Guided 'Healthy Hikes' Series at Rockport State Park

If getting outside more was on your list of goals for 2016, here's a great way to get out and perhaps even earn a useful piece of handmade hiking gear!

Beginning February 6, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is hosting guided hikes through old growth forest at Rockport State Park.

Parks staff or guest leaders lead participants on the three-mile Evergreen Trail at a moderate pace, but participants can also choose to hike trails on their own. There are five miles of trails within the park, which wind through giant trees draped with shaggy moss. Well-behaved dogs on leash are permitted to join the hikes.

Hikes begin in the parking lot, where restrooms are available, and end with warm drinks in the Discovery Center.

Healthy tips and handcarved sticks

Valerie Stafford, owner of Encore Fitness in Concrete, will lead the Healthy Hike on Saturday, February 13. She will share stretching techniques and other healthy hiking tips.

Participants who hike 100 miles in Rockport State Park during 2016 will earn a hand-carved walking stick made by Don Smith, artist and Senior Park Aide. Miles can be logged on the staff-led hikes or anytime in 2016 on one’s own. The log must be completed at the park after each hike.

Dress for the weather with footwear suitable for wet, muddy and/or slippery trails. For more information, contact Laura Busby, Interpretive Specialist, (360) 853-8461 or rockport@parks.wa.gov

Details of the Healthy Hikes program

The Healthy Hikes program begins at 9:30 a.m. each Saturday from February 6 through April 30 at Rockport State Park. Meet at the parking lot near Rockport and the junction of Highways 20 and 530. Directions available here.

The activity is free, but a Discover Pass is required to park, except for March 19 and 26 and April 22, which are State Parks Fee-Free Days. Learn more about the free days here. It is $30 for an annual Discover pass or $10 for a day pass.