Three Washington ecosystems in 20 miles

If you had to choose between old-growth forest, river valley and alpine meadow, where would you go? With limited time off, most of us make these choices whenever we go play outdoors.

But what if you didn’t have to pick one? What if you could find all three ecosystems within a 20-mile radius – and we’re not talking 20-mile thru-hikes with monster elevation gains!

Nestled in the foothills of the North Cascades, two state parks and a small adjacent mountain offer jam-packed astounding day trips or awe-filled weekends of fun just off Highway 20.

Rasar State Park – River.

Make this pastoral park east of Sedro-Wooley your base camp. Book a campsite or rent a cabin with a lighted ADA pathway from the parking lot. Or, bring your whole crew and reserve one of the park’s two group camps.

Once you’ve unpacked, walk between rolling hills through a big field from the day-use area to the blue Skagit River. Set up on the river’s beach, enjoy the sun and the blue glacial waters. If you’re lucky, you might spot an eagle in the trees above.

At dawn and dusk, we’re told a resident elk herd makes itself at home in the field. It’s a sight worth waiting – or getting up early – to see. Ask the ranger or camp host whether the elk have made recent appearances and get their advice on the best times to see them.

Rockport State Park – Old-growth forest.

Did you know temperatures in old-growth forests are 10 to 20 degrees cooler than they are in urban, suburban and even non-forested green spaces? This makes Rockport’s rare stand of never-been-logged old-growth an ideal place to beat the summer heat!

Sit on a bench under a 400-year-old tree and its 250-foot-high crown. Listen to birds as you read, write and unwind. Spread out a picnic in full shade, and marvel at the mossy curtains hanging from the giant trees. Explore the trails, eating salmonberries and thimbleberries — which hit their peak in August (Be sure to brush up on your berry identification and don't eat anything unless you are 100 percent certain it's edible). Or time your visit so you can hear a ranger talk in the park’s amphitheater.

An afternoon at Rockport will remind you why time in the forest is known to lower blood pressure, blood sugar and cortisol — and increase dopamine and serotonin.

Sauk Mountain – Alpine meadows.

Just west of Rockport, the Sauk Mountain (Forest Service) Road winds its way up a few thousand bumpy feet. A high clearance vehicle is recommended, though you’ll still see a few little cars up there. From the trailhead, it’s 2.1 miles and 1,100 feet up to the summit.

Though the switchback trail is steep, you’ll have lots of reasons to stop, breathe and photograph the jagged North Cascades peaks, Skagit River valley, dainty flowers and in-your-face views of Mount Baker.

In high summer, the wildflower meadows are stupendous. In fall, the berries are scrumptious.

If you’re full of vigor and vim, take the trail down to (and back up from) Sauk Lake. Or, having seen and photographed the lake from above, head back to Rasar, where you can wade in the Skagit River (again?), look for eagles and hopefully see the elk.

After your quick getaway, you’ll have seen more variety in a day or two than most people see in a whole season.