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Vince Richardson

This is an urban walk that passes through the middle of Mount Vernon from east to west. It boasts green fields, woods, bubbling creeks and industrial settings.

There are several street crossings, so make sure to look both ways before making a dash for it, and be sure and use the crosswalks when possible.

Distance: 4.5 miles

Destination: Lions Park

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation gain: None

Getting there: College Way to Waugh Street in Mount Vernon. Turn south on Waugh, then west on Seneca. Park at the trailhead.

The Trek: There are numerous places to park, the largest of which is the Bakerview Park complex.

For the purpose of this trek, park along Seneca Street at the trail’s east end and set out.

Begin by walking through an open field surrounded by homes.

Kulshan Creek cannot be heard over the roaring traffic. However, it lies just to the west of the trail. The salmon-friendly creek meanders through brush and trees along the trail’s path.

Pass a large pond and enter a forested section of trail. The trees are just starting to green up and wildflowers are beginning to break the soil’s surface.

Cross a small bridge spanning Kulshan Creek and enter Bakerview Park directly behind the skateboard park.

Head west between baseball fields on gravel path. Walk up a small berm and find the wide, paved trail and a “T” intersection. Proceed to the right.

The pavement skirts around the outfield of the baseball diamonds before coming to a wide spot that is actually a bus stop.

There is a crosswalk here. Cross a congested 30th Street and pick up the trail on the other side.

The trail now consists of hard-packed dirt and in some cases mud. It enters another stand of trees.

Homes now border the trail as the stream continues to flow along. Cross a small bridge.

After the bridge, the trail returns once again to pavement. Once leading the woods, stay to the left.

Arriving at LaVenture Middle School, proceed cautiously across LaVenture Road and pick up the trail/paved path as it slices through a lush green belt.

After crossing 18th Street, the trail widens and the surroundings become more park-like. The pavement now stretches out before you as the trail rises and falls. Just as abruptly as it began, the forest is replaced by an industrial park.

Make your way across a bustling Riverside Drive at the signaled crosswalk just to the south, then continue west on Fir Street.

Proceed under the freeway, cross Freeway Drive and enter Lions Park. This is the end of the trail. Take a moment to gander at the Skagit River before beginning the trek back to the rig.