Wildfire season is here and impacting several parks, so make sure you’re in the know before you go. Before you head to a park, please check its page or head to our alerts page for closures, alerts and other important information to make sure you have a fun, safe and informed trip.
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OLYMPIA — Washington State Parks will perform its annual mooring buoy maintenance at marine state parks in Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands in June.
This ongoing maintenance creates safe conditions for boaters who tie up to buoys at marine state parks and recreate or sleep in their vessels.
The following parks will have limited mooring buoy availability during the following timeframes:
Washingtonians can explore the outdoors when they check out a special Discover Pass from their local library
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.
Programs like ELP are essential to building a future where different perspectives and experiences are welcome. ELP offers an opportunity for participants to not only gain applicable knowledge and skills for any career, but to also connect with part of their identity in a nourishing environment.
Embarking on a recreational journey for the first time can be exhilarating and scary. Whether you are joining the land of outdoor lovers to start a new hobby or improve your mental or physical health – the exploration process can be a bit challenging if you don’t know where to start. That is where Washington State Parks comes in!
More than 400 new adventure packs and Discover passes at library systems statewide will help communities in need explore state parks and other public lands
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.
Interpretive centers connect you to Washington's history and culture. Discover Washington stories at one of our interpretive or visitor centers.
Many recreational boaters in Washington are required by law to complete a boating safety course and carry a Washington State Boater Education Card.
OLYMPIA – Starting Oct. 1, 2025, the annual Discover Pass will increase from $30 to $45. The Discover Pass is a fee charged to park a vehicle at Washington’s state parks and lands operated by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife and Washington Department of Natural Resources.
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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:
Explore Washington State Parks from where you are! We are committed to providing virtual learning opportunities that connect students and families to Washington State Parks.
Join the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Washington State Parks to learn about biology and how you can prevent negative encounters with wildlife.
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Lake Chelan State Park lies by the shores of Washington’s deepest lake, an idyllic gateway to both the wilderness of the North Cascades and the arid agricultural landscape of central Washington.
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.
Volunteers play a vital role in sustaining Washington State Parks, providing more than 190,000 service hours each year. Join the thousands of volunteers that help keep your Washington State Parks the special places they are.
Learn about Washington State Park's sustainability practices and plan.
Washington State Governor Jay Inslee has issued a proclamation declaring the week of July 21-27 to be statewide Paddle Safe Week. In partnership with the Washington State Parks Boating Program, Paddle Safe Week will lead a statewide effort to create a culture of safety around paddle sports. The campaign recognizes that Washington's diverse waterways require different skills, preparation, and safety equipment.
OLYMPIA – July 14, 2022 – Washington State Governor Jay Inslee has issued a proclamation declaring the week of July 23-29 to be statewide Paddle Safe Week. In partnership with the Washington State Parks Boating Program, Paddle Safe Week will lead a statewide effort to create a culture of safety around paddle sports. The campaign recognizes that Washington's diverse waterways require different skills, preparation and safety equipment.
New Discover Pass free days honor Indigenous people, Black history, mental health.
OLYMPIA – Nov. 10, 2021 – Washington State Parks has designated the free days in 2022 when visitors will not need a Discover Pass to park at state parks and on recreation lands managed by Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
In 2022, the Discover Pass free days are:
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Learn more about our Washington State Parks and Recreation Commissioners.