It was a pleasant early summer day when Debi, our dog Cookie and I decided to check out a new trail at Rockport State Park, just off Highway 20.  The West Loop Interpretative Trail  winds through a deep forest filled with beautiful old growth trees. The trail was built to ADA standards  and provides a good introduction to the complex biology of an old growth forest.

     We started out on the Evergreen Trail, which departs from the west end of the day use parking area.  The crushed rock trail rises gently as it passes by giant fir trees and babbling brooks.  It intersects with the Interpretative Trail at .4 miles.There are interesting informative signs placed throughout  the trail.  The moss laden branches resemble a scene from  a scary movie.The shade from the trees provide relief from the warm summer sun.  Those same trees provide a brilliant a brilliant collage of color in the fall.  Most of the trail is level, with a couple short sections rated as challenge grades.  It takes about an hour to complete the 1.4 mile loop.  There are numerous picnic sites located along the trail.  There is an accessible restroom located in the day use parking lot.

Directions: Take Highway 20 7.6 miles east of Concrete

Trail information:

Length: 1.4 mile loop

Surface: crushed gravel

Grade: Mostly level with several mild inclines

Difficulty: Easy wheelchair assist, light hiking

Availability: Early spring to late fall

Contact information: 360 853 8461

Nearby activities: Bird watching  by the Skagit River