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The Klickitat Trail runs 31 miles through stunning Columbia River Gorge country between Lyle and the Goldendale plateau. As it leaves the Columbia to follow the Klickitat River, the gentle trail leads cyclists, hikers, birders and, in some places, equestrians through dramatic Swale Canyon.
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.
Parks planners will discuss possible modifications to conserve critical habitats
OLYMPIA – March 14, 2022 – Washington State Parks invites the public to attend a virtual meeting to learn about plans for expansion of the Klickitat Trail State Park in Klickitat County.
Members of the public can participate in the meeting by using the link or call-in information below.
WHEN:
1:30 p.m.– 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 29
Come learn about Mushroom Foraging 101 with Pam Borso, from the Native Plant Society! It is at the BP Heron Center at Birch Bay State Park, 1pm - 3pm on Sunday November 3rd, 2024.
A visitor to Old Ruby State Park Heritage Site is likely to find themselves alone among tall ponderosa pines gently swaying in the breeze. But if one could travel back in time to the late 1800s, there would have been a bustling town with a population of more than 1,000 on the site. Ruby City was one of the most consequential silver mining locations in the history of Washington, and its development generated intense excitement just as Washington became the 42nd state in the United States.
This entire gorge is famous for its wind and water sports, and Doug's Beach is a coveted spot. The winds can be fierce, whipping the river into a white-capped frenzy. Kite boarding and windsurfing success at this site comes with bragging rights and respect; it is rated as expert and is only recommended for those who are properly trained, skilled and equipped.
OLYMPIA – Oct. 05, 2021 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold special commission meeting on Wed., Oct. 6. The purpose of this October 6 special meeting is for the commission to receive and evaluate complaints brought against a public officer or employee, to determine if the commission needs to prescribe additional measures and for the executive committee to seek additional directions or delegations from the commission as needed.
“May These Gates Never Be Closed”
The inscription inside the east wall of the Peace Arch monument has a simple message: the highest goal between great nations should be perfect peace. This 67-foot-tall structure of concrete on a steel frame was financed and constructed under the direction of lawyer, financier, road builder and humanitarian Sam Hill.
OLYMPIA – Ring in the new year with Washington State Parks during our annual First Day Hikes event on Jan. 1, 2024.
More than 40 state parks will host staff-led and self-guided hikes, snowshoe excursions, dog walks, bike and trail rides, paddle adventures and more on New Year’s Day.
OLYMPIA – November 15, 2022 - Washington State Parks is inviting the public to ring in the new year during its annual First Day Hikes event on Jan. 1, 2023.
At least 40 state parks will host staff-led and self-guided hikes, snowshoe excursions, bike rides and more on New Year's Day.
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.
Willie Keil’s Grave is located in a small, private cemetery just off State Highway 6, about 5 miles east of Raymond. Stop at the State Parks highway pullout to view the gravesite, pay your respects, and read about the so-called "Pickled Pioneer."
Thursday, May 29th: 9AM-2PM - Riverside State Park - Deep Creek Interpretive Trail - Trail Brushing & Tread Maintenance
Join us to improve the Deep Creek Interpretive Trail near Nine Mile Falls, WA. We will meet at Carlson Trailhead and hike down the Centennial Trail to where the Deep Ck. Interpretive Trail crosses the Centennial (about 1/2 mile from Carlson TH). From here, we will leapfrog one another and hike the entire interpretive loop (about 1.5 mi.) with handsaws, loppers, and brushcutters to remove encroaching vegetation from the trail. The trail is steep in sections with loose rock.
Join us to improve the Deep Creek Interpretive Trail near Nine Mile Falls, WA. We will meet at Carlson Trailhead and hike down the Centennial Trail to where the Deep Ck. Interpretive Trail crosses the Centennial (about 1/2 mile from Carlson TH). From here, we will leapfrog one another and hike the entire interpretive loop (about 1.5 mi.) with handsaws, loppers, and brushcutters to remove encroaching vegetation from the trail. The trail is steep in sections with loose rock.
OLYMPIA – May 3, 2022 – On May 1, Washington State Parks began managing more than 15 recreation sites owned by Avista Utilities. The properties sit around the Spokane River, Nine Mile Dam, Lake Spokane and Long Lake Dam.
According to a new five-year agreement, State Parks will operate the Avista sites as part of Riverside State Park. The land parcels, which total 2,000 acres, include six trailheads, two water access sites, two overlooks,10 boat-in campsites and one picnic area on Lake Spokane.
The trailheads are:
Saturday, May 31st: 9AM-2PM - Riverside State Park - Deep Creek Interpretive Trail - Trail Brushing & Tread Maintenance
Join us to improve the Deep Creek Interpretive Trail near Nine Mile Falls, WA. We will meet at Carlson Trailhead and hike down the Centennial Trail to where the Deep Ck. Interpretive Trail crosses the Centennial (about 1/2 mile from Carlson TH). From here, we will leapfrog one another and hike the entire interpretive loop (about 1.5 mi.) with tread tools to smooth uneven tread and install drainage. We will also carry loppers and handsaws to brush any encroaching vegetation. The trail is steep in sections with loose rock.
Join us to improve the Deep Creek Interpretive Trail near Nine Mile Falls, WA. We will meet at Carlson Trailhead and hike down the Centennial Trail to where the Deep Ck. Interpretive Trail crosses the Centennial (about 1/2 mile from Carlson TH). From here, we will leapfrog one another and hike the entire interpretive loop (about 1.5 mi.) with tread tools to smooth uneven tread and install drainage. We will also carry loppers and handsaws to brush any encroaching vegetation. The trail is steep in sections with loose rock.
Join Interpretive Specialist, Sarah Overby, for a short hike in Northrup Canyon.
Ring in the holidays at the Admiralty Head Lighthouse for our annual Light Up Your Holiday event. Enjoy kid's activities and get your picture with Santa.
OLYMPIA — Significant septic failures led to the closure of the cabins and other buildings in the beach area of Cama Beach State Park in February 2024.
Forest thinning will begin this fall
OLYMPIA – Oct. 12, 2022 – Washington State Parks will hold a virtual open house on an upcoming forest health project at Squilchuck State Park. The purpose of this meeting is to share updates about the project and answer questions.
The meeting will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 18 via Microsoft Teams. Attendees do not need to download Teams to join; they can use a web browser on a computer or mobile phone.
Join Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park as we learn how to find art while walking…even if you don’t think you’re an artist!
OLYMPIA — On July 1, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will transition to the statewide small works roster hosted by the Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC).
Cold weather scuba diving is popular in the Northwest, and our western Washington waters are among the premier places to dive in the country, says Mike Racine, a western Washington diving enthusiast. Undersea life in our region is vibrant and beautiful — a rarely seen scape of infinite wonder and mystery.
Join us as we celebrate the completion of the capital project to improve the Swale Canyon section of the Klickitat Trail.
Olympia — The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission welcomes the community to attend an open house on Feb. 27 to discuss ongoing planning for Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park.