Many have sped past Wildwood Chapel on their way elsewhere, probably wondering exactly what that white blur was.
Well, if you take this hike, you’ll also have the opportunity to acquaint yourself with the tiny house of worship.
For many years, the chapel was in a field on Highway 2 just east of Monroe.
In 1975, the chapel was damaged by vandals. So extensive was the damage, that the chapel was replaced with a new one.
The Rudy Clark family decided that the vandalized remains of the old chapel need not perish. The chapel was transported to its current site on Highway 20 where it was reconstructed.
Since the chapel’s dedication in 1977, thousands have stopped to visit. Inside the chapel’s cozy confines, one finds a rather unique and peaceful atmosphere.
Distance: 2.5 miles
Destination: The banks of the Skagit River
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: None
Getting there: Highway 20 east. Just before Marblemount, about 38 miles from Sedro-Woolley, is the trailhead. It lies across the highway from Clark’s Cabins and is next to the Wildwood Chapel.
The Trek: Park just to the east of Wildwood Chapel, then locate the River Trail sign just west of the structure.
Go left on a muddy road and enter a forest of moss-covered, old-growth trees. At a fork, continue straight on a dirt road. The branch to the right leads to a recent logging operation.
The road bends to the right as it reaches the Skagit River. A sandy bar boasts a tire swing and bench.
At the four-way intersection, continue straight. Left leads to a dirt boat launch favored by rafters (an inflated raft was laid on its side against several trees) while right leads to the highway.
On the other side of the intersection, venture between a pair of posts proclaiming this section closed to motor vehicles.
The area is littered with the remains of fallen trees, which are slowly being recycled by nature. Numerous paths lead off the main trail and end at the river. A quick jaunt down one of these paths leads to the crisp-clear waters of the Skagit River.
If the time is right, boats and rafts can be seen upon the river. There are also great views up and down the river, including the jagged, snow-capped Cascade peaks to the east.
Cross a culvert and hike past an old snag that bears a resemblance to someone standing with their arms stretched above their head. Many stumps boast springboard notches courtesy of loggers from long ago.
Continuing on, the river begins to roar as it tumbles through a large set of rapids.
A short distance farther, the trail abruptly ends. A large wood fence complete with barbed wire signals the end of the trail. Make your way around the naturally-occuring roundabout and begin the trek back.
If you aren’t feeling quite fulfilled, venture past the rig and find the trailhead for the Old Church Drift Hole. Head downhill into the forest. At the first fork, venturing right takes one under a massive maple tree before leading to the Skagit River Trail.
Returning to the fork and proceeding right leads to yet another fork just steps farther on. Heading right is a dead end. Left leads to a fisherman’s trail and the Old Church Drift Hole.
Bursting out of the thick foliage, venture onto the banks of the Skagit River. From here, one can traipse east or west down the shoreline.
Choosing to go east, one can wander about a half-mile before the shoreline becomes too overgrown and narrow to continue. You can venture farther to the west. However, heading in that direction one doesn’t get the great mountain views.
After traipsing over flattened grasses, hopping from rock to rock and leaving a footprint or two on a sand bar, return to the trail and make your way back to the rig.
River Trail
Vince Richardson
An old snag resembles a human figure.
This article has been viewed 71 times
Previous Hike• Beacon Rock |
Next Hike• Forest Trail |
Other Recent Hikes
Most Read Stories
Top Jobs
Boat manufacturer is seeking experienced Aluminum Welder/Fitters. 2 years minimum experience in welding…
Licensed Vet Technician position available in busy small animal practice. Must be self-motivated and…
FOSTER CARE RESOURCES P/T Case Manager. Seeking professional person with good interpersonal skills, sound…
MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST 36+ hrs/week, M-F, 8-5 to work in the surgery scheduling dept. Looking for an individual…
Admin. Asst. 20 - 30 hrs/wk. Experience preferred but will train. Tammie @ Washington Iron Works, Inc.,…
Administrative Assistant Meridian Center Electric is currently taking applications for our full time…
Here we Grow Again! We are expanding our sales team. Must have excellent communication and customer service…
Receptionist Looking for a receptionist to join our cosmetic skin care center. Must be enthusiastic,…
2 DISTRICT ASSISTANTS 20+ hours a week. Job duties include but are not limited to: • 4AM - 8AM • $8.50/hour…
Draft Pic's Sports Bar& Grill now hiring experienced Line Cook Top pay. Apply in person. 516 S. First…
Mount Vernon ATTENTION: Skagit Valley Herald newspaper carriers wanted: MOUNT VERNON The Skagit Valley…
The Skagit Valley Herald is now hiring for: OUTSIDE ADVERTISING SALES Join our dynamic Outside Sales…
Per Dona Salon and Spa is under new ownership and looking for a P/T or F/T Spa Coordinator/ Receptionist…
REFINERY MAINTENANCE Tesoro is currently seeking to fill the following positions at its Anacortes refinery:…
Samish Indian Nation / Now Recruiting, Head Start Team Teacher/ Case Manager, 40 hour week Non Exempt…
Cheesemaking Opportunity in Bow. Will train, P/T or F/T option. PO Box 202, Bow, 98232 or cheese@ rootabaga.com…
GRAPHIC DESIGN POSITION The Skagit Valley Herald has an immediate opening in our graphic design department…
CAREGIVERS NEEDED! PT NAC/NAR with current CPR and First Aid. Mental health and dementia training a plus.…
FARM TRUCK & TRACTOR OPERATOR. Valid drivers lic. req'd. 360-724-3375
PERSONAL LINES CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENT: Wycoff Insurance is looking for a full time Personal Lines Customer…
La Conner Channel Lodge now accepting applications for Housekeeping Staff Flexible work days and a great…
LA CONNER RETIREMENT INN is seeking full time dependable CAREGIVERS to assist our residents with medication…
Currently seeking SECURITY OFFICERS in the Anacortes area. Starting wage at $13.00. Applicants must be…
Courier/Drivers F/T positions avail. Union pay & benefits. Call 360-707-5391
Due to growth and promotions, Josephine is hiring. • RN's LPN's - $2500 Sign on Bonus Afternoons 2pm-10:30pm…
AUTO MECHANIC wanted with experience. Must have own tools. Contact Steve at 360-856-2866
WA State Dept. of Agriculture is seeking a P/T POTATO INSPECTOR for the Mt. Vernon area. Applications…
Immediate openings for Washboard Laundry. Apply in person: 1806 Riverside Dr, MV
Marine manufacturing and repair. Hiring laminator's, patch & detail. Min. 2 yrs exp. Call (360)398-1328…
WE ARE HIRING!!! MARINE MECHANICS Preferred candidates will be MerCruiser or Volvo certified & have 3+…
911 Dispatchers We train. Start $17.62. Apps @ www.skagit911.com Return Mon-Thur 7am-4pm to 2911 E.College…
CNC MACHINIST Fast Paced Shop Wage DOE $22.00-$30.00 @ Hr, Benefits and Profit Sharing. Must Know MasterCam,…
TABLE GAMES DEALERS Base Pay & Tips 1 skilled $7.00/hr. 2 skilled $7.75/hr 3 skilled $8.50/hr 4 skilled…
OPHTHALMIC ASSISTANT Looking for an organized person w/ the ability to multi-task, must have customer…
JOB SHOP MACHINIST Fast paced Shop Wage DOE $22.00-$30.00 @Hr, Benefits and Profit Sharing. Manual Machines…
JEWELRY SALES AND JEWELRY MANAGERS, F/T, self motivated, custom design and more! 360-707-5444
Love iPods, GPS and Cell phones? Join our team! Full or Part time at Anacortes dealer store. Apply at…
Specialty medical office seeks Clerical/ Receptionist F/T, Mon-Fri. Position req's organization, professional…
Line Cook & Host/Counter Person Apply in person at Seed's Bistro or Calico Cupboard
SALES EXPERIENCE A MUST, AUTO SALES A PLUS! We need 2 motivated enthusiastic individuals. Opportunity…
MEDICAL ASSISTANT 32+ hrs/wk. Qualifications: Certification from an approved Medical Assistant program.…
HOUSECLEANERS wanted Mon.-Fri. for established Anacortes business. Must have vehicle & WDL. (360) 293-2349,…
FRONT DESK HELP Good PR skills a must. Apply in person. Islands Inn, Anacortes
LPN NOC shift, wanted for MV dementia care residence. Very competitive wages. Benefits & a pleasant work…
Assistant Bookkeeper Owner of a fast paced retail store seeking P/T assistant to help w/bookkeeping &…
Mount Vernon ATTENTION: Skagit Valley Herald newspaper carriers wanted: MOUNT VERNON The Skagit Valley…
Dominos Pizza Drivers Wanted. Get cash every shift. 18 or older. Apply in person 1600 E. College Way.…
Foundations Formsetters wanted. Exp. or will train. Wage DOE + benefits. 293-8387; Fax 293-8352
Licensed Vet Technician position available in busy small animal practice. Must be self-motivated and…
FOSTER CARE RESOURCES P/T Case Manager. Seeking professional person with good interpersonal skills, sound…
MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST 36+ hrs/week, M-F, 8-5 to work in the surgery scheduling dept. Looking for an individual…
Admin. Asst. 20 - 30 hrs/wk. Experience preferred but will train. Tammie @ Washington Iron Works, Inc.,…
Administrative Assistant Meridian Center Electric is currently taking applications for our full time…
Here we Grow Again! We are expanding our sales team. Must have excellent communication and customer service…
Receptionist Looking for a receptionist to join our cosmetic skin care center. Must be enthusiastic,…
2 DISTRICT ASSISTANTS 20+ hours a week. Job duties include but are not limited to: • 4AM - 8AM • $8.50/hour…
Draft Pic's Sports Bar& Grill now hiring experienced Line Cook Top pay. Apply in person. 516 S. First…
Mount Vernon ATTENTION: Skagit Valley Herald newspaper carriers wanted: MOUNT VERNON The Skagit Valley…
The Skagit Valley Herald is now hiring for: OUTSIDE ADVERTISING SALES Join our dynamic Outside Sales…
Per Dona Salon and Spa is under new ownership and looking for a P/T or F/T Spa Coordinator/ Receptionist…
REFINERY MAINTENANCE Tesoro is currently seeking to fill the following positions at its Anacortes refinery:…
Samish Indian Nation / Now Recruiting, Head Start Team Teacher/ Case Manager, 40 hour week Non Exempt…
Cheesemaking Opportunity in Bow. Will train, P/T or F/T option. PO Box 202, Bow, 98232 or cheese@ rootabaga.com…
GRAPHIC DESIGN POSITION The Skagit Valley Herald has an immediate opening in our graphic design department…
CAREGIVERS NEEDED! PT NAC/NAR with current CPR and First Aid. Mental health and dementia training a plus.…
FARM TRUCK & TRACTOR OPERATOR. Valid drivers lic. req'd. 360-724-3375
PERSONAL LINES CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENT: Wycoff Insurance is looking for a full time Personal Lines Customer…
La Conner Channel Lodge now accepting applications for Housekeeping Staff Flexible work days and a great…
LA CONNER RETIREMENT INN is seeking full time dependable CAREGIVERS to assist our residents with medication…
Currently seeking SECURITY OFFICERS in the Anacortes area. Starting wage at $13.00. Applicants must be…
Courier/Drivers F/T positions avail. Union pay & benefits. Call 360-707-5391
Due to growth and promotions, Josephine is hiring. • RN's LPN's - $2500 Sign on Bonus Afternoons 2pm-10:30pm…
AUTO MECHANIC wanted with experience. Must have own tools. Contact Steve at 360-856-2866
WA State Dept. of Agriculture is seeking a P/T POTATO INSPECTOR for the Mt. Vernon area. Applications…
Immediate openings for Washboard Laundry. Apply in person: 1806 Riverside Dr, MV
Marine manufacturing and repair. Hiring laminator's, patch & detail. Min. 2 yrs exp. Call (360)398-1328…
WE ARE HIRING!!! MARINE MECHANICS Preferred candidates will be MerCruiser or Volvo certified & have 3+…
911 Dispatchers We train. Start $17.62. Apps @ www.skagit911.com Return Mon-Thur 7am-4pm to 2911 E.College…
CNC MACHINIST Fast Paced Shop Wage DOE $22.00-$30.00 @ Hr, Benefits and Profit Sharing. Must Know MasterCam,…
TABLE GAMES DEALERS Base Pay & Tips 1 skilled $7.00/hr. 2 skilled $7.75/hr 3 skilled $8.50/hr 4 skilled…
OPHTHALMIC ASSISTANT Looking for an organized person w/ the ability to multi-task, must have customer…
JOB SHOP MACHINIST Fast paced Shop Wage DOE $22.00-$30.00 @Hr, Benefits and Profit Sharing. Manual Machines…
JEWELRY SALES AND JEWELRY MANAGERS, F/T, self motivated, custom design and more! 360-707-5444
Love iPods, GPS and Cell phones? Join our team! Full or Part time at Anacortes dealer store. Apply at…
Specialty medical office seeks Clerical/ Receptionist F/T, Mon-Fri. Position req's organization, professional…
Line Cook & Host/Counter Person Apply in person at Seed's Bistro or Calico Cupboard
SALES EXPERIENCE A MUST, AUTO SALES A PLUS! We need 2 motivated enthusiastic individuals. Opportunity…
MEDICAL ASSISTANT 32+ hrs/wk. Qualifications: Certification from an approved Medical Assistant program.…
HOUSECLEANERS wanted Mon.-Fri. for established Anacortes business. Must have vehicle & WDL. (360) 293-2349,…
FRONT DESK HELP Good PR skills a must. Apply in person. Islands Inn, Anacortes
LPN NOC shift, wanted for MV dementia care residence. Very competitive wages. Benefits & a pleasant work…
Assistant Bookkeeper Owner of a fast paced retail store seeking P/T assistant to help w/bookkeeping &…
Mount Vernon ATTENTION: Skagit Valley Herald newspaper carriers wanted: MOUNT VERNON The Skagit Valley…
Dominos Pizza Drivers Wanted. Get cash every shift. 18 or older. Apply in person 1600 E. College Way.…
Foundations Formsetters wanted. Exp. or will train. Wage DOE + benefits. 293-8387; Fax 293-8352
