NEWS17-081
| Contacts:
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Amos Almy, (360) 853-8461 |
Incentive: Hike 100 miles, and earn a hand-carved walking stick
OLYMPIA – Dec.19, 2017 – Washington State Parks invites the public to get walking in 2018 with a Healthy Hike at Rockport State Park, while enjoying the scenic beauty of the park’s old growth forest, As they have done in the past, the park’s staff are adding incentives for those who hike 100 miles at Rockport in the coming year.
For the most part, the 2018 Healthy Hikes are self-guided, but the first one in 2018 will be led by Valerie Stafford, owner of Encore Fitness in Concrete, starting at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1, at Rockport State Park, 51905 State Route 20, Rockport. (Directions)
Stafford will encourage participants to celebrate the new year with 2 hours and 18 minutes of exercise from 11 a.m. to 1:18 p.m., and she will lead a hike on the 3-mile Evergreen Loop Trail. Stafford also will provide visitors with information on the importance of warming up and stretching, staying hydrated while hiking, wearing the proper footwear and other fitness topics.
To add extra motivation, artist and Senior Park Aide Don Smith will hand-carve and hand-paint a walking stick for any visitor who hikes 100 miles in Rockport State Park during 2018. The miles can be logged on staff-led hikes or anytime in 2018. The log must be completed at the park after each hike.
More enticements have been added to this year’s program to encourage visitors to complete their 100 miles. The first duo to reach 100 miles collectively will earn local watercolor notecards and be named “The Hundred Mile Duo.” The first individual to reach 100 miles will also receive local watercolor notecards.
Stafford’s Healthy Hike is one of more than three dozen State Parks’ First Day Hikestaking place on Jan. 1. Participants can take the 3-mile Evergreen Loop Trail or choose to hike Rockport’s trails on their own. The park has a total of 5 miles of trails, ranging from easy to moderate. Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome. The park features an ADA-accessible trail. Dress for the weather with footwear suitable for wet, muddy and/or slippery trails. Trekking poles may be helpful.
This activity is free, and a Discover Pass is not required for vehicle access on Jan. 1, and 11 other days in 2018, which are designated free days. More information about State Parks free days is here: http://parks.state.wa.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=341
The Discover Pass is required all other days of the year; the pass costs $10 for a one-day use or $30 for an annual pass. Both kinds of passes are available for purchase at the park office or online at www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
For more information about Healthy Hikes, contact Amos Almy, Interpretive Specialist, at (360) 853-8461.
About Rockport State Park
Rockport State Park is a 632-acre day-use park on the Skagit River in the North Cascades foothills. The park stands at the foot of 5,400-foot Sauk Mountain and provides an extraordinary example of old-growth forest. Rockport offers 5 miles of trails, including a 1-mile ADA-accessible trail. For more information, 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.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at http://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.
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
1111 Israel Road S.W.
P.O. Box 42650
Olympia, WA 98504-2650
Washington Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6384