Directions
From I-5, take Hwy. 20 East. Approximately 30 miles east of the North Cascades National Park Ranger Station in Sedro Woolley you will find the entrance to Rockport State Park on the North side of the highway. Upon entering the park, follow the road to the right and park in the parking area. Follow signs towards the trailhead which is near the 'Campground Closed' signs.
Notes
Rockport State Park is a gem in eastern Skagit County. While the campground has been closed since 2007, the park offers a variety of hiking opportunities among the old-growth Douglas-fir forest. According to Washington State Parks, there are “5 miles of trails that wind through the ancient forest that once carpeted the Skagit River Valley all the way to Puget Sound.” The Evergreen Trail (2.5 miles) winds its way around the perimeter of the park and has sections that are designated as being accessible. The West Loop Interpretive trail (0.6 miles) gives visitors a chance to walk among giants and see firsthand the life force that happens when trees fall providing safe harbor for many creatures as well as the providing nutrients and a welcoming environment for new plants and trees to take root. The aptly named Fern Creek Trail (0.5 miles) follows along Fern Creek for a while before heading under the forest canopy. Safely crossing Highway 20 by foot will take you to Sauk Springs Trail and Skagit View Trail. Each of these trails is 0.5 miles.
Nearby Hikes
Hike Journals
Rockport State Park
Most of this hike, spent along the old campground roadway, relishing how nature overcomes what mankind has put in place. The camping spots are mostly still recognizable but the spots where vehicles once stood while families camped are being replaced with the green carpeting of various plants taking foothold. The campsite utilities are becoming harder to detect, and most campsites no longer have picnic tables; those that do, Mother Nature is using as new places for plants. .