INDEX — More recreation options are coming to Heybrook Ridge, one of the most scenic spots in east Snohomish County.

Construction is ongoing on a new trail system on county land that will connect with the U.S. Forest Service lookout trail, county Parks Director Tom Teigen said.

The county is aiming to get 1.75 miles of trail open by early summer, with parking and a trail head, he said. For years, there have been goat trails at the undeveloped 144-acre site, called Heybrook Ridge County Park along Index-Galena Road, off U.S. 2.

“What we’re doing is legitimizing that and making them more passable for the average hiker,” Teigen said. “… We aspire to multiple miles of well-groomed trails for the average enthusiast or the person with younger kids, to be able to get up to the lookout and see the view corridor and spend the morning or afternoon hiking,” he said.

They’re still working on plans for disability-friendly trails, too, he said.

Heybrook Ridge, between Index and Baring, offers a spectacular panorama that includes Mount Baring, Mount Index, Mount Persis and, depending on the weather, Bridal Veil Falls.

This phase of the project is budgeted at $87,237. The county and the Friends of Heybrook Ridge group are picking up the tab. Together, they saved the land from clear-cutting years ago.

“The town of Index is very actively involved, too,” Teigen said. “People see this outdoor recreation tourism component with people coming into town. That pays dividends for the local economy. It’s one of our really fun small towns in east county.”

The Heybrook project is part of an effort happening all over the county to include hikers, horse enthusiasts and mountain bikers in conversations, he said, because access to natural areas is a key part of environmental stewardship.

There’s also ongoing work at the Forest Service lookout. A few years ago, thieves disabled the lightning-protection system on the 67-foot structure to get the copper wiring to sell for scrap.

Installation is planned soon for the final pieces of the new lightning-protection system, designed to keep hikers safe and prevent fires in case of a lightning strike, agency spokeswoman Tracy O’Toole said

Several work parties are expected in the coming months. The lookout gets up to 4,000 visitors a year.

Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.