Rockport State Park — Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

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).