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
Estimated start date: June 17, 2024
Estimated end date: Current phase of work estimated for completion late 2025

Current work

Phase 2

Phase 2 is anticipated for completion in October 2025 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 is currently under construction and is anticipated for completion in September 2025
Construction of the wastewater treatment facility, completion of the maintenance building, and the main utility infrastructure for the park will begin in Summer 2025 and be completed by the Fall of 2026.
The Mashel River Valley overlook and multi-use ADA trail, and the welcome center construction will begin in late Summer 2025 and is anticipated for completion in Fall of 2026.