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Interpretive centers connect you to Washington's history and culture. Discover Washington stories at one of our interpretive or visitor centers.
The Washington State Parks Information Center is a team dedicated to providing expert support and assistance to the public. Learn more about how our Information Center Team can connect you with your next adventure.

With so many lakes, rivers, bays, inlets and ocean shores, it’s no wonder boating, paddling, angling and beach camping are popular in Washington, especially when the weather gets warm.

Washington State Parks manages public boat ramps, docks, launches and mooring buoys, and each has its own pass or permit requirements.

Here is your handy guide to help you determine which passes you may need for your favorite water activity:

Looking for new day-trip experiences or traveling across the state? In the heart of Washington (Kittitas County specifically), you will find three of our parks – perfect for those wanting to check off a few on their must-visit list or newbie hikers looking to hit an easy-rated trail.

Book a Washington State Parks Retreat Center for youth groups, schools, families, businesses and other groups

OLYMPIA – Dec. 21, 2021 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announced the reopening of park retreat centers beginning in spring 2022. On Jan. 3 at 7 a.m., parks will begin accepting retreat center reservations for the 2022 Memorial Day weekend and beyond.

In celebration of our 111th birthday (just as Bilbo celebrated in The Fellowship of the Ring), we are here to show you Middle Earth and Washington are not so different. Sure, The Lord of the Rings wasn't filmed here, but that doesn't mean you can't walk through the ecological diversity of Middle Earth right here in Washington.
State Parks has completed the development for the new statewide Scenic Bikeways pilot program. Our management of the program includes overseeing the route nomination, evaluation, and designation process, as well as coordinating the implementation of Scenic Bikeway routes with partners and stakeholders. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is the decision-making group with authority to designate a proposed route as a Scenic Bikeway.

This program involves participation from the public who have the opportunity to nominate routes they think should become Scenic Bikeways.

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) has begun using a new electronic bidding system for public works projects.

The launch of the Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) Bonfire system marks the first phase in the agency’s larger plan to modernize and streamline procurement across all competitive applications. 

Does the first part of your outdoor adventure involve going online to figure out if you have the right recreation pass? Do you still hit the trail not completely sure you’ve got the right pass displayed the right way? 

Whether you’re new to the Northwest’s nature scene, or you’re a PNW pro, you’re not alone if you still scratch your head about permits. 

Washington’s outdoor pass system can be confusing, but we’re here to help. 

The state is home to 21 lighthouses, nearly half of them in and around state parks. So, pick your park or parks, plan a trip and find the lighthouses of your dreams.

You can find three distinct Washington ecosystems within 20 miles on the North Cascades Highway: Glacially-fed river valley at Rasar State Park, rare old-growth forest at Rockport State Park and alpine meadows at Sauk Mountain right next door!
The Recreational Boating Safety Program provides leadership in boating safety education and water competency.

From park rangers to camp hosts, here’s who can help you enjoy your state park visit

Our in-park staff are excited to welcome you to Washington’s state parks. Whether you’re picnicking for the day, camping for a week or just passing through, there are staff available to help you.

Before you head out, here’s a little bit about the who’s who of staff in our parks.  

Whether you're a winter sports enthusiast or a summer hiker or biker, you're sure to enjoy all the beauty Puffer Butte Retreat Center has to offer. Nestled amongst the pine trees of the Blue Mountains in southeast Washington, this facility can accommodate up to 76 guests in six cabins and a beautiful lodge.

OLYMPIA – April 5, 2022 – As a member of the Washington Clean Coast Alliance, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will participate in this year's Washington Coast Cleanup.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 23.

Retreat centers were established as youth camps (environmental learning centers) in the 1950's. These specialized overnight facilities may be rented by large groups for a variety of recreational and educational experiences.

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. 

Grant provides funding for marine patrol vessels across Washington

OLYMPIA – August 18, 2022 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Boating Program has announced funding recipients to receive just over $554,000 in federal grant dollars to improve patrol capacity on Washington waterways.

The following entities will receive funding to replace their primary patrol vessel through the Marine Law Enforcement Patrol Vessel Replacement Grant Program:

Clallam County - $125,326

Learn about retreat center rates.
Dry Falls, the main feature in a series of huge cataracts known as the “great cataract group”, sits at the heart of Washington’s Channeled Scabland, a vast landscape of dry canyons scoured out by glacial outburst floods at the end of the last ice age.

OLYMPIA — As a member of the Washington Clean Coast Alliance, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is proud to co-host the annual Washington Coast Cleanup on Saturday, April 19. This vital event brings together volunteers to help protect and preserve Washington’s coastline. 

This year’s cleanup will take place at 10 state parks, including Cape Disappointment, Fort Flagler, Fort Townsend, Fort Worden, Grayland Beach, Mystery Bay, Ocean City, Pacific Beach, Shine Tidelands and Twin Harbors.  

OLYMPIA – As a proud member of the Washington Clean Coast Alliance, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will co-host the annual Washington Coast Cleanup on Saturday, April 20.

This year’s event will take place at ten state parks: Cape Disappointment, Fort Flagler, Fort Townsend, Fort Worden, Grayland Beach, Mystery Bay, Ocean City, Pacific Beach, Shine Tidelands and Twin Harbors. 

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to nominate winter sports enthusiasts for the agency’s snowmobile advisory committee. Three positions are available statewide to snowmobilers, and one is available statewide to individuals involved in non-motorized winter sports. 

Located in the Blue Mountains of southeastern Washington, Camp Wooten still retains the rustic feel of a Civilian Conservation Corp camp of 1935. This unique facility offers a large dining hall, fully equipped kitchen, a separate recreation hall, sleeping cabins and much more.
At the peak of Mount Constitution, the Summit Visitor Center offers interpretive experiences inside and out.