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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Enjoy hikes, scavenger hunts and more this Jan. 1 at Obstruction Pass State Park
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is asking campers to weigh in on proposed changes to its camping stay limits.
The proposed update limits maximum stay lengths to no more than 10 nights in one park within a 30-day period. Total nights stayed cannot exceed 90 days per calendar year in all state parks.
Beginning June 3, 2024, Kopachuck State Park will close for major construction of roads and buildings, primarily in its upper day-use area. The project is expected to reach completion in mid-summer of 2025.
Considered one of the most diverse fossil forests in North America, Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park is famous for its rare specimens of petrified Ginkgo tree discovered there in 1932.
A quick paddle or boat ride will get you to Hope Island State Park between La Conner and Whidbey Island on Skagit Bay. Most of the island is a nature preserve that supports a delicate and diverse ecosystem.
The Klickitat Trail follows an old railroad corridor that at one time linked the towns of Lyle and Goldendale. The trail runs along the Klickitat River to Swale Creek and through Swale Canyon. The canyons lined with oak and pine forests, and in the springtime covered in a variety of beautiful wildflowers. East of Swale Canyon visitors can see rustic farms, open fields and occasional grazing cows. In the winter, the trail is open for ungroomed snowshoeing and cross-country skiing adventures.
Long-term contract with concessionaire Argosy Cruises comes to an end
OLYMPIA – Dec. 13, 2021 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announced that Tillicum Excursion at Blake Island Marine State Park will close. Argosy Cruises, the concessionaire that operated Tillicum Excursion (formerly known as Tillicum Village) made the difficult decision to opt out of their long-standing contract with Parks due to challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2014, the Bridle Trails Park Foundation began conversations with Washington State Parks about funding the design and construction of an environmental education building in the park. 2022 brought the formal presentation of a dedicated indoor educational program space for members of the community to experience the park regardless of weather or physical abilities, as well as an indoor park office where the Park Ranger can connect with visitors.
Learn about snakes in Washington State Parks.
OLYMPIA – December 1, 2022 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a planning meeting in-person on Tuesday, Dec. 6 and Wednesday, Dec. 7 in Camano Island.
Agenda items include year-end review, division highlights and 2023 Commission priorities.
The public may attend the meeting, but no public comment will be taken. Attendance is limited to in-person only. No virtual access will be available.
Same-day reservations program expands across Washington
OLYMPIA – June 6, 2024 – Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) is excited to announce its same-day reservation pilot program has expanded to 26 parks across the state.
Roll out for a medium to advanced-level biking adventure Jan. 1 at Fort Ebey State Park.
Roll out for a medium to advanced-level biking adventure Jan. 1 at Fort Ebey State Park.
Did you or your love pop the question recently? Congratulations! Let the planning fun begin.
OLYMPIA – Nov. 23, 2022 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is set to begin construction on the Keystone Boat Launch at Fort Casey State Park.
The 3,876-acre, 130-mile Columbia Plateau State Park Trail is one of the state's hidden riches; explorers who find it are rewarded with big eastern Washington skies, rolling landscapes and unforgettable journeys.
Rising 800 feet and spanning 600 acres, Steamboat Rock will impress the most seasoned of travelers. Carved by Ice Age floods into a dramatic, lake-dotted canyon, Steamboat Rock State Park’s landscape dates back at least 13,000 years. Known as "scabland," the area appears barren, but it is teeming with shy (and not-so-shy) wildlife, spring flowers and sagebrush.
This social camping park pulses with life in the summer. Generations of families return to the blue lake every year; they even try to book the same campsite they've used since the 1960s and '70s. But, while they'll jockey online for their favorite spot, veteran Chelan-goers happily share this gem with first-timers, and many lifelong friendships begin there.
Ring in the New year with a hike around Lincoln Rock State Park and the Rocky Reach Trail with park staff as we look for and discuss the wildlife of our park and area, followed up with a campfire, food, refreshments, and Junior Ranger activities for the kids.
Step into U.S. military history at Fort Flagler Historical State Park on the northern tip of Marrowstone Island. Tour and explore a significant coastal defense fort established more than a century ago to guard the entrance to Puget Sound.
Join City of Issaquah Urban Forest Supervisor and Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park board member Dan Hintz to learn about the native species used in restoration efforts at Lake Sammamish State Park.
The hike will be led by a park ranger and will follow Twanoh Creek before climbing up to a forested ridgetop. It then follows a service road along the ridge before descending back to end along the creek.
Named for Captain John Meares’ first thwarted voyage to find the Columbia, Cape Disappointment is steeped in Northwest history.
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."
Check out a brand new trail on a ranger-led First Day Hike at Dash Point State Park.