Hillcrest Park

Location: Mount Vernon.

Length: Over a mile of trails.

Level of difficulty: Level-to-moderately steep, dirt/gravel/bark trails (muddy after rains, although many trails have an absorbent top layer of bark).

Setting: Mount Vernon harbors natural treasures besides its long glowing stripes of tulip fields. Established in 1924, this 30-acre site is Mount Vernon's oldest park and occupies a hilltop covered with majestic conifers in the southeastern part of town. To the east, the peaks of the Cascades are visible, and nearby Little Mountain rises almost a thousand feet above the rich fertile soil of the river valley that drew settlers here in the 1800s.

Cross the park's grassy lawns flecked with picnic tables to access the multiple trails that lace the forest floor under a dark canopy of large cedars and firs. Parts of the upper trails are currently flanked by blooming, moisture-loving salmonberry thickets and skunk cabbage.

Highlights: After you've viewed the tulips, escape from the crowds and come up here for a hike and a hearty meal. The Kiwanis Club offers its 17th Annual Salmon Barbecue from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through April 24 inside the park's historic lodge. The cost is $10/$8, and includes alder-grilled salmon with baked potato, coleslaw, garlic bread, beverages and ice cream.

Facilities: Restrooms, water and playground.

Restrictions: Leash and scoop laws in effect. No bikes on trails.

Directions: From Interstate 5, northbound or southbound, take Exit 225, and at the end of the exit ramp, head east on Anderson Road. Immediately take the first left onto Cedarvale Road (this access road parallels the east side of I-5). Turn right on Blackburn Road, at the top of the hill, turn left on South 13th Street, and in a few blocks, turn left into the park. For a stunning overlook of the Skagit Valley, continue east on Blackburn Road and follow signs up to Little Mountain Park.

For more information: 360-336-6215 or www.ci.mount-vernon.wa.us.

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