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Northern State Recreation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 655 Google reviews · Running trail in Sedro-Woolley, Washington · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Northern State Recreation Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Northern State Recreation Area
“Beautiful smooth walking paths, very well maintained and clean.”
“It's so beautiful here that it's almost hard to believe it was an insane asylum.”
“Met a number of friendly dogs and their owners while walking on the paths.”
Didn't get to see the whole trail but the weather was awesome this Easter Sunday. My wife and I went yo see the abandoned farm portion of the old mental ward from the 1900s. It flowed back in the 1970s but it's since deteriorated and become a place for urban explorers and curious visitors.
I love visiting this place, it has a very unique vibe to it. This is the site of the old Northern State Asylum farm. The farm buildings are deteriorating and not safe to enter, however many enter at their own risk. On clear days there is also a nice view of the mountains.
Really cool place awesome history. Its a nice walk. Pretty open allowing people lots of space. Lots of broken buildings. A lot of hazards. Wouldn't trust going inside most of the buildings as they're falling apart. Wouldn't recommend for small children if you want to look at the ruins.
Such an awesome place to explore and learn about. So many beautiful old buildings and structures to wander around, I would not enter any of them, they are very unstable, and also preserving these beautiful buildings is super important. It is sad how much graffiti covers everything, but the history still shines through.
Trail conditions & character
“It's so beautiful here that it's almost hard to believe it was an insane asylum.”
“There are two parking areas, and you can walk the entire place from either end.”
“If you go on a day where there are few people visiting it's a great place to explore, also many people walk their dogs here.”
“Large gravel parking area near a covered picnic shelter and some porta-potties.”
“Large gravel parking area near a covered picnic shelter and some porta-potties.”
“Mostly flat wide trails wind around through fields and near historic buildings from when the property was a state-run mental institute.”
“There's a small creek with a bridge over it that used to be more accessible, but I think the flood a few years back might have shifted the water over a bit.”
Plan your run at Northern State Recreation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteskagitcounty.net
- Phone(360) 416-1350
Running trails near Sedro-Woolley
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
