As wildfires rampage throughout my province and it being declared a state of emergency with over 600 burning, the one 10 km from me has created a thick smoke for about two weeks now.
Sick of the smoke and lack of photo opportunities, bored with cycling my same 15km in the thick haze, I headed south of the border on Thursday to ride a rail trail I'd seen but never travelled before. I'm so glad I went! If I'd stuck with the reviews, I wouldn't have even attempted it.
A 45 mile return trip from Sedro-Woolley to Concrete, the beginning of the trailhead was a bit difficult to find as directions to where it started were rather obscure. Now that I know exactly where it is, I'll write a review with explicit directions.
Starting off, the trail is like a shady tunnel, cool and inviting.
About a mile and half through the trees, a bench by the river beckons me to take a peek through the trees. The aqua river mesmerized me, so beautiful in such a quiet and peaceful setting.
Not quick enough and no zoom lens on, the mergansers moved swiftly away from the bank and into the middle of the river at my intrusion.
Continuing on my journey across the first of many bridges.
Still captivated by the sight of the river.
Across another bridge, and I loved the leaf, seemingly suspended in air.
A little closer look.
The last mile marker was at mile 16, at which point you have to cross one of many back roads. Crossing to continue the trail, this is what's at the end of it (about a block from the entry). No indication to detour, just heavy bush and a pond. Good thing I'm adventurous and found my way via road around, and found a narrow path where others had circumnavigated the dead end.
Further along the trail, a very busy highway dissects it, and one has to be quick and careful to cross. A parks employee was working and we chatted for a bit, him advising me to be careful crossing the road. When I told him I was riding the entire 45 miles (there and back) his eyebrows shot up and he said 'impressive'. My camera in my bag, I didn't think to take his photo (if he'd even allow it).
On the other side of the trail, it turns into flat, open valley with little shade. A herd of buffalo roamed the pasture, which I was delighted to see up close. Still can't roller skate in a buffalo herd, though. (Remember that song?)
As it was noon, I didn't take too many photos as the light was very bright, but took several on my way back.
The trail started to climb out of the valley and back into the trees. I didn't take any valley photos as the smokey haze did nothing for it. As the trail climbed upwards at a 2% grade, it's easy to pedal although you know you're definitely on the climb. Fall made it's coming presence known in the higher elevations.
I had no idea how much further I needed to go to get to Concrete and stopped at one of the many benches for a quick lunch and bottle of water. Thankfully I'd taken 5 bottles of water (3 frozen), which were all gone by the end of the day. Getting back on my bike, a little discouraged and tired, I was more than relieved to see the huge Concrete towers stating 'Welcome to Concrete' - and just slightly smokey skies.
Riding towards the end of the trail, this cool old passenger train captivates me.
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