On Tuesday, we will head to Sedro Wooley to the Northern State Recreation Area, which was the working farm of the Northern State Hospital until the 1970s.

The hike is mainly flat, so poles won't be needed.  We will vary our route from previous years to accommodate a stroll on one of the two new loops on the far side of the stream.

Total mileage 6-7 miles, depending on our energy level.  The weather should be great, with highs in the 60s. The hike is almost totally exposed, so don't forget sunscreen and hats.  Bring lunch, water, and snacks.

Northern State Hospital has a complicated, but fascinating, history. northernstatehospital.org to read about it.  Prepare to be wowed by what we'll see.

Suggested gas donation $4.

We will meet at 8:15 at BSAC to arrange carpooling. Please let me know if you'll be meeting us at the parking lot off Helmick Road. We should get there around 9.

Directions from I-5 heading south:

Take the Cook Road exit and head east over the freeway. In Sedro, you'll go through two roundabouts - follow the signs for Highway 20. There's a light at Fruitdale road - the left turn lane onto Helmick Road is a few hundred feet past it.  Go about a quarter mile on Helmick and you'll see the parking lot on your left.