We're updating our camping and moorage fees to continue providing great experiences for visitors amid inflation and rising costs. You will see a rate increase for camping stays booked for May 15 and beyond. Moorage fees will increase Jan. 1. Learn more here.
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Lake Wenatchee owes its existence to giant glaciers that widened and deepened the headwaters of the Wenatchee River. Gravel and rock carried in the glacier was deposited at the glacier’s end, forming a moraine, a natural dam to impound the lake. Lake Wenatchee State Park is situated on that moraine.
While much of James Island Marine State Park is designated a Natural Forest Area and is closed to public access, there is plenty of open territory to explore on this water access-only island. Enjoy the emerald coves, forested trails, spectacular views and an isthmus with two white sand beaches.
This park at the confluence of the Columbia and Wenatchee rivers is a popular destination for campers, swimmers, boaters, jet skiers and bicyclists.
Shoppers can conveniently explore merchandise on the new site
OLYMPIA – Nov. 29, 2021 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission launched a new online store that provides customers with an improved experience when shopping for popular products.
The store features fan-favorite items including icon prints of each state park, Winter Recreation scarves, 2022 Parks calendars, guidebooks, Discover Passes and e-gift cards.
Walk in an old-growth forest filled with lush undergrowth and western views of Admiralty Inlet. Stop in to stretch your legs, hike and picnic or gather with family and friends at the amphitheater surrounded by majestic trees.
The Winter Recreation Program at Washington State Parks will be temporarily closing 14 motorized Sno-parks for the 2024-2025 season.
“To know the land, one must feel it out inch by inch with the feet.” –Harvey Manning
A generous land donation and the hard work of community activists has ensured that Squak Mountain State Park will be an enduring piece of wilderness close to the homes of millions of urban residents.
Step back in time at Fort Casey Historical State Park. Ignite your curiosity in the historic military batteries and 1903 lighthouse, with its own interpretive center and gift shop. Soak in the stunning views, fly a kite, fish or explore the beach at this central west side Whidbey Island gem.
The park's proximity to Interstate 5 and long sandy beach make this a popular swim spot for local families, and the disc golf course can be a great play day destination on summer afternoons. On misty mornings, the park has the feel of a wetland and makes for a picturesque stroll.
Come on out and camp in Schafer's new campground, join the park's centennial commemoration event and do some fishing.
Steptoe Butte State Park Heritage Site is a National Natural Landmark, with stark, dramatic panoramic views of the surrounding farmlands, mountains and states.
Yakima Sportsman State Park owes its preservation and its distinctive name to the generosity of a group of waterfowl hunting enthusiasts who purchased lands in the Yakima River floodplain in the 1940s.
Folds, Floods, Meanders and Mines
The park is situated in a geographic area called the Yakima Fold Belt, an area of central Washington where tectonic compression of the layered Columbia River Basalt lava flows results in a series of parallel ridges that run perpendicular to the force of the stress—kind of like kicking a rug creates ridges in the fabric.
Cape Disappointment State Park spreads over the land north of the point where the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean meet. The park includes three headlands of basalt rock cliffs: Cape Disappointment overlooking the river, North Head above the strand of Long Beach, and McKenzie Head, midway between the other two headlands. The basalt bedrock of these wave-pounded cliffs are ancient lava flows that erupted on the ocean floor. Encountering the cold ocean water, the lava quickly hardened into bulbous masses geologists call pillow lava.
Learn about the Physical Ability Test process, required exercises, and passing criteria.
OLYMPIA – Construction is anticipated to begin on a new roundabout at the intersection of State Route 7 and Mashel Prairie Road near Nisqually State Park on April 7.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) believes the outdoors is for everyone and continues to make strides to remove barriers for visitors and staff alike.
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is undertaking a planning process to develop a Master Plan for the future of Blake Island Marine State Park.
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a special commission meeting at the Stanwood High School Commons on July 15 and its regularly scheduled commission meeting at the Four Points by Sheraton in Bellingham on July 18.
The regular Commission meeting agenda items include requests for Commission approval of:
Does your perfect day off involve trees, lawn, sun spots, shade and a clear, turquoise river? Pack your fishing pole, swimsuit and picnic basket, round up your family and friends - or take some much-needed solitude – and head to Schafer State Park.
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold in-person only planning meetings on Wednesday, Dec. 6 and Thursday, Dec. 7 at the Tulalip Resort in Tulalip.
On Oct. 16, 1805, the Corps of Discovery arrived at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers, the site of today’s Sacajawea Historical State Park.
“The river was the lifeblood of the people. Not only did it connect all of the many villages into one tribe, but it was the home of the salmon, the Nisquallies’ main source of food.” --Cecelia Svinth Carpenter, Where the Waters Begin
Millersylvania State Park offers fun for everyone. Spend a summer day splashing in Deep Lake. Gather with friends in an historic kitchen shelter. Plan a romantic overnight in a luxury "glamping" site, or visit with friends and neighbors in a tent or RV campsite. Take a quiet walk through wetlands and old-growth forest.
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its regularly scheduled commission meeting and work session virtually on Nov. 13.
The Commission meeting agenda has one item, a request to transfer a .68 parcel of land to the Washington Department of Transportation for a weigh station project
Work session agenda items include:
Brooks Memorial State Park is located in a Simcoe Mountain oasis of ponderosa pine and Oregon white oak forest beside the East Prong of the Little Klickitat River. The area has long been enjoyed as a rest stop for travelers going between the Columbia River Gorge and points in north central Washington.