Trail of the Cedars, Newhalem
(Milepost 121)

This short loop stroll begins at the end of "downtown" Newhalem. Park in town near the general store and proceed to the suspension bridge that crosses the Skagit River. The trail winds around a number of large, old Western Red Cedar and Douglas-fir trees towering above the river itself. Look and listen for Winter Wren, "the mousebird of the undergrowth". Black-throated Gray and Townsend's Warblers share the canopy with Golden-crowned Kinglets, Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches and possibly Red Crossbills. This trail now connects with the River Loop trail. Turn right at the old Newhalem powerhouse to access the new linking trail which parallels the road to Newhalem Campground Loop C. The road crosses a bridge over tumbling Newhalem Creek, usually a good place for Dippers. In spring and summer Violet-green Swallows, Vaux's and Black Swifts streak across open spaces just above the forest canopy twittering their flight songs along the way. Varied and Swainson's Thrushes flush suddenly from invisible nooks under the sword fern throughout the deepest woods. Watch along path and road edges for the Oregon race of the Dark-eyed Junco possibly mixed with White-crowned, Golden-crowned and Song Sparrows.

The new trail passes through Loop C to cross the Visitor Center road. Continue on to link up with River Loop Trail, but spend a moment scanning both sides of the one-way bridge over the Skagit River. Harlequin Ducks sometimes can be found along the banks especially to the west where Goodell Creek empties its glacier runoff from the Picket Range. Red-breasted Mergansers as well as River Otters can also make an appearance in this area. Search the tops of Douglas-fir where Pileated Woodpeckers pound for meals and Red-breasted Sapsuckers forage at mid-elevations.

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