Guided weekend hikes offered from December through mid-February
OLYMPIA – Nov. 13, 2014 – This winter, staff and volunteers from the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will offer guided hikes through the ancient, old growth forest at Rockport State Park.
The Deep Forest Experience hikes take place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Dec. 5 through Feb. 15, at Rockport State Park. The park is located just off the North Cascades Highway (Hwy 20), .06 miles west of the town of Rockport. The hikes vary in distance and time from 30 minutes to one hour or more and can be customized depending on the interest of participants. The park offers an ADA-accessible trail. Those interested in a guided hike are invited to simply show up during the hours mentioned and inquire at the park office.
State Parks and interpretive staff lead the hikes through the 670-acre park—a rare, old growth forest of ancient cedar, fir, hemlock and maple teeming with lichen and moss. Some of the Douglas-fir trees are 250 feet tall and more than 300 years old.
Following the hikes, visitors can participate in a fun craft activity in the park’s Discovery Center, which also has interactive wildlife displays, books and games. Hikers can wrap up their day in the woods enjoying refreshments around a campfire.
For more information, contact Alysa Adams at Rockport State Park: 360-853-8461 or .Rockport@parks.wa.gov.
Participants will need to display the Discover Pass for vehicle access and parking. The day or annual pass can be purchased at the park.
For more information about and directions to Rockport State Park, visit: www.parks.wa.gov/574/Rockport
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.
Follow Washington State Parks:
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.
Media contacts:
Alysa Adams, (360) 853-8461
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
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