Chittenden Meadow Trail

Chittenden Meadow Trail in Manning Park is one of those short loops that feels a bit off the beaten path, and right now that’s literally true. This 2.7 km loop with only about 53 m of gain is very easy on paper and usually takes around 40 minutes, but current access issues mean it’s not the casual family stroll it used to be. If you’re keen on unique meadow ecology and don’t mind a bit of a hassle, it can still be an interesting little mission.

The trail starts near the Skagit River by Ross Lake campground, usually reached from Silver Skagit Road, and then loops through open meadow and light forest with low, rolling terrain. Views are more about wide-open meadow and surrounding North Cascades ridges than big summit panoramas, and there are numbered interpretive posts that hint at its past as an educational walk. It’s an easy grade the whole way, more of a relaxed wander than a workout.

As of late summer 2024, the bridge over the Skagit River is still out, and BC Parks hasn’t clearly flagged it online, so expect to make a call on the spot with no cell service. Hikers have been crossing the river on foot when levels are low, reporting less-than-knee-deep water but a steep scramble up the far bank, and the loop itself is very overgrown from lack of use. Bring proper footwear, be ready for brush and bugs, and treat Chittenden Meadow Trail as a niche outing best attempted in late summer or early fall when river levels drop and you’re genuinely motivated to explore this small, unusual meadow area.