Source Skagit, 2005 E. College Way, in Mount Vernon during the hours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on November 24, 25, and 30, 2009, or until a maximum of 300 applications has been distributed. No applications will be faxed or mailed. You must apply in person. All applicants will be tested on Saturday, December 5, 2009, for basic skills and aptitude. Additional information will be provided with the application. Telephone inquiries and mail-in applications will not be accepted. Successful candidates for employment will be required to pass a substance abuse screening (drug and alcohol), physical agility tests, and complete a physical exam. Tesoro Refining and Marketing Company 10200 W. March Point Rd. Anacortes, WA 98221 Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V
STYLIST for AVEDA SALON AND SPA. Commission. 1019 Cleveland St., MV 336-2985
PROGRAM MANAGER developmentally disabled adults. Responsible for the overall day-to-day functioning of this supported living program. The Manager participates in hiring staff, training staff, scheduling of staff. BA or equiv plus 2 yrs working with the people we serve in a residential setting. At least 2-3 yrs. experience as a supervisor + direct service. Volunteers of America Western Washington is a private non-profit human service agency serving the disabled in Skagit County. Come be a part of what we do and make a difference every day. EEO/AA If you wish to apply for this position, send a resume to bdavis@voaww.org or come to 1934 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.
Housekeeping/Laundry Experience preferred but will also train. Must be available days, weekends and holidays. $10.50 - $12.50 DOQ Join our team and enjoy a full complement of benefits including medical and life insurance at no charge to the employee, dental, paid sick leave, paid vacation, paid holidays, and a 401K plan. Must be able to pass a background check and a 90 day drug screen. For more info., please contact Human Resources at 360-724-0265 or visit our website: www.theskagit.com Human Resources Hours: M-F, 8am to 5pm Directions: North or southbound - Take I-5 to Exit 236
FARMERS INSURANCE AGENT We are looking for career motivated people to join our team. Join our team full time or train while you keep your current job to ensure a comfortable transition into the industry. Take advantage of top notch training, unlimited income potential, and the flexibility our company offers. Call Michael Dame at (360) 714 8117 x204 or email resume to mdame@farmersagent.com
Youth Center Staff Supervisor The Swinomish Tribal Community Recreation/ Prevention Department is looking for a dynamic and competent individual who is experienced as a Youth Center Staff Supervisor. The Youth Center Supervisor plans, and does the total duties of a Prevention/Recreation Assistant. This position provides leadership to the other assistants when the Coordinator is out of the office. The Swinomish Tribal Community is a positive and friendly work environment. This is a full-time position with full health insurance benefits. Salary is DOQ. Request a Swinomish Tribal Community application and Job Description by calling 360-466-1216 or e-mail wbill@swinomish.nsn.us. Return cover letter, resume, and application to Wayne Bill, Human Resource Director as soon as possible. Send application packet to; Swinomish Tribal Community, Human Resource Office, 11404 Moorage Way, LaConner, WA. 98257
Established medical office seeks Medical Records Clerk/Receptionist. Must be flex. Position also covers sick & vacation days. You must have computer, customer service and professional telephone skills. Applicant must be neat in appearance, pleasant, reliable, organized, energetic and able to multi-task. Previous medical exp. is helpful but not nec. Send resume to: bonniec-mvwc @verizon.net or File #676 c/o Skagit Valley Herald, PO Box 578, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.
REFINERY OPERATOR Tesoro is currently seeking to fill the position of Refinery Operator at its Anacortes facility. An Operator monitors and controls refinery process equipment while working a rotating 12-hour shift, often outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. This can be a physically/mentally challenging job requiring mechanical ability and a basic understanding of physical sciences and chemistry. In addition, candidates must possess a positive work ethic, good communications and teamworking skills and have the willingness to take personal responsibility for the safety of themselves and others. Along with a dynamic work environment, Tesoro offers an excellent compensation and benefits package. Starting wage will be $21.38 per hour that will initially increase to $25.59 after successful completion of training. Employment applications (one application per person) can be obtained at the Work Source Skagit, 2005 E. College Way, in Mount Vernon during the hours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on November 24, 25, and 30, 2009, or until a maximum of 300 applications has been distributed. No applications will be faxed or mailed. You must apply in person. All applicants will be tested on Saturday, December 5, 2009, for basic skills and aptitude. Additional information will be provided with the application. Telephone inquiries and mail-in applications will not be accepted. Successful candidates for employment will be required to pass a substance abuse screening (drug and alcohol), physical agility tests, and complete a physical exam. Tesoro Refining and Marketing Company 10200 W. March Point Rd. Anacortes, WA 98221 Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V
STYLIST for AVEDA SALON AND SPA. Commission. 1019 Cleveland St., MV 336-2985
PROGRAM MANAGER developmentally disabled adults. Responsible for the overall day-to-day functioning of this supported living program. The Manager participates in hiring staff, training staff, scheduling of staff. BA or equiv plus 2 yrs working with the people we serve in a residential setting. At least 2-3 yrs. experience as a supervisor + direct service. Volunteers of America Western Washington is a private non-profit human service agency serving the disabled in Skagit County. Come be a part of what we do and make a difference every day. EEO/AA If you wish to apply for this position, send a resume to bdavis@voaww.org or come to 1934 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.
Housekeeping/Laundry Experience preferred but will also train. Must be available days, weekends and holidays. $10.50 - $12.50 DOQ Join our team and enjoy a full complement of benefits including medical and life insurance at no charge to the employee, dental, paid sick leave, paid vacation, paid holidays, and a 401K plan. Must be able to pass a background check and a 90 day drug screen. For more info., please contact Human Resources at 360-724-0265 or visit our website: www.theskagit.com Human Resources Hours: M-F, 8am to 5pm Directions: North or southbound - Take I-5 to Exit 236
FARMERS INSURANCE AGENT We are looking for career motivated people to join our team. Join our team full time or train while you keep your current job to ensure a comfortable transition into the industry. Take advantage of top notch training, unlimited income potential, and the flexibility our company offers. Call Michael Dame at (360) 714 8117 x204 or email resume to mdame@farmersagent.com
Youth Center Staff Supervisor The Swinomish Tribal Community Recreation/ Prevention Department is looking for a dynamic and competent individual who is experienced as a Youth Center Staff Supervisor. The Youth Center Supervisor plans, and does the total duties of a Prevention/Recreation Assistant. This position provides leadership to the other assistants when the Coordinator is out of the office. The Swinomish Tribal Community is a positive and friendly work environment. This is a full-time position with full health insurance benefits. Salary is DOQ. Request a Swinomish Tribal Community application and Job Description by calling 360-466-1216 or e-mail wbill@swinomish.nsn.us. Return cover letter, resume, and application to Wayne Bill, Human Resource Director as soon as possible. Send application packet to; Swinomish Tribal Community, Human Resource Office, 11404 Moorage Way, LaConner, WA. 98257
Established medical office seeks Medical Records Clerk/Receptionist. Must be flex. Position also covers sick & vacation days. You must have computer, customer service and professional telephone skills. Applicant must be neat in appearance, pleasant, reliable, organized, energetic and able to multi-task. Previous medical exp. is helpful but not nec. Send resume to: bonniec-mvwc @verizon.net or File #676 c/o Skagit Valley Herald, PO Box 578, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.
