OLYMPIA – Nov. 29, 2016 –The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to experience the natural world at Rockport State Park through guided hikes and activities all winter long.

The Deep Forest Experiences take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays beginning Friday Dec. 9 through February 2017 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 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. each day. Rockport State Park staff and volunteers will provide 30- to 45-minute guided hikes through the lush forest that includes 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.

Once the eagles have come and gone along the Skagit River, visitors can keep an eye out for uniquely themed walks and talks taking place at the Discovery Center.

The park offers an ADA-accessible trail. Dress for cold, wet, winter weather with footwear suitable for very wet trails. For more information, contact Amos Almy, 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 park office or Discovery Center.

For more information about and directions to Rockport State Park, visit: http://parks.state.wa.us/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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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.

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
1111 Israel Road S.W.
P.O. Box 42650
Olympia, WA 98504-2650

Washington Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
parks.state.wa.us