TRAILS NEAR CEDAR RIDGE ESTATES
The trail some neighbors remember as the “Century Trail” is officially the Centennial Trail. Its northern trailhead is at the red Nakashima Heritage Barn near Lake McMurray, roughly six road miles from the Cedar Ridge Estates entrance.
Looking for a different kind of outing? Browse day trips from Cedar Ridge Estates for island towns, waterfront walks and mountain drives.
Why this is an unusually good local ride
The trail converts an old railroad corridor into a broad paved path with gentle grades. From the barn, riders move through a mix of woods, wetlands, farmland edges and small communities. Because the route is separated from highway traffic for most of the journey, it works well for cycling, walking and running, though every user still needs to slow at crossings and pass courteously.
Short outing
Ride or walk south for 20 to 30 minutes, then return the same way. This keeps navigation simple and lets a group turn around whenever needed.
Bryant turnaround
A moderate out-and-back toward Bryant gives riders a longer rural segment without committing to Arlington. Choose the turnaround by time, not a guessed mileage.
Arlington day
Experienced riders can continue toward Arlington and make a substantial round trip. Carry repair supplies, water and a charged phone, and confirm the current route status first.
Getting to the Nakashima trailhead
From the public entrance area at Estate Drive and State Route 534, travel east toward State Route 9 and then south to the signed Nakashima Heritage Barn trailhead. The drive is approximately six miles, but the exact distance varies by driveway and route. Use the official address for navigation rather than searching only for “Centennial Trail,” because the trail has many access points.
Nakashima Heritage Barn North Trailhead is managed by Snohomish County Parks. Check its official trailhead page, current alerts and posted signs for access information. Some older county material still gives 32328 SR 9; the dedicated facility page and 2025 official trail map use 32325 SR 9. Navigate to the named trailhead as well as checking the address.
The barn and the railroad story
The Nakashima property is more than a convenient parking point. According to Snohomish County’s site history, the Nakashima family acquired the farm in 1937 and continued its dairy operation. In 1942, the family was forced to sell the farm and was incarcerated in camps in Idaho and California during the wartime removal of Japanese Americans.
In 1997, the Trust for Public Land purchased 89 acres, including the remaining barn, and transferred the property to the county for a park. The barn joined Washington’s Heritage Barn Register in 2007; the trailhead was dedicated to the Nakashima family in November 2012. The large photographs on the barn form a “History Quilt,” tracing the property’s changes from forest to mill site to farm. Read the interpretive displays and treat the barn as a historic resource, not a play structure.
The county’s Centennial Trail history identifies the route as a former Burlington Northern railroad corridor. Trail development began in 1989 during Washington’s centennial, which explains the name. The completed paved route runs for 30 miles between the City of Snohomish and the Skagit County line, with Nakashima at its northern end. It is not a continuous paved trail extending north into Skagit County.
For riders continuing to Arlington, Haller Park at 1100 West Avenue offers another official Centennial Trail access point beside the Stillaguamish River. The city lists restrooms, picnic facilities and trail access. Use the county map to choose a distance that suits your group; reaching Arlington is a much longer outing than a short ride from the barn.
What to bring
- Water and layers: Tree cover can feel cool, while open farmland can be sunny and windy.
- Helmet and lights: Even during daylight, lights improve visibility near road crossings.
- Tube, pump and basic tools: Services are limited on rural sections.
- Leash and waste bags: Follow posted rules for pets and yield to other users.
- Offline map: Download the route before leaving if you plan to ride far south.
Trail manners that keep the route comfortable
Keep right, pass on the left, announce a pass early and reduce speed around children, dogs and horses. Stop clear of the travel lane. At every road crossing, obey signs and look both ways even if you believe trail users have priority. E-bikes and other devices must follow the current rules posted by the managing county.
A simple half-day plan
- Check the weather and official county notices.
- Navigate to Nakashima Heritage Barn and read the trailhead signs.
- Choose a time-based turnaround before starting.
- Ride south at a conversational pace and note landmarks for the return.
- Finish with enough daylight and energy for the drive home.
Plan with official sources
- Nakashima Heritage Barn North Trailhead: current address, facilities, history and alerts.
- Snohomish County Centennial Trail: route information, trailheads, park rules and device guidance.
- Official Centennial Trail map, revised April 2025: the full 30-mile corridor and its access points.
- Arlington’s Haller Park: riverfront access and city park facilities.
Photographs show the locations at the dates credited and do not establish today’s trail conditions. Check current alerts before each visit.