PORT ORCHARD — After gathering key insights from the community at its first public meeting, Washington State Parks is excited to invite park enthusiasts to explore four proposals for future planning and development at Blake Island Marine State Park.
State Parks will host its second public meeting on Feb. 25 at 5 p.m. at the Port Orchard Branch of the Kitsap Regional Library. The meeting will highlight the common themes and takeaways staff received through survey results and from the first public meeting held last September.
For those who are interested but unable to attend, a…
WENATCHEE – This spring, Washington State Parks will take over management of the Beebe Bridge Park campground reservation system, consistent with several other parks along the Columbia River, including Wenatchee Confluence, Daroga and Lincoln Rock state parks. The state’s user-friendly, online reservation system allows campers to easily schedule sites statewide months in advance.
“We’ve had a successful partnership with Washington State Parks for many years, and this transition ensures we continue to offer many benefits to parks visitors,” said Chelan PUD Parks Manager Ryan Baker.
“We’re…
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its regular commission meeting on Jan. 29 at its headquarters in Lacey.
The public is welcome to attend in-person or online.
Agenda items include:
Adoption of the Commission’s rules and procedures
Adoption of the 2026 Director’s Performance Agreement
Approval to sign a Letter of Agreement to subdivide a leased parcel at Saint Edward State Park
Approval of the agency’s 2027-29 grant requests to be applied for through the Washington State Recreation…
Alexander’s Castle, a one bedroom rental home available on the historic Fort Worden campus, is the oldest building preserved in the park.
PORT TOWNSEND — After a day spotting whales from the sandy beaches of Admiralty Inlet and exploring the gun batteries that make up the “Triangle of Fire,” spend the night in a historic residence on the Fort Worden Historical State Park campus this summer.
Washington State Parks will offer lodging accommodations in several historic buildings for the 2026 season, from April 1 through Oct. 31.…
Get paid to work outside at a Washington state park
OLYMPIA – Swap out the cube farm for the forest, beach or desert this summer. You can get paid to work outside at a Washington state park!
State Parks has opened its recruitment for seasonal park aides to help keep Washington’s iconic parks clean, green and friendly from spring through fall.
The park aide job is suited to people who love the outdoors, enjoy work where no two days are the same and are interested in learning new skills or building on existing trades. You’ll be working independently and as a valued member of a great…
CAMANO ISLAND — An approximately 20-foot section of the aging seawall at Cama Beach Historical State Park has collapsed due to cumulative impacts from the king tides, high wind and heavy rain.
Seawater is breaching remaining sections of the wall, causing erosion to the beach and lower road. Flooding has also caused some damage to the park’s boathouse.
For public safety, the lower portion of the park is closed, including the historic cabin area and parking lots F and G. Visitors are asked to please avoid the area.
State Parks staff are monitoring the seawall daily and are actively…
PORT TOWNSEND — Reserve your next adventure along the storied shores of Fort Flagler Historical State Park any time of year.
Campers can now make year-round reservations for the park’s seaside beach campground, marking an exciting change that gives campers more flexibility to plan ahead and ensure a campsite is waiting for them when they arrive.
Make your reservation now for arrival dates beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
Prior to this change, Fort Flagler’s beach campground transitioned to first come, first served camping from November through the end of March. …
MONTESANO – Lake Sylvia State Park is closed while crews respond to impacts brought on by this week’s heavy rain.
The current atmospheric river weather event has raised lake levels and placed added stress on the Lake Sylvia dam. For public safety, the park and all trail systems leading into and around the park and dam are closed until further notice.
For the safety of visitors and residents:
Downstream residents in the Sylvia Creek area should be prepared for additional flooding and remain ready to take action on short notice
Residents should avoid all trails…
Celebrate the new year with Washington State Parks during our annual First Day Hikes events on Jan. 1, 2026.
More than 30 state parks across the state will host staff-led and self-guided hikes, snowshoe treks, trail rides, polar plunges, interpretive activities and more on New Year’s Day.
First Day Hikes vary in distance and difficulty, ranging from smooth, flat ADA-accessible trails to moderate hill climbs. A few parks will offer multiple hikes tailored to different abilities and interests. Many ranger-led hikes will include talks highlighting each park’s unique history…
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking applications from winter sports enthusiasts for the agency’s snowmobile and non-motorized advisory committees. Seven positions are available statewide to snowmobilers, and four are available statewide to individuals involved in non-motorized winter sports.
Both committees are comprised of a combination of snowmobilers and individuals involved in non-motorized winter sports. The Washington Department of Natural Resources, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Washington Association of Counties each have one…
