ROCKPORT STATE PARK
Rockport State Park is a 670-acre camping 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.
Park hours/updates:
Summer: 6:30 to dusk. Winter: Day-use area closes Nov. 1, reopens May 4.
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
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.
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the
Discover Pass web page.
Available in the park Available in the area? Pay phone? Fire wood? 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.
To purchase firewood or kindling, contact campground host or park staff.
The park provides one kitchen shelter without electricity, available first-come, first-served.
Rockport State Park offers numerous picnic tables, BBQ grills and open spaces for picnicking amidst beautiful old-growth forest scenery.
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.
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.
Birdwatchers can spot species like the Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Pygmy Owl and Varied Thrush. The park is home to Marbled Murrelets, a threatened species. Other birds include Pacific Wrens and Golden-crowned Kinglets. Raptors such as Bald Eagles are also common sights here.
Activities Trails Water Activities Other? 5 mi. Hiking Trails? Fishing (freshwater)? White-water Kayaking
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.
Located eight miles east of Concrete, Wash. in Skagit County.
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 has been closed to overnight camping since 2011 due to danger of old growth forest trees having diseases that can cause failure and unpredictable falling. --State Park Ranger
For some odd reason, the campgrounds are closed, at least as of June 11, 2010. There is a message at the closure stating something about the risk to campers of old growth trees! Is this some sort of parkspeak for budget cuts? Pretty lame. A great park now much diminished. 
Went the entire distance today. It rained earlier so the trail was a little wet, muddy in small areas. The trail was a nature lovers dream. The park was very clean, signs pointing your way at varies spots, then there were 2 spots where you could easily access the river and take a drink. This is my second time there and will go back again soon.
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