Haller to Nakashima - Centennial Trail~

Cool, cloudy, so a good day to do my due diligence.  I drove to Haller Park in Arlington, to ride the north end of the Centennial Trail.  I was so mad to see the tagging on the Trestle...  All these years, such a beautiful bridge & fools have to deface it.  Crazy how much time & effort it costs our hardworking Rangers to clean up after these idiots...

Haller Trestle heading north~

I walked Farah across, there were people playing in the river on both sides & underneath - I saw no point in risking a spook - since she was in one of her moods.

Looking west, Highway 9 crossing the Stillaquamish~

The views from the Trestle are so pretty - any time of year.  The flow of the river is down, but not as low as last year.

Looking east at 530 crossing the Stilly~

Farah was acting foolish & I get so tired of it.  When she's looking for things to shy at - it's far from relaxing.  The sides of the trail were freshly mowed, which made for perfect footing!

Picnic table gone?

I'll have to ask why both the picnic tables are gone from this nice little area.  I was disappointed here too, trash lying about.  Though it doesn't look it at this point, there's a lot of branches down, some shrubs that could be cut back & some pick up work done.  Since tp paper littered the ground - I'd be wearing gloves :-(

What happens to BAD horses!

After Farah refused & threatened to spin at a rock - yes - a rock that she's passed twenty times before...  I got off & had her butt moving in a circle so fast that my head was spinning - all the while smacking her with my stick on her rump.  As we saw the gate above - I explained that it could happen to her!   : -)

Ready to cross Hwy 9

By the time we got up here, she had finally settled down.  Even riding defensively - we were making really good time & both of us had a layer of sweat from the humidity.

Over Pilchuck Creek~

Here too, people have found a way to access the creek & were down in the water enjoying the warm, if cloudy afternoon.  A few people were out on bikes, most very pleasant - but one guy who thought he had the right-of-way on the bridge.  He soon found out that a horse can take up pretty much all of the width if they have a mind to!

Horse path mowed too!

We saw a pile of bear scat in the center of the trail!  So, either the bears up at Victoria do come down this far, or there's more in the area near the creek.

At the Barn~

All the beautiful native plants that were put in as part of the landscaping are being overrun by invasive weeds.  The little strawberries are working to cover the ground ahead of them!  Most of the trees & shrubs are doing fine & we watched Red-winged black birds flying in & out of the cattails.  

From the unimproved to the trail~

I rode up the unimproved part of the trail & we stopped for our lunch break.  There was plenty of tall grass for Farah to graze on.  I thought about riding up to Hwy 9, but it was pretty overgrown.  Butch was picking Ben up on his way home from work - so I wanted to get back at a decent time.

Native roses blooming~

Butch has taken on the task of painting new mileage markers on the paved portion of the trail.  The design of the stencil is our trail logo - the mileage numbers will be in the center.  It's much larger than we'd envisioned - soon we'll be out one evening getting mile #1 positioned & painted.  Before that though - the mileage points have to be marked.

Looking south from the barn~

We checked out the barn before we left, just a few cars were in the parking lot.

New sign~

I like the new little sign as you head down the trail - cute & so true!  I didn't see one single piece of trash in the area - with trash receptacles provided - there's no excuse.

Coming back to Pilchuck Creek~

The day hadn't gotten any brighter - pretty quiet on the trail for a Friday afternoon.  We were moving out about 9-10mph most of the way - so it didn't take long.

Ramp at the Quarry ~

The ramp that is almost between Farah's ears, will be the access from the new parking area to the Whitehorse Trail once it's completed.  That will be such a boon to horsemen - since it will have trailer parking spots.

From the Whitehorse Trail~

I rode a way down the Whitehorse from the Arch to see how things were progressing from this angle.  It's looking promising!

 I thought I'd filmed all the way across - but I goofed up.  We were almost across by the time I realized it & turned the camera back on. It still gives you a glimpse of what it's like.  I'll have to do another next time.

Google Earth view~

 I couldn't resist seeing what our crossing looked like on Google Earth :-)  I guess we can walk on water!

Farah enjoys the pasture~

We covered almost 16-miles round-trip.  Once home, Farah got a bath & we both got soaked :-)  I turned her out & stood there admiring our girl.  I'd thought about going to Renegade - it's been a few years - but our weekend is full-up!  Hard to believe that the Fourth is almost here!

Haller to Nakashima - Centennial Trail~

North Fork of the Stillaquamish

It was a gray morning, light drizzle - I loaded Farah & drove to Haller Park.  The last time we did this ride was in July & I love seeing it in the Fall.  With the leaves dropping so quickly now, I wanted to enjoy what was left of the color on the trail.

Bitter Cherry Trees

Our native cherry trees can create a mess, the cherries are Not edible - but their fall color is so lacy looking!  The drizzle was steady all morning.  We did a lot of trotting, so I soon removed my light weight rain jacket & just rode in my vest.

At Pilchuck Creek

There was enough water flowing in the creek that it sounded louder than what we've been used to these last few months.  Only one jogger was on the trail & he turned back long before we did :-)  Farah's mane sparkled with tiny dew diamonds.

Big Leaf Maples

The Big Leaf Maples on the far side of the bridge were stunning - it was like riding into a picture postcard!  It didn't seem like long before we were coming up on the north end of the trail~

Nakashima Barn

Once past & onto the unimproved portion of the trail, we stopped for our lunch.  Nice wet & long reed canary grass was what Farah wanted!  Then we continued on...

Red Dogwood

The dogwoods were just so Bright!  Their color was so intense, especially against the bark of the Alders.  Once up at the top, cars were whizzing by on Hwy 9.  We trotted up the road, headed up the hill, then turned south on the Mainline.  At the end, we dropped down the hillside to the ditch.  I dismounted &  as I expected, Farah leaped it - easily clearing about ten-feet with her jump.  More obstacle training :-)

Soon, we were back at the bridge over Pilchuck creek~

Our pace was steady all afternoon,  the few miles pass quickly heading back to the Bryant Store & on south toward town.

Centennial Trail South~

The only other people we saw on the trail had umbrella's :-)  They kindly spoke to Farah - as she was totally unsure just what they were up to?  Guess I need to get out my umbrella one of these days!

Onto the Trestle

Soon, we were back on the Trestle & happy to be back to the park, we were wet!  Really a great ride - it's finding trailer parking somewhere besides Haller Park that's the struggle.  Many horses, or their riders either - don't appreciate having to cross the Trestle to access this beautiful trail & the beginning of the Whitehorse.
Post from last year~

Hoofin' It on the Whitehorse~

After the grand-kids left with their parents, Butch & I decided to go ahead & hike the Whitehorse Trail.  We started at Haller Park & walked over the Trestle.  Looking up - we were thrilled to see the Osprey now in place!

Osprey sits atop the Haller Trestle

 Many thanks to Sarah Arney, for spearheading the effort, the Arlington Arts Council & our own Centennial Trail Coalition for contributing the funds to help with the purchase & mounting for the installation of the beautiful Osprey.  What a wonderful work by artist Dan Brown that is now permanently perched on top of the Haller Trestle!

We headed to Resilience Arch & admired the new bricks that are much higher quality with deep etching that will hold up to the elements.  From there - we were on the ballast rock of the old rail line.

On the Trail~

 Such an absolutely gorgeous day - walking along the river was so enjoyable.  We were about a half-mile out when we saw bikes coming toward us!  At first I thought it had to be horsemen - I'd Never seen bikes on this trail!  Too much heavy rock!  But no - it was indeed two men on bikes!

All the way from Darrington!

I am literally 100% sure that these two are the first to have traveled this trail point-to-point!  With only three bridges left to be decked, they had those to detour around on the highway - which was challenging.  Otherwise - it was the rock that made the journey a long one!

Slide Area

Our next surprise - the area of trail that was impacted by the small mud slide, was completely cleared away!  (Using the word small, in comparison to the horrible slide that is foremost in our memories.)  Not at all small when it comes to the man hours that it took to clear all the broken trees & mud away.  Many thanks to Snohomish County Parks & our hard working Park Rangers!

Views of the Stillaquamish~

Throughout this part of the trail, it's easy to take your time, take in the fresh air & appreciate the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Almost to Cloverdale~

Butch wanted to continue on to Cloverdale & see the new survey work.  I'm hopeful this is preliminary in preparation for the repair & completion of this section, so critical to everyone looking forward to enjoying the west portion near Arlington.

Interior of the barn roof~

 We met the property managers of this amazing place, originally part of the tree farm properties.  Then operated as a nursery - at least the year I first went through this area.  It was a thrill to be invited in to see it.  The owner has future plans to restore the barn which already sports a new roof!

Up in the loft - was the surprise of the day :-)  Just too crazy fun & can you imagine the sound - especially with the wood acoustics of the barn?  The remaining old barns in this area are such an asset to our rapidly urbanizing landscape.  Private property owners wise enough to know this & preserve them - deserve our thanks.

North Fork of the Stillaquamish - toward Arlington

Beautiful from either direction~

In sight of the Arch~

I didn't have my GPS, so still need to check my records, but should have the distance recorded from a ride.  Round-trip was probably about 7-miles :-)  About half way back I thought of a quote from "A Knights Tale" - Chaucer:  "To trudge: the slow, weary, depressing yet determined walk of a man who has nothing left in life except the impulse to simply soldier on." 

My feet were speaking volumes by the time we got back to the park :-)

Haller Park to Victoria - Point-to-Point

 The Haller Trestle Bridge

Lynn & Jack met me at Haller Park, in Arlington this morning.  We had a plan :-)  We wanted to go north on the Centennial Trail, then make the little run along Hwy 9 & go in the gate at the bottom of the mountain at Victoria.  Jack planned to pick us up at parking area there.  Linda too - was in on this!  She left from home, then rode down the mountain to meet with us on the Scott Main Line.

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Crossing Pilchuck Creek

We kept touch with Linda as our ride progressed.  It looked several times like it would rain, but we only felt a few drops.  I wanted to get in some trotting - Lynn & Sophie were happy to move out.

Lynn & Sophie on the Centennial Trail

It was amazing how close our mileage was by the time we checked with Linda & she was down at the bottom, waiting for us!  She said she could actually hear us on the trial!

Linda & Count!

 The three of us met up & continued on around the southern loop - the long way - going out on the road.  To do this loop - there was one short section of trail - & the trails are closed.  It was never an issue - until lately - when more riders have discovered the loop.  Now - someone has marked the trail closed.

Farah waits & watches~

The three of us cruised around - then I asked if I could gallop Farah up the long hill & got the "go".  She really enjoyed digging in & opening up!  So did I!  We passed the bike rider who'd passed us earlier & when he finally made the top - he said;  "I think that horse is the fastest thing out here" :-) 

Lynn & Sophie

Soon, Lynn & Sophie came into view, not far behind Linda & Count - Count was having a meltdown & found out that when he gets circled - he doesn't catch up!  We finished our almost 20-mile ride back at the parking area - where we were happy to see Jack waiting for us!  Linda still had just over 3-miles to ride to get back home.  When she texted that she'd arrived, I'd just pulled in our driveway!
Great ride on a cloudy, cool early April day!

Haller Park to Nakashima - Centennnial Trail

North end of the Haller Trestle Bridge

I'd been wanting to ride the north section of the Centennial Trail & with all the rain I was hoping that the footing would at least firm enough to do some trotting.   I parked at the far side of the gravel parking at Haller & we started over the trestle.

North fork from the bridge~

 As I expected, the north fork was full of silt. The Stillaquamish - both north & south forks converge here & the water level was way up!  When you hear it rushing below you - it's a rush :-)

Convergence of the Centennial Trail & the Whitehorse Trail

It's just a short way from the Arch, to the elevated bridge that goes over the road the Quarry uses to access Hwy 9.

Looking down at the Quarry road, Whitehorse trail through the trees~

The Coalition thinks that this area would be great for horse trailer parking.  Easy access to both trails - but it's still a working quarry with trucks coming & going on the road.

Hwy 9 parallels the trail going north

It's noisy along this section, with the traffic that goes by on Hwy 9, but the footing is good & so is the scenery - especially this time of year with all the leaves coloring & falling!

Picnic table at the side of the horse path

 There are several areas where the horse trail actually splits away from the side of the paved path & it's really nice - but there aren't enough of them :-)

Bryant!

It's three miles from the bridge to the store at Bryant with car parking & a potty.  Just a short way further is the Hwy 9 crossing.  It's well marked with a Hawk system crossing signal that activates the flashing yellow lights.

The Sun came out!

Once across - you're on one of the prettiest sections of the trail.  Four-miles to go to the north end at the Nakashima Barn.

Heading north

It's a great stretch for moving out!  A homeowner along side has moved in some Alpacas' but they're on the far side of a small wetland.  Farah looked, but wasn't worried :-)

Just so beautiful!

It was just one of those days!  Even with the clouds, the fresh air & fresh country after all the rains was like riding along through a video to promote our state.

Crossing the creek~

Just as we were heading across, a Bald Eagle flew over our heads!  He was very low & circled us once before turning upriver & landing in a tree.

Pilchuck Creek

The creek is really going now too, I'm sure at one time it would have been full of Salmon, at least the Eagle was hoping for some!

We're at the Barn!~

I promised Farah our lunch break at the barn & again the sun was trying to break through.  I couple riding bikes had gone past us a way back & were resting at the barn too.  We had a nice conversation about the correct way to come up behind horses & they were very receptive & friendly.

Signage

From here, there's just one more mile of unimproved trail that ends again - at Hwy 9 & the Skagit County line.  It is what some sections of the trail used to look like before it was improved.

More of that Sunshine!

When the next sun break opened up - we were at the perfect place to enjoy it!

North end at Hwy 9

I'd thought about going up the road & through the gate to the tree farm, but Farah heard the truck about the time I did & I was happy that we didn't do that on this day.

Trucks coming out of the farm~

Looks like there's another area getting logged & hauled - though I didn't see it when I was up there last week.

Heading back~

We turned & started back - again - it's nice because the views are just stunning from either direction :-) 

Clouds moving in~

We were just back to the trail-head when the clouds started rolling in.  I almost thought I'd need my rain jacket.

Horse Crossing

Farah is so trail savvy now - that she crosses without my asking :-)  "OK, Mom, here's where we're supposed to go over there!"

Elevated section of the horse trail

There's a long section here, raised & seperate from the main trail that's nice for moving out.  I was amazed at how much the ground has settled in the past couple years since it was finished.

Back to the creek~

All too soon we were back, almost to the creek.

The creek~

I stopped here & sat on the bench for a few minutes, while Farah looked for clover.  My favorite spot on the trail.

Back at the arch~

 We stopped to check out our bricks - yes - they were still there!  Available for anyone who wants to purchase one & help to support the trails.  From here, I wanted to go down the Whitehorse a way to see how it was looking.

Homeless hut

Just 3/10ths of a mile down, we found this...  No one seemed to be around, but it was a mess, with trash everywhere & a fire pit dug into the trail again...  Now I've got to call to see what can be done about it.

Whitehorse heading east to Tin Bridge

The trail really needs work now, with the blackberries taking over, one tree down & another that's going down.  We turned back here.

Back over the trestle

On the stretch before the bridge, we'd stopped to talk to a man with the cutest Border Collie puppy!  Only ten-weeks old & So Darn Cute!  While we were talking, I felt Farah go on high alert!  I looked toward Arlington to see a group of at least 15 boys running toward us!  Farah was ready to bolt!  Never having been confronted with this kind of thing!  :-)  I dismounted & raised my voice to ask the boys to slow down & say something!  :-)  They finally realized what was up & dropped to a walk.  Farah let out a breath & deflated :-)

Hwy 9 bridge over the Stillaquamish

Once back at the park I checked the time & was amazed that it was already after 5 p.m.!  We checked out the river there too, before loading up to head home.

Long post - sorry - but I do what I can to promote these trails.  The more horsemen we have getting out there & in the public eye - will help us to keep our right to ride!  Join the Facebook pages for either or both trails & be sure to stay aware of what's going on in our neighborhood!