State Parks launches Scenic Bikeways Program, route nomination window opens Oct. 1

OLYMPIA — One of the most uniquely Washington ways to experience the beauty of the state is to explore it by bike.  So, charged by the Legislature to raise the profile of some of Washington’s most notable cycling routes, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has officially established the statewide Scenic Bikeways Program. This program involves participation from the public who will have the opportunity to nominate routes they think should become Scenic Bikeways.  The first Scenic Bikeway nomination window will open on Oct. 1 and close Nov. 30, 2025. The pilot… Read more

OLYMPIA — Beginning Oct. 1, the annual Discover Pass will increase from $30 to $45, providing critical revenue to keep state parks open and operational.   The Discover Pass is a parking pass that provides one year of unlimited entry to all Washington state lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Department of Natural Resources.   Everyone in the passholder's vehicle has access to:  Over 100 state parks 350 recreation sites 700 water access spots More than 90… Read more

Family-friendly festival runs Sept. 25-27  PASCO – Sacajawea Historical State Park welcomes all to come have some fun at its 21st-annual Heritage Days celebration.  This free, family-friendly event is open to the public on Thursday, Sept. 25 and Friday, Sept. 26, from 1 to 5 p.m., and on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.    Heritage Days is a popular, longstanding celebration that offers a glimpse into the cultural and natural history of early Snake-Columbia River confluence communities. This year’s gathering will feature historical reenactors, educators and… Read more

OLYMPIA – Help protect Washington’s beaches and marine life on Sept. 20 by volunteering at a state park during the annual International Coastal Cleanup.   As a member of the Washington Clean Coast Alliance, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is proud to co-host this opportunity to bring people together who cherish Washington’s coastline to help protect and preserve it.  While cleanup events will take place at multiple sites statewide, State Parks will host cleanups at seven of its parks: Cape Disappointment, Fort Flagler, Fort Worden, Grayland Beach, Ocean City,… Read more

OLYMPIA — Beginning Sept. 16, sections of Cape Disappointment State Park will begin closing to undergo major renovations and repairs. The closure is expected to last until Spring 2026.   Cape Disappointment is one of the most visited state parks in Washington. This project focuses on improving the park’s infrastructure through renovations to its entrance, roads and trails. Work includes:  A culvert replacement on its campground access road Work on the park's entrance road that will improve traffic flow at the park entrance A new Welcome Center Increased hiking… Read more

OLYMPIA — Washington State Parks encourages members of the community to participate in the process of developing a new master plan for Blake Island Marine State Park.  State Parks is set to host its first community meeting to discuss the park and learn about the community’s hopes for its future on Sept. 18 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ballard Branch of the Seattle Public Library.   The meeting will be an opportunity for community members to learn about the park’s history and facilities, understand the planning process, and hear about the results of preliminary site studies… Read more

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its regularly scheduled commission meeting virtually on Aug. 27  Commission meeting agenda items include an approval of the 2026 regular commission meeting schedule, approval of the Commission’s priorities for the 2025-27 biennium, approval of the agency’s request legislation for the 2026 Legislative Session, a presentation about the upcoming launch of the Scenic Bikeways Program and a financial update.   View the full agenda and presentation materials here.  This is an online meeting, and all… Read more

FORKS — Visitors and campers heading to Bogachiel State Park will need to prepare for limited water availability for the remainder of the season. Due to low water levels in the park’s well, potable water will be limited to use by registered campers only. Day-use visitors are asked to come prepared with their own water. Restrooms will remain open, however the park’s showers, dump station and RV tank filling water stations are closed. The well is not expected to recharge until the fall rainy season. State Parks staff appreciate the patience and preparedness of visitors to the park. 

Washingtonians can explore the outdoors when they check out a special Discover Pass from their local library OLYMPIA – Aug. 12, 2025 – Your library card is also your key to checking out adventure on state-managed recreation lands, thanks to the Check Out Washington program. Last year, Check Out Washington Discover Passes were borrowed from libraries across Washington more than 9,000 times.   The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington State Parks Foundation and WSECU are proud to come together again this year and provide 500 Discover Passes to 176 libraries… Read more

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