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Rasar State Park is along the north shore of the Skagit River.

After pulling into the park, follow the signs to the day-use area and park there. The day-use area has restrooms and a playground.

The 168-acre park offers camping, picnicking, hiking, bird watching and fishing. Trails offer hikers the opportunity to meander through second-growth forest, open fields and along the banks of the Skagit River.

The first quarter-mile of the Skagit River Loop Trail is wheelchair accessible. That accessibility ends at a sandbar on the banks of the Skagit River.

The trail boasts interpretive signs along its route, so be prepared to soak up information along the way.

Distance: 2.5 miles

Destination: Loop trail

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation gain: None

Getting there: From Highway 20 in Sedro-Woolley, continue east for about 15 miles to Lusk Road. Turn right on Lusk Road and continue for one mile. Turn left on Cape Horn Road and continue for one mile. The entrance to Rasar State Park is on the right.

The Trek: Locate the trailhead to the west of the parking area. Proceed left on a paved, double-wide trail.

Pass a bench on the left while traipsing downhill on a path bordered by split-rail fencing and large, moss-covered trees. At the bottom of the hill, the trail turns right before entering a hayfield. At this spot, the views to the east are impressive. The jagged peak of Sauk Mountain can be seen in the distance.

Pass the first of several interpretive signs. Titled “A Transformed Landscape,” the sign explains how man, mountains and river have interacted throughout the years.

Cross the field, passing a newly constructed bench. Reach an intersection. Continue straight. Going left simply leads around the outskirts of the field. “A Powerful River” is the topic of the sign at this spot.

Entering the forest, bend right at a massive — and hollow — maple tree. Cross a culvert to reach the interpretive sign “Living On The Edge,” which explains life between the hayfield, neighboring forest and river.

Passing several large cedar trees, the path sweeps to the left before reaching the banks of the Skagit River. Beside a bench is a sign titled “Multiple Layers of Habitat.” The pavement ends here, replaced by soft and hard-packed sand.

At the “T” intersection, go left. The trail is bordered by the Skagit River. Numerous spur trails lead to the water. Take time to venture to the shoreline. The views up and down the river valley are impressive.

Pass a sign titled “Welcome To Eagle Country.” This area is a hotbed of raptor activity when the bald eagles gather for the salmon buffet.

The trail is soon buffered by blackberry brambles as one traipses along the sandy route. The canopy closes in for a couple of moments before opening up once again. The trail bends left, leaving the river as it turns toward the field. Stay to the right at the next junction.

Pass several huge cottonwood trees before reaching a four-way intersection. Proceed right on what appears to be the remnants of a roadbed. Pass a burn pile and head uphill.

Once atop the slight incline, burst out into the field once again. This time, you’re at the far east end.

Continue straight, following the fence line the entire width of the field, passing several “marshmallow” hay bails. Reaching the far side, the path turns to the left at the park boundary sign, hugging the forest on the right. Great views can be had from this vantage point. Pass five tall poles, each with a bird house on top.

Reach another four-way intersection. Left cuts through the field, eventually looping back around before reconnecting with the paved trail. Straight leads to the entrance of the field.

Proceed straight. At the intersection with the paved trail, proceed right and return to the rig.