Nisqually State Park Development

Project summary

Nisqually State Park is a day-use park currently in development near the town of Eatonville on the Nisqually River between the Mashel River and Ohop Creek.

The park represents the first time State Parks has partnered with a local Tribe to create a new full-service camping park. The Nisqually People have lived in this area since time immemorial, and the engaging details of their lives and culture will be prominent among the park’s interpretive themes.

Development of the park is being completed in phases:

Phase 1 (complete): Design and permitting for phases 2 and 3
Phase 2: Staff residence, admin building, interpretive plaza, Nisqually River Managed Access
Phase 3: Park entry (roundabout), maintenance building, wastewater treatment facility, utilities, Mashel River Valley overlook and multi-use ADA trail, welcome center, campground and RV dump station
Phase 4: Design and permitting for the construction of phases 5 and 6
Phase 5: Trail improvements
Phase 6: Village Center, the day-use hub of the park

See the color-coded map of the park with the different phases here.

Location: Nisqually State Park

Current work

Phase 2

Phase 2 is anticipated for completion in spring 2026 and includes:

Construction of an interpretive plaza and several new operational facilities, including a staff residence and administration building
Development of a trail system to the Nisqually River
Construction of multiple river overlooks

The new interpretive plaza will be the starting point for a trail down to the Nisqually River. It will feature information about the Nisqually Tribe and the significance of the land, water and natural resources of the area. It will also provide examples of Nisqually language and culture, including quotes and stories from tribal elders.

The new trails and overlooks will provide public access to the Nisqually River and view access to Ohop Creek. Both of these waterways are important cultural and natural resources that support several species of salmon.

Phase 3

Phase 3 has three different construction projects currently funded:

The roundabout (Phase 3C) is currently under construction and is anticipated for completion in November 2025
Phase 3A — construction of the wastewater treatment facility, completion of the maintenance building, and the main utility infrastructure for the park — began August 2025 and will be completed by the winter of 2026.
The Mashel River Valley overlook and multi-use ADA trail, and the welcome center construction (Phase 3B) begins November 2025 and is anticipated for completion in winter of 2026.

Phase 4

Phase 4, which includes the park's trail system and Village Center, is currently in design.

Community participation

A community meeting was held in Eatonville on Oct. 23, 2025.

The meeting covered the future trail system at Nisqually State Park and provided the public a first-hand look at what’s to come.

The Nisqually State Park Trails Plan was designed in partnership with the Nisqually Indian Tribe and shaped by community and partner voices. When complete, the park will offer approximately 13.2 miles of trails, with a mix of trail types that allow different types of trail users to enjoy the park in their own unique ways. Most trails will be graveled, but there will be two paved trails for accessible and family-friendly access. The trails will also feature interpretive opportunities and scenic overlooks. A new trailhead for both equestrian trailers and vehicles is also proposed.

The plan’s trails include: