Complete information for Rockport

Park overview:

Rockport State Park is a 670-acre park in an ancient forest. The old growth was never logged, and the entire ecosystem remains in place, creating a rare, natural forest with a canopy so dense that minimal sunlight penetrates to the ground. The park stands at the foot of Sauk Mountain, which has an elevation of 5,400 feet and a steep but climbable trail to the top.




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Park hours/updates:

Summer: 8 a.m. to dusk.
Winter: Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays from Nov. 1 through March 31.

Winter Schedule for all Washington State Parks

Current alerts:

Agency information:

Don't move firewood: Please protect the Pacific Northwest from invasive species by obtaining or purchasing your firewood at or near your camping destination (within 50 miles). Firewood can carry insects and diseases that threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by buying and burning your firewood locally. For more information, visit online at www.dontmovefirewood.org or the Washington Invasive Species Council website.

Campsite Information:

Campground closure: Rockport State Park is open for day use only. Due to hazardous trees in the old-growth forest, the campground area is closed indefinitely. Camping is available at nearby Rasar State Park.

Driving Directions

Located eight miles east of Concrete, Wash. in Skagit County.


Park address:
51095 Highway 20
Rockport, WA 98283

From I-5 south:
Take exit #230, and follow SR. 20 east for 37 miles to milepost-96.5.

From I-5 north:
Head towards Burlington and take exit #230,follow Hwy. 20 east for 37 miles to milepost-96.5.

From Winthrop:
Drive west 94 miles on Hwy. 20 to park entrance.

Park Maps

Rockport downloadable pdf map #1


List of all downloadable Washington State Park maps.

Park Features

The park has over 600 acres of old-growth timber, and an ecosystem that has never been disrupted. A moderately steep U.S. Forest Service trail leads to scenic views at the peak of Sauk Mountain.

History

Opened in 1961, the park derives its name from the community of Rockport. The town itself was named for the numerous large rocks near the boat landing on the Skagit River. The old-growth timber that is the park's most immediately recognizable feature, covers nearly 600 acres. The trees exist because the Sound Timber Company refused to log them. Instead, in 1935, Sound Timber sold the land and timber to the state of Washington for $1. Washington State Parks acquired the property from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources in 1961.

Interpretive opportunities

The David Douglas Historical Marker is located in the park. David Douglas was a horticulturalist who discovered the Douglas fir in 1825. The species was eventually named for him. Some of the park's Douglas firs stand as tall as 250 feet.

The North Cascades National Park Visitor Center is located in Newhallem, 23 miles east of the park.

Services/Supplies

	Available in the area
	• Auto repair • Diesel • Fishing/hunting • Gasoline • Groceries • Hardware • Postal service • Propane • Wood

There is a small general store in Rockport at the corner of Hwy. 20 and Hwy. 530. Gas and diesel fuel are available. The town of Concrete offers propane, a bank, a full-service grocery store and auto-repair and auto-part vendors, as well as a medical clinic and pharmacy. The nearest hospital is 32 miles away.

Activities

Trails	Water Activities	Other
• 1 mi. ADA Hiking Trails • 5 mi. Hiking Trails	• Fishing (freshwater) • White-water Kayaking	• Bird Watching • Wildlife Viewing
The Evergreen Trail at Rockport State Park is a 2.7 mile hiking trail through old-growth forest. The trail reopened in 2012 after the completion of a maintenance and trail relocation project. Sauk Mountain Trail is accessed by U.S. Forest Service Rd. 1030, located on the west boundary of the park. From Hwy. 20 to the Sauk Mountain trailhead is approximately eight miles of gravel logging road. From the trailhead to the summit is approximately three miles. The trail has numerous switchbacks and is moderately steep. The summit offers good views of the Skagit Valley and the North Cascades. For more information on trails and trail conditions in the North Cascades National Park and the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, call 360-856-5700. Rafting and kayaking are allowed on the Skagit River, accessible from Hwy. 20 but not from within the park. A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks. For regulations, fishing season information or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife website.

Events

Full list of events at Washington State Parks

Picnic and Day-use Facilities

The park provides one kitchen shelter without electricity, available first come, first served.

Wildlife

Mammals	Birds	Fish & Sea Life
• Coyotes • Deer or Elk • Squirrels	• Crows or Ravens • Eagles • Grouse • Hawks • Hummingbirds • Jays • Ospreys • Owls • Woodpeckers

Environmental Features

Physical Features		Plant Life
		• Cedar • Douglas Fir • Hemlock • Yew • Alder • Maple • Berries • Ferns • Moss or Lichens

Park photo gallery