Rockport State Park

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Last modified Sep 09, 2009 04:05 PM

Take a leisurely stroll through an easily accessible low-country, old-growth forest. Big cedars, big firs, and if you visit in spring, big showy bouquets of flowering Pacific dogwood brightening the dark green groves.

Rockport is one of my personal favorites in the Washington State Parks system, and I never tire of wandering its peaceful and well-manicured trails or camping beneath its towering timber. The Evergreen Trail makes a nice 3-mile loop around the 670-acre park. Before heading out, take a few minutes to read the interpretive displays about the park, the old-growth forests, and David Douglas (for whom the ubiquitous Douglas-fir is named).

The trail takes off east from behind the restrooms. In 0.1 mile intersect a service road, which can be used for more looping options. The trail winds through stately fir groves, under tunnels of vine maple draped in moss, along shoulder-high boughs of ferns, and over chattering creeks. Wrens, woodpeckers, and chickadees provide the background score.

The way dips and curves as it makes its way to the park's eastern boundary by an old logged area. Sauk Mountain can be seen rising above. The trail then turns west, and at 0.6 mile is the Broken Fir, which graced this forest as a healthy tree from 1660 to 1974. Gradually gaining elevation, you'll reach an intersection at 1 mile. Left heads to the service road, and right continues following alongside tumbling Fern Creek for 0.25 mile before crossing it in a cool ravine.

Now in quiet woods, enjoy the forest primeval. Gradually descending, at 1.75 miles once again reach the service road. The trail now follows alongside a delightful creek, crossing it several times. At 2.1 miles the Evergreen Trail merges with the wheelchair-accessible West Loop Trail. Head right, traveling through stately hemlocks, and after 0.4 mile veer right and leave the West Loop. Continue for 0.5 mile, skirting the campground and passing a junction with the Skagit View Trail and a monster fir before returning to the day-use area to complete your loop. Nice park, huh? Return often.

Recent Trip Reports

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There are 2 trip reports for this hike.

Rockport State Park — Feb 28, 2009 — Kim Brown

Day hike

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Sarah felt like visiting old growth forest. We love the beer at the Birdsview Brewery, we love the bulk...

Sarah felt like visiting old growth forest. We love the beer at the Birdsview Brewery, we love the bulk candy department at the Food Pavilion in Arlington, so Rockport State Park was the natural choice.

I was very happy with the trails we chose to hike. The last time I was there, the Evergreen Trail was closed for repair, and I had never taken the Broken Fir trail before. All the trails we walked today are in excellent condition. Huge Douglas fir and cedars at this park, and big leaf maple.

We started on the new accessible West Loop Interpretive Trail. This trail was built for the State Park by the Forest Service and state corrections. They did a great job. The interesting old growth forest interpretive signs are in place. The trail winds along creeklets and next to wetlands and open spaces where big leaf maple are aplenty.

We then took the Evergreen Trail. This trail gains a little elevation and the forest canopy closes; it's darker here, and the mosses coat everything. Nurselogs with 6 inches of forest litter on them are scattered all over the place. Here are what I call the "octopus" trees – green mossy bent branches radiating from every tree. Simply amazing. No one can walk this forest and not marvel at them.

We then hit the Broken Fir trail. A portion of this trail skirts a deep canyonic slope and also boasts a picturesque curved puncheon that spans a marshy area. The Broken Fir is a wonderful fellow to visit. No cause to mourn this 314 year old giant; snags are useful for many, many years after the tree dies.

Such a beautiful park. Closed for camping due to a certain inherent nature of old growth - falling trees and limbs. Day use is open; nice, clean restrooms and a great information kiosk at the parking lot that is always stocked with lots of brochures and park maps.

Afterwards Sarah and I went to the Birdsview Brewery where we had burgers, brats, and beer. And a cookie, of course. Birdsview Brewery is on Hwy 20 a bit west of the Baker Lake road. Its eating area is kid-freindly, so bring 'em in.

Rockport State Park is on Highway 20, east of Concrete and before the juction with Hwy 530.

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Rockport State Park — Dec 31, 2007 — Kim Brown

Day hike

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I checked out this park a little last month, and enjoyed it so much that I wanted to spend more...

I checked out this park a little last month, and enjoyed it so much that I wanted to spend more time here.

The old growth forest is incredible. Some areas are as dark as it gets; other areas are open as a result of fallen and/or dead trees. Lots of big leaf maple, doug fir and cedars, all of them covered with lush, fuzzy moss. Impressive Doug fir here and there. Wow. Lots of birds, and I could hear eagles screeching overhead as well.

There are quite a few options for the trail system here; many are loop trails. The gate is currently closed, but I walked in and wandered around 'til I saw a trail sign. I hiked portions of the Evergreen trail, the West Loop, Broken Fir, and did the nice little Fern Creek Loop. The Evergreen trail is closed at a junction, due to wind storm damage, but that's ok, you can just take the other trail and loop around.

When you enter the park, go to the right, where there's a big parking lot and information board. The park has maps for you to take with you (I didn't discover this 'til I was on my way out).

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Location: North Cascades -- West Slope

Average Hike Rating

4.33 out of 5

Based on 3 votes

Featured In...

Day Hiking: North Cascades
by Craig Romano

To buy the full book, including maps, elevation profiles, photos, and more, visit:

A portion of all book sales from the links above benefits WTA and helps protect and maintain our trails.

Roundtrip	3.0 miles
Elevation Gain	250 ft
Highest Point	750 ft

Guidebooks & Maps: Day Hiking: North Cascades (Romano - Mountaineers Books); Green Trails Darrington No. 78; park map at trailhead kiosk

Driving Directions

(48.4878, -21.6144) Open in new window

Rockport State Park: 48.4878333333 -21.6144333333

From Burlington (exit 230 on I-5), head east on the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) for 37 miles to Rockport State Park (7.5 miles east of Concrete and 1 mile west of the junction with SR 530). Turn left into the park, and then immediately turn right into the day-use parking area (elev. 500 ft). Water and restrooms available.

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