Volunteer in sunglasses collecting trash on a beach.

Volunteer Program

Volunteers play a vital role in sustaining Washington State Parks, providing more than 190,000 service hours each year. Join the thousands of volunteers that help keep your Washington State Parks the special places they are.

Volunteer with Washington State Parks

Anyone can be a Washington State Parks volunteer! Explore our volunteer opportunities below to find out how you can get involved.

Volunteering has its rewards

Hours spent on certain volunteer projects can qualify volunteers for a complimentary Discover Pass. Learn more here.

On
  • Nine volunteers standing on the beach around garbage in bags, broken buoys, a tire and more that was collected. A blue sky, ocean and small islands are seen in the background.

    Beach Cleanups

    Suitable for the whole family, beach cleanups are a fun and exciting way to participate in a meaningful activity. Each year, thousands of volunteers help remove tons of marine debris from the Pacific Coast and Salish Sea.
  • Three people squatting on the beach engaged in a discussion. In the middle is the Seattle Aquarium Beach Naturalist who is a feminine appearing person in a blue Seattle aquarium hat wearing a khaki colored vest and speaking to a masculine looking person to their left in a grey sweatshirt and jeans with a red and grey backpack. To the right of the beach naturalist is a feminine appearing person with brown hair and a purple jacket with black plants.

    Friends Groups

    Our friends groups play an invaluable role in helping to protect, preserve and promote their local state parks. These non-profit groups support parks in a variety of ways including fundraising, leading volunteer projects, conducting interpretive programs, planning special events and much more.
  • Group of kayakers with paddles held high

    Group Volunteers

    Washington state parks welcomes many types of volunteer groups. Volunteer groups consist of three or more persons that volunteer on either short or long-term projects. or events. Volunteer groups can consist of formal groups such as scouts, church groups Friends Groups and recreational organizations to local businesses that just want to come out and support their local park.
  • Group photo of volunteers loading debris in a truck at Fort Worden

    Individual Volunteers

    Individuals can give back to their community by volunteering at their local state parks. A variety of short- and long-term opportunities are available based on the unique needs of each park.
  • Group photo of volunteers on bleachers at 2024 Host Camporee

    Park Host Program

    Hosting is one of the most popular volunteer opportunities at Washington State Parks. Park hosts help State Parks achieve our mission to connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences.
  • Sunshine over river and trees

    Volunteer Activity COVID-19 Guidance

    Learn more about State Parks' ongoing recommendations and guidance for volunteers activities and COVID-19.
  • Volunteers sawing a log

    Volunteer Recognition

    Washington State Parks proudly recognize our volunteers’ outstanding commitment in helping maintain our parks and sharing their knowledge with park visitors as we work towards a common goal of protecting our state lands.

Contact Us

Department Volunteer Program
Phone (360) 902-8583
Email Parks.Volunteer@parks.wa.gov
Address 300 Desmond Drive SE Lacey , WA 98503