- Home
- Find a Park
- Parks M to P
- Nisqually
Nisqually State Park
Imagine walking under a canopy of firs hearing nothing but the trill of song birds as you overlook the majesty of Mount Rainier. Nisqually State Park is seated on the foothills of the mountain and with over 10 miles of trail this park is sure to captivate all who enter. Come for a trail walk, a horse back ride or a trek down to the Nisqually River to take in all that Washington State has to offer.
The park is nestled between the Mashel River and Ohop Valley which has rich ties to the Nisqually Indian Tribe. This park is developed as a partnership between the Washington State Parks Recreation Commission and the Nisqually Indian Tribe. This alliance will preserve and conserve the cultural and natural resources this area has.
Park features
Nisqually State Park is currently a day-use park and in the phases of future development. It encompasses approximately 1200 acres and sits on the confluence of the Nisqually River, Mashel River, and Ohop Creek. The park offers an abundance of trails with stunning views of Mount Rainier.
Discover Pass: A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to state parks for day use. Nisqually has a self-serve envelope pay station. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.
Activities and features
- Hiking and Biking Trails
- Equestrian Trails
- Composting pit toilets
Additional Information
Note that this park is in the process of development for expanded recreation and use. Some areas may be temporary in accessible or off limits due to construction.
For more information on the construction and design of Nisqually State Park please visit our park planning page.
Washington State Parks began acquiring land for what is now known as Nisqually State Park in 1991. The idea for a state park in the vicinity of Mashel Prairie dates back to 1954 when it was proposed as part of an economic development study for the nearby town of Eatonville.
Much of the present-day parklands were most recently owned by Weyerhaeuser and other timber companies and used for logging purposes. In the years following the initial land acquisitions, State Parks formed a partnership with Nisqually Indian Tribe to collaborate on the development and management of the park. The parklands lie within the tribe’s traditional territory.
In 2010 a Master Plan for the park was developed with input from the Nisqually Indian Tribe and other stakeholders, agencies, and the public. The Master Plan outlines the vision and a 20-year plan for the park, which is now in development.