Experience an ancient forest this winter at Rockport State Park. Rockport State Park’s Deep Forest Experience will take place between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in January and February. The Park is in Rockport, off the North Cascades Highway 20 at milepost 96. Guided hikes depart from our Discovery Center at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Rockport State Park staff and volunteers will lead half-mile, 45-minute walks under a dense canopy of old growth fir, cedar, hemlock and maple trees. Many of the Rockport trees are over 400 years old and top out at 250 feet. They include the 500-year old “Grandmother Cedar.” During the walks, interpretive staff and guest speakers will discuss the unseen ecosystems that keep forests healthy, including salmon-bearing streams, animal scat and mycorrhizal fungi. Participants are encouraged to dress for cold, wet, winter weather, including suitable footwear. Visitors can also duck into the family-friendly Discovery Center, enjoy free refreshments and hot cocoa by the woodstove, explore interactive displays, watch nature videos, read books and make crafts.