Wildfire season is here and impacting several parks, so make sure you’re in the know before you go. Before you head to a park, please check its page or head to our alerts page for closures, alerts and other important information to make sure you have a fun, safe and informed trip.
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Washington state parks are a wonderful place to enjoy the multitude of joys pollinators bring.
Learn about the qualifications, training, and application process to become a Washington State Parks Ranger.
Learn the duties of a Washington State Park Ranger 1 and the qualifications needed to apply for this role.
Learn the duties of a Washington State Park Ranger 2 and the qualifications needed to apply for this role.
The Junior Ranger program at Washington State Parks aims to ignite a love for nature and the outdoors early in a child's life. Through booklets completion and acts of service, kids can earn their Junior Ranger pin and other fun collectibles.
Every summer several Washington lakes and river sections, including a few at state parks, close due to toxic algae blooms. Not only is this gross and annoying – especially when your vacation is already planned – but blooms can pose serious health risks to people and pets.
What are toxic algae blooms
Toxic algae blooms are microscopic organisms that grow quickly, or “bloom” in a lake or reservoir.
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.
We want all pets in our parks to be BARK rangers! Pets are welcome to come explore nature with their humans, we ask that you stick to a few simple rules to help everyone have a safe and happy time.
Learn the minimum qualifications and disqualifiers for applying to be a Washington State Park Ranger.
Join Ranger Cory Carpenter to learn about the 10,000-year human history of the Spokane House site.
So, you want to hike solo? We’re taking notes from Taylor Swift (on the date of her new album release) about how to be fearless on the trail by yourself.
Earn your Junior Ranger badge!
The Junior Ranger programs at Washington State Parks offer an exciting adventure for kids aged 4 to 12, combining fun and learning as they dive into the wonders of nature and history.
The Junior Ranger programs at Washington State Parks offer an exciting adventure for kids aged 4 to 12, combining fun and learning as they dive into the wonders of nature and history.
Learn about the Physical Ability Test process, required exercises, and passing criteria.
Join us for a free guided paddle on the beautiful Spokane River with a Riverside State Park Interpretive Ranger! This 5-mile flatwater paddle begins at Plese Flats and ends at 9 Mile Dam, offering a chance to learn about the park’s natural and cultural history along the way.
Join Ranger Kathy and Wolf Hollow's Education and Research Manager Hadley to learn how beavers build climate resistance and why they are vital to our salmon.
Join staff in fun, family friendly explorations of Deception Pass State Park’s amazing wildlife and unique collection of forest and marine habitats. Programs last 30 minutes and are designed for ages 4 to 12, though all are welcome. Children attending Junior Ranger Programs must be accompanied by an adult.
Join staff in fun, family friendly explorations of Deception Pass State Park’s amazing wildlife and unique collection of forest and marine habitats. Programs last 30 minutes and are designed for ages 4 to 12, though all are welcome. Children attending Junior Ranger Programs must be accompanied by an adult.
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.
Stop by the amphitheater before the Evening Program to complete a fun theme-based craft or activity. Pick up a Junior Ranger Booklet or turn in a completed one for a badge. Staff will start packing up materials at 6:55pm to prepare for the Evening Program.
Stop by the amphitheater before the Evening Program to complete a fun theme-based craft or activity. Pick up a Junior Ranger Booklet or turn in a completed one for a badge. Staff will start packing up materials at 6:55pm to prepare for the Evening Program.
Stop by the amphitheater before the Evening Program to complete a fun theme-based craft or activity. Pick up a Junior Ranger Booklet or turn in a completed one for a badge. Staff will start packing up materials at 6:55pm to prepare for the Evening Program.
Have you ever wondered about the dragonfly and damselfly nymphs that call Cascade Lake home? Discover the fascinating stages of aquatic invertebrates through a guided dip netting with Ranger Kathy, and then take a closer look at the insects found at Moran State Park.
Have you ever wondered about the dragonfly and damselfly nymphs that call Cascade Lake home? Discover the fascinating stages of aquatic invertebrates through a guided dip netting with Ranger Kathy, and then take a closer look at the insects found at Moran State Park.