Walking Trails

Your Port of Skagit maintains a popular 10.13-mile system of walking trails around its properties on Bayview Ridge. A gravel system winding through forests, along roadways and around wetlands, it is open to bicycles, pedestrians and their pets on leash. With relatively little change in elevation and a smooth surface, the trail’s degree of difficulty is Easy.

The looped system includes a northern section that extends from Josh Wilson Road through the Bayview Business Park, to Skagit Regional Airport; the southern section extends from the airport south across Higgins Airport Way to Crosswind Drive and along Ovenell Road, ending near the corner of Ovenell and Farm-to-Market roads. Trails are open from dawn to dusk.

Trailhead parking is available in these locations:

  • at the corner of Ovenell Road and Higgins Airport Way
  • at the corner of Josh Wilson Road and Higgins Airport Way
  • at the port offices/airport terminal building at 15400 Airport Drive
  • Handicap parking at the Josh Wilson and Ovenell public lots and at the Olympic Pipeline entrance on Ovenell Road.

Hosting a Trail Event

Not-for-profit events may be held on the trails with permission from the Port of Skagit. Examples of trail events include Skagit Runner’s Annual Tulip Run; Skagit Habitat for Humanity Bike & Hike; and cross-country track meets.

The Port requires signed Hold Harmless Agreement and copy of liability insurance certificate with Port listed as additional insured as a prerequisite for trail event use. Contact the port office (360-757-0011) to schedule an event.

Whether you are doing it for your health, the health of the environment or a worthy cause, walking is an easy and economical way to work physical activity into a busy day. Come explore the Port of Skagit’s walking trails.

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Skagit Watershed Letterbox Trail

The Port of Skagit is participating in the 2011 Skagit Watershed Letterbox Trail program, sponsored by the Skagit Conservation Education Alliance.

The 2011 Skagit Watershed Letterbox Trail starts in June and runs through the summer. Local conservation organizations have partnered to hide letterboxes all along the Skagit River Watershed, from the North Cascades National Park in the east to Washington Park in the west. One letterbox will be located on Port property along the Port of Skagit walking trails.

Each box contains fun educational materials about the watershed, along with a notebook and ink-stamp for trading stamps. Clues will be available at local public libraries and other locations on June 18 and will be published on-line at www.skagitwater.org. The Skagit Watershed Letterbox Trail also has its own Facebook page. Check it out at www.facebook.com/pages/Skagit-Watershed-Letterbox-Trail/124522967579353?v=wall.