State Parks Clean Vessel Act Grant Program Funds $320,000 for Pumpout Projects Statewide

OLYMPIA — Recreational boaters in Washington waters will have an easier time disposing of vessel sewage thanks to over $320,000 in new federal pass-through grants for recreational boat pumpout projects. Awarded by the Washington State Parks Clean Vessel Act Grant Program (CVA), the grants focus on constructing or maintaining sewage disposal systems for recreational vessels, and supporting outreach programs that inform boaters about the location of these facilities. Projects funded in the 2025 grant competition include: Port of Port Townsend – $125,… Read more

qatáy/PORT TOWNSEND — The traditional lands of the S'Klallam/Klallam, known as qatáy, on the present-day beaches of Fort Worden Historical State Park, will welcome traditional canoe families on July 29.   The stopover will be hosted by the three federally recognized S’Klallam/Klallam Tribes of ʔéʔɬx̣ʷaʔ (Lower Elwha), stətíɬəm (Jamestown) and nəxʷq̕íyt (Port Gamble). As many as 40 canoes with canoe families up to 100 people each, will ask the host Tribes permission to come ashore and share in ceremonial songs and dances.  The stopover is part of the 2025 Paddle to Elwha… Read more

OLYMPIA — The traditional lands of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, on the present-day beaches of Saltwater State Park, will welcome traditional canoe families on July 26.   Arriving canoes will ask the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe permission to come ashore and share in ceremonial songs and dances.  The stopover is part of the 2025 Paddle to Elwha Canoe Journey, which is hosted by the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. The final landing is on July 31 at the mouth of the Elwha River.   Day of the landing  Canoe landings will occur throughout the day on the beach at Saltwater… Read more

GIG HARBOR – After more than a year of extensive renovations to improve the beloved community park, Kopachuck State Park in Gig Harbor will reopen on Aug. 2 with a public open house and celebration event. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is excited to welcome the community back to the park to enjoy its new features. Kopachuck’s renovations include: An outdoor amphitheater A new playground An improved trail system A new park office and Welcome Center An upgraded parking lot A new rentable facility for events The park’s renovations also include ADA… Read more

OLYMPIA – Preparing for a day on the water isn't just about grabbing a paddle and some sunscreen. The essential safety practices that go along with paddlesports could someday save your life.  From July 22-28, the Washington State Parks Recreational Boating Safety Program is supporting Paddle Safe Week, a statewide effort to create a culture of safety around paddle sports. The campaign recognizes that paddlesports, while a fun way to spend the summer outside, are not without risk. Washington’s diverse waterways require different skills, preparation and safety equipment. During… Read more

BLAINE – The Nooksack Indian Tribe will welcome canoe families on July 23 at Birch Bay State Park for a stopover as they continue their 2025 canoe journey.  Several canoes will arrive at the beach and ask the host Tribe permission to come ashore. Canoe landings will occur throughout the day on the beach at Birch Bay by the Heron Center log building.  Parking in front of the Heron Center will be reserved for Tribal Elders and visitors with a disability placard. The parking lot north of the Heron Center will be reserved for additional parking for Tribal families. Special camping… Read more

OLYMPIA – Mystery Bay State Park on Marrowstone Island will close from July 14 through August 20 for major repairs to its pier. The park will remain open for boat-in traffic only. Boaters may not come on land while the 18-acre park is closed for safety due to the use of heavy equipment throughout construction.  The Mystery Bay pier closed last spring due to structural concerns. During construction, crews will replace failing supports with new steel pile posts and pile caps. We appreciate your patience as we work to make the pier safe for your next visit.

LACEY — The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its regular commission meeting on July 17 at its headquarters in Lacey.  The public is welcome to attend in person or online.   Agenda items include:  A request to approve the Commission’s priorities for the 2025-27 biennium A request to amend an existing easement with Spokane County Parks, Recreation and Golf and update the land classifications for the Spokane River Centennial Trail in this area A request to approve the submittal of the 2026 Supplemental Operating Budget Request to the… Read more

OLYMPIA – This summer, thousands of Washington State youth will get a chance to step into an outdoor adventure, thanks to grants from Washington State Parks. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, in partnership with the state Recreation and Conservation Office, today announced the award of more than $1 million in grants to 15 organizations. The No Child Left Inside (NCLI) grants provide access for youth who experience barriers to the outdoors, supporting programs that offer recreation and education opportunities. This year's grant cycle set a record, with 261 applications… Read more

OLYMPIA – Though Washington’s state parks might be known for their acres of natural beauty and recreational opportunities, they’re also a place where families can kick back and enjoy live music or experience new foods and activities at a cultural festival. The Folk and Traditional Arts Program (FTAP) at Washington State Parks has recently added even more concerts and festivals to its summer lineup. The additions include the return of the popular Rhythm on the River and Mountain Melodies concert series in Central Washington. Check out “Rhythm on the River” on Friday evenings at… Read more