Ancient Native American petroglyphs, a cave, and historic stone overlooks along Big River can all be enjoyed at Washington State Park about an hour south of St. Louis.
History of Washington State Park
Native American
The highlight of this park is the petroglyph area near the main entrance of the park. Thousands of years ago the Middle Mississippian culture found in Cahokia, Ill., built a ceremonial area here. The petroglyphs depict animals, humans, arrows, cups, and other abstract symbols.
African American Civilian Conservation Corps
President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as employment during the Great Depression when jobs were scarce. This park had the only African American CCC company in Missouri state parks. They produced 14 buildings, the 1,000 steps Trail, 22 road culverts, and many walls, paths, and curbs along the park road. Their high-quality craftsmanship earned the park recognition in the National Register of Historic Places.
PETROGLYPHS WALK
The main petroglyph area can be found at the end of the first road on your left as you come into the park from the main entrance.
A boardwalk with a shelter and signs along the petroglyph area points out what archeologists think are the meanings of art.
The Mighty Thunderbird
We learned about the Mighty Thunderbird myth from reading the signs.
Hunting Magic
I looked closely to follow the myth created in the rock.
NOTE: These are two of the stories shared by some of the petroglyphs and there are others in the rock.
1,000 STEPS TRAIL
Starting the Trail
This 1.5-mile trail begins to the far right of the parking by Thunderbird Lodge and starts in the valley of the Big River.
It is a loop trail. I chose to walk along the wooded valley area first and take the back steps up. This is probably the easiest way to do the loop leaving the steepest part for the way back down.
Along the valley in the woods, you can see some wet weather waterfalls, but it has been too dry for that recently.
Interpretive Center
Up the hillside and just off the trail was the Interpretive Center, which was open. It is a CCC-constructed stone rock structure that includes a fireplace inside.
Inside I found information on the history of the park, the CCC, and Native Americans.
Second Petroglyph site
If you look to your left going towards the highway there is a short path for a small petroglyph site.
A sign along the railing reads that these were also made by the Middle Mississippian Native Americans between 600 to 1,000 years ago. Time and the elements have made them difficult to see today.
Back to the Trail
I headed back down the trail. I stopped for a while taking in the view of the rock CCC hiking shelter before descending on more carved rock stairs passing by large cliffs on the way down.
Final Thoughts
This is a short but strenuous hike. I did manage to see a deer and a large woodpecker, so be on the lookout for wildlife.
OPOSSUM TRACK TRAIL
Trailhead by Thunderbird Lodge
By the Thunderbird Lodge is the trailhead for both the Rockywood and Opossum Track Trails that run together for aways. The Opossum Track Trail is blazed in blue and is 2.5 miles loop trail. I took a moment to look around the lodge and admire the stone-carved thunderbird. Thunderbird Lodge also sits over a small creek that flows underneath it. It is a unique structure.
Going Up
I walked around a stone block building near the lodge before heading up into the hillsides along the Big River.
First I passed over a large cliff area and looked down spotting a cave. I didn’t see a way to it until I walked further past it seeing a side trail that led down to it.
It is a small cave but worth a stop. Sadly I found a lot of graffiti.
My son would love to see it since he could wander around the inside for a bit.
Next, I went by a round stonewall gazebo with a cliff in front of it.
Heading Out Past the River
I could have turned around here, but decided to do the full loop and see where the trail goes. It continues past some campgrounds and cabins.
This part of the Opossum Trail goes through some woods after passing the camp area and then branches off the Rockywood Trail back by Highway 104 in the park.
I walked by the water tower and a large pool complete with a slide.
Mine Pits
Next, I passed by mining pits. At one time this area was prospected by miners for a mineral called barite. Small depressions are what remain of this operation.
Brookside
After passing the shallow mine pits I came across a brook. The rest of the way you follow it and small streams that feed into it.
I came out on the other side of the parking for the lodge. I was a bit disorientated until I looked right and saw the parking.
Final Thoughts
I think this trail is easier starting with the river section first. It is a long descent after you pass the pool, probably a big workout if you’re going up!
ROCKYWOOD TRAIL
I hiked two sections of this trail by doing the Opossum Trail and 1000 Steps. This trail is a six-mile loop.
This trail goes through the park’s oak and hickory-wooded hills. Several glades with milkweed, wildflowers, prickly pear cactus, and coneflowers can be seen along this trail. The Missouri tarantula has been spotted here.
Rockywood Trail also passes by a quarry that the CCC used in building the park’s historic structures.
WASHINGTON STATE PARK FINAL THOUGHTS
This park has a lot to offer besides petroglyphs and trails. A swimming pool, playground, a store, cabins, and campgrounds add to available amenities.
Big River access allows for canoeing and boating along this river.
DETAILS:
Drive: Take Interstate 55 south to exit 174B for US-67 S. Then take the MO-110 exit toward State Road CC/Olympian Village/De Soto. Turn right onto MO-110 W, turn left onto MO-21 S then on MO 21 look for MO-104 E that leads into the park.
Hours: 7 am to sunset, year-round.
Admission: Free with camping available
Address: 13041 MO-104, De Soto, MO 63020
MORE NEARBY HIKING ADVENTURES
Unique Geology at Hughes Mountain Natural Area
Hughes Mountain Natural Area is made up of rock columns and is a unique geological feature found only in a few places in the world, such as Giant’s Causeway in Ireland.
Bootleg Access Hike
Hiking through a forest to lookouts of the St. Francois Mountains and stops along the rocky Big River were the highlights of the trail at Bootleg Access.
MORE PETROGLYPHS
Piney Creek Ravine Nature Preserve
The largest area of Native American Rock art in Illinois is found at Piney Creek Ravine Nature Preserve.
This 198-acre nature preserve also has cascading waterfalls and colorful limestone cliffs.
