An eagle flying over a marshland area

Rules and Safety

Learn about the rules and regulations to follow for a fun and safe outdoors experience.

The outdoors is an fun and exciting place. It's also a place where some rules and regulations are necessary to keep the experience fun and safe. Visit the following links for more information on parks and boating rules visitors need to observe, and where to find Wi-Fi at select parks. 

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  • youth participants in a paddle safety course posing for a group photo

    Boater Education & Safety

    Learn about the boater education programs, how to get your boater card and how to boat safely.
  • Looking over the calm, brown and green river with large rocks poking through the water. Evergreen trees are down river with a blue sky in the background..

    Marketing Contest Official Rules

    Washington State Parks marketing drawing official rules. No purchase necessary to enter or win.
  • Blue sky and river, red and brown shrubs.

    Park Rules and Regulations

    Learn about the rules you will need to observe when visiting and staying at Washington State Parks.
  • marine law enforcement officers conducting a vessel safety inspection

    Recreational Boating Laws & Regulations

    Recreational boaters and paddlers are required to know laws and regulations that apply to them out on the water.
  • The beach trail surrounded by dunes at Westport Light State Park.

    Seashore Conservation Area

    Established in 1967, the Seashore Conservation Area (SCA) represents Washington's commitment to preserving this stretch of southwestern coastline for public recreation for generations to come. Learn more about the rules and safety to observe when visiting the SCA and plan your trip today!
  • cross-country skiers on a groomed trail at a sno-park

    Sno-Park Rules & Safety

    Sno-parks visitors are responsible for knowing rules and safety information for winter recreation.
  • historic rusted farm equipment sitting in a field of grass

    What to Do if You Find an Artifact in a Park

    At Parks, we work hard to protect and preserve the millions of years of cultural, geological and biological history tied to the lands we steward. We know it might be tempting to take things you find while exploring a park. But did you know you might be accidentally removing or destroying something that represents a significant part of our state history? These items may be artifacts or natural history specimens, and it is important to know what to do when you find one.
  • Islands dotting ocean

    Wi-Fi in the Parks

    Washington State Parks is proud to be expanding its in-park services to include limited, free, high-speed wireless internet access at some state parks. Available at specific locations only.