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What's the buzz on pollinators

Washington state parks are a wonderful place to enjoy the multitude of joys pollinators bring.

What to Do if You Find an Artifact in a Park

At Parks, we work hard to protect and preserve the millions of years of cultural, geological and biological history tied to the lands we steward. We know it might be tempting to take things you find while exploring a park. But did you know you might be accidentally removing or destroying something that represents a significant part of our state history? These items may be artifacts or natural history specimens, and it is important to know what to do when you find one.

Battleground Lake Interpretive Program: Volcanic Eruption: What Survives and Thrives?

What do Battle Ground Lake and Mount St. Helen's have in common? They were both formed by volcanoes! Learn what survived during the 1980 Mount St. Helen's eruption and nature's amazing recovery.

What you need to know before visiting a Washington state park for the first time

Embarking on a recreational journey for the first time can be exhilarating and scary. Whether you are joining the land of outdoor lovers to start a new hobby or improve your mental or physical health – the exploration process can be a bit challenging if you don’t know where to start. That is where Washington State Parks comes in! 

Olallie State Park History

Olallie State Park preserves the heritage of the South Fork Snoqualmie River Valley and its uses as a travel corridor across today’s Washington State. The river runs through the park, creating its biggest attractions where it cascades over the bedrock at 77-foot Weeks Falls and 230-foot Twin Falls. The two waterfalls are also the sites of the only hydroelectric developments in Washington State Parks.

Habitat snags – what are they and why do they matter?

To the untrained eye, standing dead trees look sad, like a blight on the landscape. But give them a second glance and you’ll see they are teeming with life.

These trees are called habitat snags. When they decay, birds, bats, bugs, mammals and small reptiles co-create or compete for living quarters in the crown or cavities.

Reservation Parks

Learn what parks take reservation and what facilities are offered.

What is leave no trace, and why we should all do it

We want everyone, at all experience levels, to feel welcome in our outdoors, and we want the land and its inhabitants to stay healthy. We believe these goals are not mutually exclusive, and we have some win-win tips to help us all get there. Leave No Trace (LNT) means leaving things the same or better than you found them, but there’s a little more to it...

Why we love state parks

We asked the people who make our parks run – our Washington State Parks staff – what parks, recreation and time spent in nature mean to them.

Video tour: Bridgeport State Park

Fishing, sagebrush and chill time: what more could a desert vacationer want? Set directly behind Chief Joseph Dam on the Columbia River, Bridgeport State Park offers sunny fun on Rufus Woods Lake.

Pleasant Harbor State Park Property

Pleasant Harbor is a cozy one-acre state park property for overnight moorage only. There are no services here. This is an ideal spot to tie up your boat and enjoy what Hood Canal has to offer including excellent shellfishing and water sports.

The King Tides are coming

The earth, moon and sun are locked in a complex but predictable dance that helps produce the tides. These tides change from day to day, but in patterns that repeat in monthly and yearly cycles. In the beginning of January, these celestial bodies conspire to bring the biggest tides of the year – the king tides.

Who gives a hoot at Sun Lakes - Dry Falls State Park?

Join us at the Sun Lakes-Dry Falls Amphitheater to learn about owls!
"Whoo" knows what you will hear and learn...

State Parks Commission to meet in Kalama


OLYMPIA – Nov. 30, 2021 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a planning meeting in-person on Tuesday, Dec. 7 and Wednesday, Dec. 8 in Kalama.

Agenda items include year-end review, division highlights and 2022 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.

The commission will not make any decisions at the planning meeting.

WHAT
Commission planning meeting

9th Coast Artillery District Living History

Learn what life was like for soldiers stationed at Fort Casey.

Discovering Insects

What makes something an insect? Join us to find out!

Interpretive Program: NATIVE PLANT ID WALK

What's growing on here!?! This 1-mile walk around the lake will reveal a variety of plant species that contribute to the park's healthy ecosystem. 

Tribal Relations

Learn more about what our Tribal Relations division is working on.
To visit a state park you will need a one-day or annual Discover Pass most days of the year. Depending on what kind of activity you are planning, you may also need a permit, reservation or to pay a fee.
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Battleground Lake Interpretive Program: What's the Scoop on Animal Poop?

Learn 'poo clues' to identify the scat (poo) of some of the animals who visit our park. Prizes for those who attend!

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Learn more about what our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) division is working on.

Boating Equipment

Washington state’s diverse waterways of rivers, lakes, bays, inlets and coastal areas require different skills, preparation and safety equipment. Research will help you determine what's best for you.

Whatcom Humane Wildlife Center

Saturday, July 20th, 2024, at 1:00pm Whatcom Humane Wildlife Center with give a presentation about different species they receive and what happens after they are admitted into care. It is at the Wildlife Theater (Upper Day Use) at Birch Bay State Park.

Battleground Lake Interpretive Program: Somethin' Fishy's Goin' On!

What do all fish have in common besides being water dwellers? That's the thousand-dollar question that will be answered. Plus, learn the specifics of fishing at Battle Ground Lake.

Battleground Lake Interpretive Program: Batty for Bats!

Bats are our friends. Honest. Learn about how they help us and what we can do to help them. Bre's focus is on native bats, including the Little Brown Bat (awww, so cute!).