Yudwasta Big Rock Park - Skagit Land Trust

[48.42121554230242,-122.2606437618436]

Property Type: Easement, Trust-Assisted
Date Added: 1996, 2023

Big Rock
96 acres
Open to the Public, Featured Property
Hiking & Walking

Get Directions

Conservation Story

Yudwasta Big Rock Park’s conservation story with Skagit Land Trust began in 1996 when Dr. Richard and Holly Hoag’s donated 13 acres of land with a conservation easement to protect it from development at the top of Big Rock. However, about 15 years ago, private property surrounded the park and public access was lost. Since then, Skagit Land Trust and Skagit County Parks looked for ways to re-open and expand the park. In 2023, when 63 acres of land next to Yudwasta Big Rock Park went up for sale, both organizations recognized a rare opportunity to protect a beloved and culturally and ecologically significant landscape.

Acting quickly, Skagit Land Trust took a risk to buy the property that was for sale and hold it until Skagit County could assume ownership. The Trust covered the $1.8 million purchase using organizational funds and a loan from the Washington Opportunity Fund. The Trust also committed to raising more funds to help make the purchase affordable for the Skagit County Parks Department.

After successful purchase of the 63 acre property by Skagit Land Trust, Skagit County Parks began to pursue state funding. Washington State’s Recreation Conservation Office awarded Skagit County Parks a $1 million grant after the project ranked #1 out of 64 applicants statewide in the local parks category. Skagit County contributed $400,000 of their own funds, and the Trust covered $400,000 of the final cost thanks to donations from 350 Skagit Land Trust families and businesses.

Local community and organizations voices strengthened Yudwasta Big Rock Park’s grant application. SeaMar Community Health Center spoke about the health benefits of expanded nature access for east Mount Vernon’s growing and diverse neighborhoods, affirming that nearby open space is essential to community well-being.

Big Rock’s cultural importance helped to make the project a success, as well. Scott Schuyler of the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe supported the grant application, sharing with state reviewers the deep historical and ongoing connection between the Upper Skagit People and Yudwasta. Yudwasta Big Rock Park honors this legacy by highlighting Indigenous history and continued relationship with the land.

“People need a place to get out into nature and enjoy it,” says park neighbor Bill Dunlap. “The hope is that if they enjoy it, they’ll be motivated to protect it, too.” Inspired by these values, Bill and his wife Ellen Rak donated 20 acres of wildlife habitat they owned next to the expanded park. Their donated land includes a portion of Gribble Creek, where Coho return each year. Black bears, coyotes, otters, and other wildlife often pass through the property.

“There’s often a tension between protecting wildlife and creating access, but the Trust walks that line well,” says Ellen. “Projects like this create ways for people to coexist with all the other beautiful parts of life.”

As of March 17, 2026, Yudwasta Big Rock Park has officially opened as a Skagit County Park! Read more about the park in our February 2026 newsletter.

Site History and Ecology

Known to the Upper Skagit People as Yudwasta, meaning “of the heart,” Big Rock has always been more than a scenic landmark on the edge of Mount Vernon. It is a place where generations of people have formed lasting connections with the land. Big Rock also lies at the heart of a vital wildlife and open space corridor running north to south along Nookachamps Creek.

Access

Yudwasta Big Rock Park is open to public access. There is a fully developed trail to the top of the rock built by Washington Trails Association. Hike is approximately 0.5 miles to the top of the rock, with 350 ft of elevation gain, including a steep climb and several flights of stairs. Please use caution when summiting the rock.

Skagit County has plans to develop a full parking area, but an interim parking lot is available.

How to Get There

From I-5: Take the College Way exit off of I-5 and head east 3.5 miles. At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto WA-9 S. Continue on WA-9 for 0.8 miles. Take a right onto Mt. Vernon Big Lake Road and continue for 0.2 miles. The parking lot will be on your right.

From Mount Vernon: Head east on Division Road until it becomes Mt. Vernon Big Lake Road. Parking lot is on the north side of the road, about 0.2 miles before you reach the intersection with SR-9.