This week’s trek is in the same area as last week’s — the Northern State Recreation Area.

The NSRA includes hundreds of acres that were once the site of Northern State Hospital’s agriculture undertakings.

There were poultry, pig and dairy farms. Hay and various fruits and vegetables were also harvested.

Many of the farm buildings still stand. They are historic and are not to be entered. Trekking around the area, other barns and outbuildings will be encountered.

Distance: 3.5 miles

Destination: Out and back

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation gain: None

Getting there: Take Highway 20 east of Sedro-Woolley to Helmick Road. Turn north on Helmick. Continue for a half-mile. Turn left into the large, gravel parking lot.

The Trek: After parking in the lot, set out on a gravel path. Make your way between a pair of large fields while passing several gravel pads that disc golfers use as tee boxes.

The metal contraption in the field to the right is a disc golf hole. Disc golfers attempt to hit the dangling pieces of chain. Many of these “holes” will be passed along the trail.

Reaching a “T” intersection, proceed left on what was once a service road. A stream runs along the right.

There are several trails that lead to the right. Stay straight while venturing between a tall hedge on the right and blackberry thickets on the left.

Pass disc golf hole No. 1 before breaking out into a clearing. Venture to the right off the old roadbed and make your way toward hole No. 2, just east of several old buildings. Head up a hill and across another field before reconnecting with a gravel trail. Continue right.

Pass another disc golf hole. This one is made from an old fireplace. Trudge through mud and ice before reaching a “Y.”

Proceed left down a steep hill. The going is slick and muddy, so watch every step. At the bottom, matted grass covers mud and pockets of standing water.

Reaching the other side of the small gully, proceed uphill and reach a “T” intersection at another old road. Go left. It’s less than 100 feet before reaching an intersection.

Go right on an abandoned road that is now a wide swath of cut grass. The barbed wire fence on the left is completely covered by blackberry brambles. Keep an eye out for deer and other animals who call the area home.

Across the stream directly to the left lies the campus buildings of Northern State Hospital.

Continue up a small hill and encounter several small buildings. One is built of cement and, despite the roof caving in, is standing the test of time. A short distance farther, a large barn is encountered. Some of its boards are missing and its roof looks a little shaky.

Entering a clearing, the remnants of a structure can be seen to the left. All that remains is a jumble of wood and twisted metal.

Reaching an intersection, continue straight. The sound of chainsaws in the distance and the cracking of falling trees shatter the quiet setting. A heavy dew blankets the ground as the trail narrows from overgrown road to double-wide matted grass. The trail borders a large field on the right.

A wide hole carved out of the dense thicket on the right allows access to the field.

Don’t bother meandering along what appears to be a mowed path. While the way seems clear enough, it soon becomes impassable because of standing water and mud.

Stick to the main trail, which has become a bit of a quagmire itself. Each step is accompanied by a small splash as a dense forest of old growth is entered.

A large cedar tree is passed on the left moments before an old, bent gate is reached. Maneuvering around the gate is simple as the trail continues downhill.

The sound of rushing water soon fills the air and it isn’t long before a stream is reached. A partially submerged bridge allows for the creek to be crossed. The bridge looks flimsy, but is rather sturdy.

Reaching the other side of the stream, bound up a muddy shoreline and greet another large cedar tree. This one is growing out of the stump of a previous tree.

Trails run in every direction. If you are up to exploring — and doing some bushwhacking — pick one and have at it. If not so inclined, cross over the stream and retrace your route to the rig.