State Parks urges people to recreate responsibly this Fourth of July
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) asks everyone who is planning a Fourth of July celebration at a park or on the beach to be safe and protect their friends, neighbors, public lands and wildlife.
Parks sees a dramatic increase in visitation during Independence Day celebrations, particularly on its beaches. The increase in traffic also increases the amount of trash left behind. Last year, volunteers collected more than 111,000 pounds of garbage from ocean beaches during Parks’ annual July 5 beach cleanup. That’s equivalent to the combined weight of about seven…
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11/03/2021
OLYMPIA – Nov. 3, 2021 – Pass Lake, a popular destination in Deception Pass State Park, has reopened for winter fishing and recreation. The lake had closed in August, 2021 when high concentrations of toxic algae were discovered. Recent tests show the waters are back at levels deemed safe for recreation by Washington's Department of Health.Toxic algae blooms typically start in late summer and are usually caused by excessive nutrients in warm, stagnant waters. Pass Lake is currently open for fly fishing. Anglers can catch brown and rainbow trout.News media contact:Jason Armstrong, Area Manager… Read more
10/28/2021
OLYMPIA – Oct. 28, 2021 – Washington State Parks' Winter Recreation Program is looking for contractors to plow and clear Sno-Parks this winter. Contracts run from Dec. 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. Contractors are needed for the following areas:Mount Adams Sno-ParksCle Elum River Valley Area Sno-ParksBlewett Pass Sno-ParksTaneum Sno-Park near Cle ElumInterested parties should contact Winter Recreation Operations Manager, Jason Goldstein: Jason.goldstein@parks.wa.govProof of COVID vaccination is not required for this contract work.High service levels, high useWashington state Sno-Park users… Read more
10/27/2021
No Discover Pass will be needed to park on state recreation lands Thursday, Nov. 11, Friday, Nov. 26.OLYMPIA – Oct. 27, 2021 – Washington State Parks, Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will offer free entrance to state lands on Thursday, Nov. 11 and Friday, Nov. 26. On these days, visitors to Washington state lands will not need a Discover Pass to park. Discover Pass free days apply to all visitor parking on DNR and WDFW lands and in day-use areas at Washington state parks.November 11 honors Veterans Day, which is also a… Read more
10/13/2021
OLYMPIA – Oct.13, 2021 – Washington State Parks welcomes Dr. John Scott as the agency's new director of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Scott brings with him more than 25 years of experience specializing in DEI strategy, goals and action plans. Most recently, Scott served as the Senior Vice President of Equity for the Washington Charter Schools Association where he was responsible for equity strategic planning, coaching, leadership approach and trainings for staff at every level of the organization. “John is an innovative leader with extensive experience guiding organizations through… Read more
10/12/2021
Programs are offered in-person and virtually OLYMPIA – Oct. 12, 2021 – Washington State Parks offers unique learning opportunities for children and students in person and virtually throughout the year. Interpretive staff have developed pre-recorded lessons that are accessible through Flipgrid. The lessons have been designed to help students learn about Washington state parks virtually at their own pace. The platform encourages students, families and educators to engage in virtual discussions. Current video topics include Geology 101, the Naming of Deception Pass, a Nature Observation Virtual… Read more
10/06/2021
OLYMPIA – Oct. 6, 2021 – Today the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission received the voluntary resignation of Director Pete Mayer. Mayer's decision to resign is based on the best interest of his family and he steps down as director to pursue other opportunities closer to his new home. The commission appreciates Mayer's service to Parks and the citizens of Washington state. Mayer was initially appointed as director in March 2021.Peter Herzog, a current assistant director with the agency, has been appointed as interim director by the commission. The commission is actively working… Read more
10/05/2021
OLYMPIA – Oct. 05, 2021 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold special commission meeting on Wed., Oct. 6. The purpose of this October 6 special meeting is for the commission to receive and evaluate complaints brought against a public officer or employee, to determine if the commission needs to prescribe additional measures and for the executive committee to seek additional directions or delegations from the commission as needed.The special meeting begins at 4:30 p.m. An agenda is available on the State Parks website. The special meeting will be conducted remotely.… Read more
10/05/2021
2021-22 prices will ensure Sno-Parks continue to operateOLYMPIA – Oct. 5, 2021 – When Washington Sno-Park permits go on sale Nov. 1, winter recreationists will see a fee increase for the first time since 2009.Washington state Sno-Park users enjoy a high-level of service, including cleared parking lots, groomed ski, skate-ski and snowmobile trails, regularly sanitized bathrooms and avalanche beacon check stations in some backcountry areas. The new prices reflect the rising cost of these operations, as well as replacement of aging equipment, including grooming machines. During the last 12… Read more