Standing on a rocky shore, looking towards the ocean, North Head Lighthouse is white against a stormy grey sky.

The Agency

Learn about the principles, laws, programs, people and divisions that steer and support our agency.

Our Administration, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Division, and Winter Recreation Program provide guidance for State Parks based on our agency Mission & Vision. Learn more at the following links.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission helps guide the policies that steer the agency. To learn more about our Commission, view our Parks Commission page.

On
  • meadow with flowers, mountain and cloudy sky

    Agency Administration

    Learn more about the agency administration at Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.
  • Group photo of Parks staff in the Oly Pride Parade.

    Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

    Learn more about what our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) division is working on.
  • Children at a folk and traditional arts event posing together after dancing

    Folk & Traditional Arts Program

    Learn more about the Folk & Traditional Arts Program.
  • Sunset over water.

    Mission & Vision

    Learn about Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission's mission, vision and core values.
  • Canoe Journey 2023

    Tribal Relations

    Learn more about what our Tribal Relations division is working on.
  • A view looking down an old railroad bridge made of iron on the Willapa Hills State Park Trail. The rails have been replaced with boards and a bicycle is leaning on the rail on the right side. To the left the Willappa River is seen flowing under the bridge and the blue sky above is filled with fluffy white clouds.

    Washington State Scenic Bikeways

    Parks is in the process of developing a statewide Scenic Bikeways program. Our management of the program includes overseeing the route nomination and implementation process. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is the decision-making group with authority to officially designate a proposed route as a Scenic Bikeway.

    Developing this program involves participation from the public who have the opportunity to nominate routes they think should become Scenic Bikeways.
  • Two girls in Kayaks wearing life jackets

    Washington's Recreational Boating Safety Program

    The Recreational Boating Safety Program provides leadership in boating safety education and water competency.
  • Hiker in front of Mount Adams

    Winter Recreation Program

    The Winter Recreation Program at Washington State Parks coordinates Sno-Parks across the state.
  • A road runs through the wide Columbia River Valley. Evergreens frame the right and left foreground while green rolling hills rise on either side of the river. A blue sky with wide swaths of white clouds is overhead.

    Association of Western State Parks Conference (AWSPC) 2025

    We're honored to host the Association of Western State Parks Conference (AWSPC) in Vancouver, Washington along the Columbia River Gorge.