Trail News

Jan 2024 - County Parks and Recreation representatives, including Director, Brian Adams, discuss trail details with Guemes Island Ferry Trail members (Photo credit: Jack Hartt)

Special thanks to Brian Adams, Skagit County Parks and Recreation Director. Brian is a long-time GIFT supporter and trail advocate. Brian has worked with the GIFT team and internal County organizations for years to keep this project moving forward. Brian recently commented, "This project is a partnership between Skagit County Parks and Recreation and the Guemes Island Community. Together, we are building a trail for today and for future generations - one that reflects the island's values, supports healthy outdoor activity, and strengthens connection across the community."

We are extremely fortunate and thankful to have Brian Adams and Skagit County Parks and Recreation as partners on the GIFT project!

What's Happening

Why No NEW Trail News?

July 2026

Some of you may be wondering why there’s been no new trail news on this site for some time. First, we want to assure you that we are as committed to the trail project as ever! In fact, we are laser-focused on Phase 1 of the trail (from the Guemes Island Ferry Dock, to the Store, Church, Labyrinth, Library, and Community Hall).

As you know, at the beginning of this year (2026), the GIFT project team (with your generous donations) met the County-specified 50% funding goal of $70,000 for Phase 1. Since then, the County has continued to hash and re-hash and modify and re-modify the trail design while simultaneously imposing new requirements. New County requirements and continued delays have driven up the estimated cost of Phase 1. Hence, we must continue Phase 1 fundraising.

We know you're as frustrated with the County’s delays and cost increases as we are. We all wonder when this cycle will end so progress can resume. This Community trail and safe pathway has taken WAY TOO LONG!

We hope to have some exciting news from the County to share with you very soon. We will update this site and send out a newsletter to our subscribers as soon as we hear about next steps. In the meantime, we’re doing our best to stay engaged with the County to get them moving forward again. It often feels like we’re pushing a rope but WE WON’T GIVE UP!

Speaking of fundraising

GIFT is selling Lopez ice cream at the "Music in the Park" series again this summer (each Sunday, beginning July 5, from 4-6pm and during the Aug 30th finale (4-8pm; food & "adult beverages" included!). We're also selling raffle tickets each Sunday for a beautiful "Gyotaku" Starry Flounder fish print by Tim Bohlin ($75 value); winner to be drawn at the Aug 30 finale. We hope you'll stop by to see this beautiful print - it could be yours for a $5 trail donation! And while you're there, we encourage you to sign our volunteer roster to help keep our future trail maintained. Yes, this community trail WILL happen and, like other community facilities, it will depend on volunteers like you with a "pride in place" spirit to help it thrive!

Finally, we will be fundraising again at the Island’s Winter Art Market on December 5. We look forward to seeing you there!

Thank you for your continued patience and support!

Stay In Touch

We strive to send trail updates bi-annually (at least) to keep our trail supporters informed.

NOTE: To ensure delivery of GIFT newsletters to you Inbox (not your Spam folder!), please add guemesislandferrytrail@gmail.com to your safe senders list. This page has simple and easy-to-follow instructions. Thank you.

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