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Each year, Parks is the welcome recipient of over 190,000 volunteer hours and over 5,000 volunteers. Volunteers from all over the state participate in a variety of volunteer opportunities from trail work and interpretation to habitat restoration and hosting. We would like to thank all our volunteers for their dedication and support.

qatáy/PORT TOWNSEND – The traditional lands of the S'Klallam, known as qatáy, on the present-day beaches of Fort Worden Historical State Park, will welcome traditional canoe families on Fri., July 26. The landing is a stopover on the Power Paddle to Puyallup Youth Canoe Journey.

Construction will impact boat launch use during 2023 halibut, lingcod fishing season

OLYMPIA – March 16, 2023 – Construction is underway for the new Keystone Boat Launch on Whidbey Island. Located near the Keystone Ferry Terminal, the popular launch is part of Fort Casey Historical State Park.

If you enjoy Washington beaches, then you know how important it is to protect them. Protecting our beaches is a shore way of keeping them safe, clean and fun. There are several ways you can do your part and keep our parks a beautiful place.

OLYMPIA — Washington State Governor Jay Inslee has issued a proclamation declaring the week of July 22-28 to be statewide Paddle Safe Week. Supported by the Washington State Parks Boating Program, Paddle Safe Week will lead a statewide effort to create a culture of safety around paddle sports.

Participants will walk south along the Columbia Plateau Trail to the railroad underpass at Minnie Creek, about ¾ mile, guided by Parks staff and volunteers. Along the way, participants will have beautiful views of Fish Lake. Snacks will be provided at the trailhead. Please register through Eventbrite under the event name “First Day Hike- Columbia Plateau Trail,” Discover Pass is not required on January 1st.
Led by Park Staff and volunteers, participants will hike to the overlook of the Deep Creek Canyon before descending to the Spokane River Centennial Trail to cross the Deep Creek bridge. Participants will then climb the first leg of the Deep Creek Interpretive trail as they make their way back to the trailhead. Snacks will be provided at the trailhead. Discover Pass is not required on January 1st.

Saturday, May 10th: 10AM-3PM - Columbia Plateau Trail - Cheney Trailhead - Wood Chipping & Brushing

Join us along the Columbia Plateau State Park Trail to trim back encroaching vegetation and utilize the woodchipper to clean it up! We will meet at the Cheney Trailhead and head South on the Columbia Plateau Trail. 

Our favorite fall road trip through the North and Central Cascades is doable clockwise or counterclockwise, starting from most points on the itinerary. You could bring your RV or camp out, or you could book cozy cabins at each state park on the loop.

We know campfires are a fundamental part of the camping experience for many people – providing warmth, light, a gathering place for stories and the distinctive aroma that many associate with the great outdoors. For us, the enjoyment of these outdoor spaces in Washington is made possible by the responsible individuals who adhere to annual burn bans when staying at our parks – so thank you! 
Join the Interpretive Specialist, Meredith Peterson, and other park staff for a walk out to Cranberry Lake to get out and get moving on the first day of the year. This gentle trail leads you through the forest to a marsh ecosystem, where there is an active beaver lodge and signs of their activity along the way. Enjoy hot drinks and snacks at the drop off shelter before the hike begins.
From elephant seals to porpoises, orcas, and whales, Deception Pass State Park is a marvel for marine mammal viewing. Join staff for a guided hike at Rosario on Saturday afternoons in March to discover the wonders of marine mammals at Deception Pass. This hike is roughly 0.5 miles with a 100ft elevation gain. The hike is expected to take 1 hour. This hike is not stroller accessible or ADA.
Friday, May 9th: 10AM-3PM - Columbia Plateau Trail - Amber Lake Trailhead - Wood Chipping & Brushing

Join us along the Columbia Plateau State Park Trail to trim back encroaching vegetation and utilize the woodchipper to clean it up! We will meet at the Amber Lake Trailhead and head North on the Columbia Plateau Trail towards Cheney. 

Puget Sound is full of peninsulas, and most Washingtonians, or people who’ve planned a big trip to Washington, have heard of our famous Olympic Peninsula, the northwestern tip of the Lower 48. But have you heard of the Kitsap Peninsula? More accessible by car or public transport, and dotted with amenity-filled towns, Kitsap is a great destination, with several state parks for all your outdoor needs!

We can’t take you to Southeast Asia, but we’re excited to help three Asian-American communities share their cultural traditions at Lake Sammamish and Saltwater state parks in the next few weeks! The United Communities of Laos, Cambodian, and Iu Mien Cultural Festivals, co-hosted by our Folk & Traditional Arts Program, return this July - August!
Join the Interpretive Specialist, Meredith Peterson, and other park staff for a walk along the Howard Adams Trail to get out and get moving on the first day of the year. This gentle trail leads you through the forest, where we will set our intentions for the new year and enjoy time spent outside. Enjoy hot drinks and snacks at the drop off shelter before the hike begins.

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 – Jan. 24, 2023 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is looking for two new volunteers to serve on the Boating Program Advisory Council (BPAC). The new members of the committee must have experience relevant to the program – one position requires a public health and injury prevention background and will serve as the injury prevention specialist. The other position requires a background in recreational boating education.

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.

Family in Nature is a fun and highly interactive, nature-based program designed for children ages 2 to 5 years old. Each session lasts approximately 90 minutes and focuses on various aspects of nature found in the park. The programs include story time, creative play, and parent-led activities and crafts. Our goal is to create a warm and welcoming space where you and your little ones can enjoy the wonders of Deception Pass together.
Family in Nature is a fun and highly interactive, nature-based program designed for children ages 2 to 5 years old. Each session lasts approximately 90 minutes and focuses on various aspects of nature found in the park. The programs include story time, creative play, and parent-led activities and crafts. Our goal is to create a warm and welcoming space where you and your little ones can enjoy the wonders of Deception Pass together.
Family in Nature is a fun and highly interactive, nature-based program designed for children ages 2 to 5 years old. Each session lasts approximately 90 minutes and focuses on various aspects of nature found in the park. The programs include story time, creative play, parent-led activities and crafts. Our goal is to create a warm and welcoming space where you and your little ones can enjoy the wonders of Deception Pass together.
Family in Nature is a fun and highly interactive, nature-based program designed for children ages 2 to 5 years old. Each session lasts approximately 90 minutes and focuses on various aspects of nature found in the park. The programs include story time, creative play, parent-led activities and crafts. Our goal is to create a warm and welcoming space where you and your little ones can enjoy the wonders of Deception Pass together.
Family in Nature is a fun and highly interactive, nature-based program designed for children ages 2 to 5 years old. Each session lasts approximately 90 minutes and focuses on various aspects of nature found in the park. The programs include story time, creative play, parent-led activities and crafts. Our goal is to create a warm and welcoming space where you and your little ones can enjoy the wonders of Deception Pass together.
Family in Nature is a fun and highly interactive, nature-based program designed for children ages 2 to 5 years old. Each session lasts approximately 90 minutes and focuses on various aspects of nature found in the park. The programs include story time, creative play, parent-led activities and crafts. Our goal is to create a warm and welcoming space where you and your little ones can enjoy the wonders of Deception Pass together.