Search results

921 results found

Parks staff offer reminders, tips and rules for fireworks and use of state parks

OLYMPIA – June 22, 2022 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission encourages safe and responsible gatherings in state parks during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.

Parks urges visitors to:

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: 

Washington water fans, look no further! Bust out your kayak, sand bucket, swimsuit or fishing rod, and head straight for Dash Point State Park! Hidden in plain sight between Seattle and Tacoma, this park offers miles of forested hiking and biking trails, but its main draw is the beach.

A rock with a face like Abe Lincoln's overlooks this friendly popular state park above the Rocky Reach Dam. Folded into the rich, mauve hills along the Columbia River, Lincoln Rock State Park is a classic, with a community atmosphere, shaded campsites, cabins and a boat launch with mooring docks on Lake Entiat.

OLYMPIA – Jan. 18, 2022 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its regular in-person commission meeting Thursday, Jan. 27 in The Commons at Fort Worden Historical State Park.

Commission action items include approval of 2022 agency priorities and a decision regarding obligations of the Fort Worden Public Development Authority.

OLYMPIA – March 1, 2022 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will host their regularly scheduled work session virtually on March 8.


The public may listen to or watch the meeting through the resources listed below. This is a work session between staff and the Commission. The public is invited to attend, but no public comment will be taken. No decisions will be made by the Commission at the work session.

Set on a glorious stretch of the Green River east of Auburn, this suburban jewel known for its radio-controlled aircraft flying activities offers wooded hiking and horse trails, expansive fields for play and places to view the fall salmon runs.
Picturesque Scenic Beach has stunning views of the toothy Olympic Mountain range. Enjoy groomed trails through the forest and admire native rhododendrons in season. Stroll along the beach and past the historic Emel House, a popular wedding destination.

We decided it was time to evolve our brand strategy to reflect our priorities.
Goldendale Observatory State Park, set in the hills above the Columbia River, houses one of the nation's largest public telescopes. Reservations are required to attend programs at this facility. See information below.
The 40-mile, 526-acre Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail winds through eastern Washington from Nine Mile Recreation Area on Lake Spokane to the Idaho border.
Stroll through Saltwater then visit the shore this Jan. 1 at Saltwater State Park.
Come visit a series of open house events in Riverside State Park.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is developing a long-range plan for its property located on Miller Peninsula. This 2,800-acre undeveloped park is located in the north Olympic Peninsula, just east of Sequim and north of Highway 101 in Clallam County. The property includes a trail system for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians through a beautiful second-growth forest.

Accessible only by boat, Blind Island is a small, 3-acre marine park near Shaw Island. It provides few amenities but offers tranquil water views and a feeling of escape. During the high season, it's a popular stop for kayak groups. In the off-season, enjoy quiet contemplation among the apple trees planted on the island by visitors long ago.
Harstine Island State Park offers many beautiful sights with thick underbrush and a variety of different tree species. The planned hike will take you from the main parking lot (P-3) to the first parking turn out (P-1) with 2 scout trails back to P-3.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) asks everyone who is planning a Fourth of July celebration at a park or on the beach to be safe and protect their friends, neighbors, public lands and wildlife.   

Portland-based artist Nina Vichayapai spent five weeks pulling inspiration from the sites, sounds and people of Deception Pass as State Parks' first-ever artist in residence.

OLYMPIA – Oct. 6, 2021 – Today the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission received the voluntary resignation of Director Pete Mayer. Mayer's decision to resign is based on the best interest of his family and he steps down as director to pursue other opportunities closer to his new home. The commission appreciates Mayer's service to Parks and the citizens of Washington state. Mayer was initially appointed as director in March 2021.


OLYMPIA – July 6, 2022 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its regular in-person commission meeting Thursday, July 14 at the Swinomish Casino and Lodge in Anacortes.

Commission action items include 2023-25 state grant applications and approval of the 2023-25 operating and capital budgets.

In addition, the commission will hear updates and reports from agency staff and MS2000.

On the surface, Fort Townsend is a classic state with beach access along Port Townsend Bay. But a closer look reveals a hidden history. Built in 1856, Fort Townsend operated as a U.S. Army site on and off until a fire destroyed its barracks in 1895. The small camping park south of Port Townsend is unique among Washington's coastal forts because it has all but returned to nature.
Explore the flora and fauna of Nolte State Park on a ranger-led First Day Hike.

Battle Ground Lake State Park is a forested camping park in the Cascade Mountain foothills; its proximity to Vancouver and Portland and its cool green lake make it a great escape from the bustle of city and suburbs.