Metal detecting

Metal detecting rules

• Metal detecting is permitted only within specified portions of approved state parks (see below for approved park maps) – parks that permit metal detecting will have maps and registration information posted at the park; if no information is posted, the park does not permit this activity.
• Any find that appears to have historical or archaeological significance may not be removed from where it was found. Report all findings immediately to a park employee and do not further disturb the area.
• Properly dispose of all found or recovered litter.
• Group-detecting events require a special recreation event application (PDF).
• Metal detecting in camping areas open to metal detecting is permitted only in unoccupied campsites.

Governance Below are the state laws and agency policy that govern metal detecting in Washington state parks.

• RCW 79A.05.305(3)(5) Declaration of policy – Lands for public park purposes – requires the agency to "protect cultural and historical resources, locations, and artifacts and preserve and maintain habitat which will protect and promote endangered, threatened, and sensitive plants, and endangered, threatened, and sensitive animal species."
• RCW 79A.05.165(a) Penalties – removal or destruction of any natural items (trees, shrubs, timber, plants or natural object in any park) is a misdemeanor under Washington State Law.
• WAC 352-32-235 Use of metal detectors in state parks – allows the use and operation of metal detectors as well as the removal of small contemporary materials within selected state parks.
• WSPRC Commission Natural Resources Management Policy 65-04-01 – requires that "where existing recreational developments or uses are believed to degrade natural resources of regional or statewide significance...the agency will... alleviate the impacts by limiting, removing, relocating, or mitigating the recreational activity."