Guided weekend hikes offered from December through mid-February
OLYMPIA – Dec. 9, 2015 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to experience the natural world of Rockport State Park this winter through guided hikes and activities.
The ‘Deep Forest Experience’ programs take place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays now through Feb. 14, 2016 at Rockport State Park in Rockport, off the North Cascades Highway 20 (directions: https://goo.gl/maps/diVVp19F9SK2). Hikes depart from the Discovery Center at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. each day.
Rockport State Park staff and volunteers provide 30- to 45-minute guided hikes through lush forests of ancient fir, cedar, hemlock and maple trees, some towering 250-feet tall and more than 300 years old, including “Grandmother Cedar.”
At the family-friendly Discovery Center, participants can enjoy refreshments while warming up by the woodstove, explore interactive displays, watch nature videos, read a book, make crafts and create a puppet show. Staff and volunteers also can give visitors ideas for places to view bald eagles in the area.
The park features an ADA-accessible trail. Dress for cold, wet, winter weather with footwear suitable for very wet trails. For more information, contact Laura Busby, Interpretive Specialist, (360) 853-8461 or rockport@parks.wa.gov,
A $10 day-use pass or $30 annual Discover Pass is required for parking at Rockport State Park and can be purchased at the office or Discovery Center.
For more information about and directions to Rockport State Park, visit: http://www.parks.wa.gov/574/Rockport
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
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Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
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