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There aren't many hikes that can boast being as good, if not better, on a rainy day than a sunny one. The Evergreen Trail is one such venture.

This hike is fantastic when the clouds are opening up. The thick canopy provides a massive umbrella. The drips that do make it to the forest floor tend to be of the big and drenching variety.

Where these large drips pool and run off, the trail can get muddy. There are several portions where the mud is thick and slick.

After crossing a maintenance road to the west of the restrooms, pick up the Evergreen Trail. If you've ever wondered how many different shades of green there are on Mother Nature's palette, you are about to find out.
Spaces don't get much greener than this.
After a short distance, the trail crosses another maintenance road before winding down into a valley of devil's club, massive ferns and towering trees.
Devil's club, the broad-leafed, spiny plant that if touched can cause severe irritation, grows to impressive heights here and is plentiful in the damp environment.
The enormous cedar and fir trees are beneficiaries of the abundant moisture as well. Several border the trail while even larger arbors stand just off the beaten path.

Keep one eye on the trail and the other scanning the deep forest to see these huge trees.

After crossing several foot bridges, leave the valley and climb upward.

A solid grade leads one to the Broken Fir. This tree took root in 1660 and majestically stood until crashing to the forest floor in 1974. A massive stump is all that remains of the giant. Its trunk, splintered into a thousand pieces, now hosts numerous plant life.

At the next fork, proceed right, up a steep pitch. The roar heard in the distance is a thundering creek. Soon, the path shadows its course and a bridge eventually crosses the stream.

Continuing on, the path undulates along. Glimpses of sunlight filter through the green shroud.

At the next intersection, stay right. In about 400 yards, a sign will indicate that you are still on the Evergreen Trail.

If extending the trek is a possibility, take the West Loop that ventures off to the right. It makes an arcing loop that eventually returns to the path. While on the West Loop, another small stream is crossed several times before once again meeting the Evergreen Trail.

The roar of Highway 20 seems just on the other side of a bank of trees by now. Exit the trail just east of the ranger's mailbox.

Walk down the green bank or upon the shoulder of the road, and proceed through the entrance for Rockport State Park. Once again, take the first right and return to your vehicle.

Distance: 3 miles
Destination: Back to rig
Difficulty: Easy

Elevation gain: Minimal

Getting there: Highway 20 to Rockport State Park.

If you go: After entering Rockport State Park, turn right and park in the lot for the picnic area. There is a large, informational sign. Proceed behind it and the trailhead lies about 100 feet directly ahead.