State Parks Commission to meet virtually

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…

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State Parks Commission to meet virtually

08/20/2025
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

Limited water availability at Bogachiel State Park, showers unavailable

08/14/2025
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. 

Outdoor adventure begins at your local library with Check Out Washington

08/12/2025
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

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

07/29/2025
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

2025 Paddle to Elwha Canoe Journey to stop in Fort Worden on July 29, how to support

07/25/2025
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

Canoe Families make a stop at Saltwater State Park on July 26 during 2025 Paddle to Elwha Canoe Journey

07/24/2025
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

Celebrate Kopachuck State Park’s reopening on Aug. 2

07/23/2025
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

2025 Paddle to Elwha Canoe Journey makes a stop in Birch Bay State Park

07/17/2025
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

Paddle Safe Week begins July 22, teaches importance of water safety

07/17/2025
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

Mystery Bay State Park closes for major construction

07/09/2025
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.