Field Guide Blog | Washington State Parks

Two women, one in blue and one in orange, hike in the forest wearing backpacks.

The “10 Essentials” to take on every outdoor adventure

You may have heard the term “Ten Essentials” or “10Es” in outdoor communities and been left scratching your head. But there’s nothing mysterious about them; they’re basic items to help keep you safe, healthy and comfortable during and after your outdoor adventure.

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Two people walk along boardwalk at Deception Pass

What you need to know before visiting a Washington state park for the first time

Yellow larches and evergreen trees in a valley with a small lake

Where to "larch march" this fall

Camper peaks out of a green tent at a camping spot

Try backpacking at a state park

BIrds eye view of a pair of hiking boots worn by a person standing on a grassy field next to some small white flowers with yellow centers

Where to splurge vs. skimp on gear

Cambodian dancers perform at Saltwater State Park

Celebrating Mien and Cambodian culture

A crumpled door of an old Weyerhauser work truck that was mangled in the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens.

Be a park S.T.E.W.A.R.D.

Gravestones behind an old iron fence covered in ivy

Headstone of infant returned

A view over rocks at the sandy beach with seaweed at the water's edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca with a blue sky and treed hillside to the left.

Fort Worden finds lead to “mammoth” discoveries, “wooly” situations

Outdoor wedding at Fort Worden State Park in front of a madrona tree and castle.

Park proposals and marriages

Gabija and Shahina EarthCorps

A park aide job paved the way to a brilliant career

Jean Catherine Greenlees with an old growth Doug Fir at the original Federation Forest State Park

The women who dreamt of preservation at Federation Forest

Three people

EarthCorps' international crew restores trail at Larrabee

A couple stands by the door of a log cabin with the interior set for a wedding in golden light.

Park weddings: plan your dream day

Image of visitors picnicking along the shoreline. In the background you can see trees with green leaves, blue water, and the hills and trees on the other side of the water. There is a curved tree in the foreground framing the two people having a picnic.

Entering a new era for state parks

High king tide wave crashes against rocky cliffside with a lighthouse

The King Tides are coming

Red tent in a snowy campsite near a lake with mountains in the distance

Warm-up to winter camping