File:Near Cascade Trail, Skagit Valley (34004878596).jpg

There's little traffic because the two towns are sort of "throw backs" to another era. Off highway 20's beaten path and no branch campus of Microsoft nearby. I can imagine the scene is retired loggers sitting in pools of cigarette smoke remembering the past.

The quiet road ended too soon near an area called White Horn. Then I was dumped onto the shoulder of busy Hwy. 20, but it does have a nice wide shoulder. I could have rejoined the trail, but smooth pavement continued to beckon me and time was running out.

I camped, that evening at Rockport State Park a few miles east of Concrete. No bike site, that I could find, so the fee was a standard $16. State Park budget cuts have taken their tolls.

Highway 20 is efficient, but busy. It carries tourist traffic over North Cascades Pass. This was just a weekend trip for me in 2002 so, next day, I headed back to Bellingham.

Just before Concrete, 20 crosses "Birdview Pass." It's only about 241 feet, if I remember the sign correctly. A slight rise and someone, probably jokingly, erected a sign. Skagit River Valley is flat. This is a popular eagle watching area also.