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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SPOKANE — Beginning on April 15, the easternmost 14 miles of the Spokane River Centennial Trail will temporarily close while the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission resurfaces the trail with a new layer of asphalt. The project is anticipated for completion in early September.
Our rangers want you to know that, despite its popularity, Palouse Falls State Park offers an off-the-beaten-path experience. Check out our 10 tips to make your trip safe and memorable.
Hike around Saltwater State Park, Various trail surface conditions; asphalt, gravel, and dirt. Switch back trails inclines and descent. 3-5 ft wide trail sections. Families are welcome if children can handle the mileage. Visit the beach on your own after the hike.
Throughout the early 20th century, powerful beams of light illuminated dark waterways to track ships or targets for night practice. Come see a working 60-inch searchlight in action at Fort Flagler State Park! Learn how the advancement of electricity assisted the Coast Artillery Corps in their mission to protect Puget Sound.
Cape Disappointment camping — including loops A, B, C and D, Waikiki Beach and the North Jetty will tentatively close after Labor Day 2025 through May 2026 while we complete renovations and repairs to improve the park. The boat launch will also experience intermittent closures.
OLYMPIA – May 31, 2022 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a special meeting on Wed., June 1. The purpose of this special meeting is for the Commission to hold an executive session with the agency's assigned legal counsel to discuss potential litigation pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i).
This hike will be led by a Park Ranger, who will guide participants along the Wenatchee River, up to our North Beach for views across Lake Wenatchee, and then through our Pine and Douglas Fir forest, finally ending back at the North Reservation Booth for hot cocoa and light snacks!
Lake Sammamish State Park is getting a much-needed renovation at Sunset Beach. This heavily used day-use area will have improved ADA access trails, an upgraded event space, new picnic shelters, and small covered shelters near the playground for caregivers to observe the play area.
Guided by Park staff and volunteers from the Friends of Mt. Spokane, participants will snowshoe past the Bald Knob Picnic Shelter to the historic Vista House located at 5,833 feet – the highest point of Mt. Spokane. If weather permits, participants will have views of the Cabinet Mountains in Montana, Selkirk Crest in North Idaho, and nearby lakes.
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Parks Winter Recreation Program will hold its annual summer funding meetings for both the Snowmobile Advisory Committee (SMAC) and the Winter Recreation Advisory Committee (WRAC) in early August.
Each meeting is open to the public and the community is invited to attend.
Looking for new day-trip experiences or traveling across the state? In the heart of Washington (Kittitas County specifically), you will find three of our parks – perfect for those wanting to check off a few on their must-visit list or newbie hikers looking to hit an easy-rated trail.
OLYMPIA – Jan. 25, 2023 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Winter Recreation Program will be hosting two in-person only advisory committee meetings in the coming weeks for both the Winter Recreation Advisory Committee and the Snowmobile Advisory Committee. Members of the public are invited to attend.
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.
"Capture the New Year" Photography Scavenger Hunt
Capture the New Year at Sacajawea State Park! Join Interpretive Ranger Mary for a photography scavenger hunt around the day-use area. Warm up with a hot drink, toast marshmallows on the patio, and enjoy the beauty of the Snake-Columbia Confluence in winter!
Capture the New Year at Sacajawea State Park! Join Interpretive Ranger Mary for a photography scavenger hunt around the day-use area. Warm up with a hot drink, toast marshmallows on the patio, and enjoy the beauty of the Snake-Columbia Confluence in winter!
Winter sport enthusiasts and families can spice up the cold months with a variety of snow activities to get outside and enjoy what the snow has to offer! Washington Sno-Parks provide access to a variety of winter recreation activities, including snowshoeing, sledding, skiing, skijoring and snow play.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.