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The Cascade Trail is a Rails-to-Trails project linking Sedro-Woolley and Concrete by way of the old Burlington Northern line. The gravel trail is about 22.5 miles long.

For the purposes of this hike, the route is of the out-and-back variety.

Hiking the first section of this trail (about 6.5 miles to Lyman) this time of year is a definite must. With leaves just beginning to turn, trees along the route appear to be ablaze.

There is already a good amount of leaves carpeting the trail. In the next couple of weeks, that amount is going to increase dramatically.

There are plenty of driveways and roadways to be negotiated along the route. Make sure to watch for vehicles when crossing.

The trail has an interesting history.

In 1993, when the Skagit County Parks and Recreation Department purchased the rail corridor and decided to create the Cascade Trail, the project wasn’t necessarily greeted with open arms.

Some believed the land should be returned to those who owned it before the railroad.

That wasn’t possible because the corridor was “railbanked,” meaning if Burlington Northern decides to re-establish the rail line, it can purchase the land back from the county.

As it is now, motor vehicles are prohibited on the trail.

The trail is frequented by equestrians, bikers and hikers. And during hunting season, one may even encounter a bow hunter or two.

Distance: 13 miles

Destination: Lyman and back

Difficulty: Moderate because of distance

Elevation gain: None

Getting there: Highway 20 east to a parking lot just west of the stoplight for Fruitdale Road in Sedro-Woolley. The lot is on the south side of the highway. If you miss this lot, there is another one a quarter-mile east on Highway 20 across from the Northern State Recreation Area.

The Trek: After parking in the lot, set out to the east on a spacious trail of gravel. There isn’t a lot of twisting and turning to this trail because trains like it as straight as possible. And the way is flat.

It’s not long before the first of many bridges is crossed. There are bridges along the way because of the streams that make their way toward the Skagit River.

Pass another parking lot as you continue along. This lot is the one at Helmick Road, across from Northern State.

This section of the Cascade Trail is bordered by Highway 20, so the roar of cars is a constant companion. The noise, however, is sometimes drowned out by the howling wind.

Cross a bridge spanning Red Creek and reach the first of numerous benches. Across from the bench is a large ranch.

At the marker for mile two, a herd of inquisitive cows stares blankly in your direction before returning to munch on the green grass.

About a quarter-mile farther, a chain-link fence now borders both sides of the trail.

Pass a mint-colored farmhouse steps before coming to Minkler Road. Drivers fly down this stretch of pavement. Make sure the coast is clear before venturing across.

Weave your way between the iron piping and continue on. At mile marker three, the route stretches out before you as far as the eye can see. Blackberry thickets now border the trail.

Pass an unflinching guard llama and a flock of large, surly-looking farm geese.

Cross another pair of bridges, the second of which boasts several large uprooted stumps on the side of the trail.

Looking straight down the path, Sauk Mountain can be seen. To the left and right are vast farmlands.

Carefully cross another road and pass a herd of Holsteins. The hills to the left bear the scars of loggers’ chainsaws.

Speaking of logging, pass a recent clear cut and make your way through a muddy section of trail. The stream to the left leaves its banks on a fairly regular basis.

Crossing another bridge, enter a grove of quaking aspen trees as the trail narrows to single track and becomes sandy. The trail disappears completely for a moment. A short bushwhack, however, leads to a sandy fork. Proceed right. It’s only a couple of steps before what appears to be an old stream bed is reached. Proceed left. This is the trail.

It continues to narrow as tree branches now invade it. The way is now a mixture of sand and mud as one continues through a jumble of trees and bushes.

Break out onto gravel once again as the trail is restored to its double-wide stature.

Cross an old footbridge that, unlike many of its comrades, boasts no railings. Enter the bog that is the Minkler Lake area.

Cross a series of bridges before coming to the longest bridge on this route. It spans the murky waters of Minkler Lake. Minkler Lake is choked with lily pads and decaying logs. Pass mile marker six just beyond this point.

Continue on a raised grade, crossing several more bridges before coming to Robinson Road. Taking this road to the left leads to the Lyman-Hamilton Highway and eventually to Highway 20.

This makes for an excellent spot to turn around and begin the trek back to the rig.