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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Located midway between Orcas and Lummi islands, Clark Island Marine State Park is a stretch of land that's perfect for napping, camping and relaxing after a big day of boating or paddling. Take in spectacular sunrises and sunsets from your tent pitched on the beach.
This park at the confluence of the Columbia and Wenatchee rivers is a popular destination for campers, swimmers, boaters, jet skiers and bicyclists.
The park's proximity to Interstate 5 and long sandy beach make this a popular swim spot for local families, and the disc golf course can be a great play day destination on summer afternoons. On misty mornings, the park has the feel of a wetland and makes for a picturesque stroll.
Picture yourself walking your dog down a peaceful beach on a Wednesday evening or at the same beach on a Saturday afternoon, wiping ice cream off your kids’ faces. If these thoughts make you smile, Tolmie could be your state park.
Alta Lake State Park is located on the shores of an unusual body of water. Its namesake lake, perched 1,166 feet above sea level inside a meandering trench between the Methow and Chelan valleys, has no visible inlet or outlet.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) believes the outdoors is for everyone and continues to make strides to remove barriers for visitors and staff alike.
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is undertaking a planning process to develop a Master Plan for the future of Blake Island Marine State Park.
The Bay of Despond
Today’s Jarrell Cove State Park was covered by glacial ice during the most recent ice age. The fingerlike waterways of South Puget Sound including the inverted Y shape of Jarrell Cove and Pickering Passage outside its entrance were excavated by highly pressurized meltwater streams that developed as the thousands-of-feet-thick ice began to melt. The park’s namesake cove features deep waters and a tall tidal range. Low tides yield extensive muddy banks.
Come on out and camp in Schafer's new campground, join the park's centennial commemoration event and do some fishing.
Steptoe Butte State Park Heritage Site is a National Natural Landmark, with stark, dramatic panoramic views of the surrounding farmlands, mountains and states.
While much of James Island Marine State Park is designated a Natural Forest Area and is closed to public access, there is plenty of open territory to explore on this water access-only island. Enjoy the emerald coves, forested trails, spectacular views and an isthmus with two white sand beaches.
Willapa Hills State Park Trail spans 56 miles east-west between Chehalis in Lewis County and South Bend in Pacific County. Pedestrians, equestrians, cyclists and skaters can experience scenic views of Willapa Valley, rivers, farms and small towns along the way.
Lake Wenatchee owes its existence to giant glaciers that widened and deepened the headwaters of the Wenatchee River. Gravel and rock carried in the glacier was deposited at the glacier’s end, forming a moraine, a natural dam to impound the lake. Lake Wenatchee State Park is situated on that moraine.
OLYMPIA – Feb. 22, 2023 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its regularly scheduled commission work session virtually on March 1.
Commission work session items include a financial update covering Parks' 2021-23 biennium operating and capital budget expenditures and Parks Renewal and Stewardship Account (PRSA) revenue; An update on the 2023 legislative session; and an update on the work to develop a new state park at Nisqually State Park in partnership with the Nisqually Indian Tribe.
Nolte State Park preserves a forest sanctuary surrounding Deep Lake, favored for swimming and picnicking on hot summer days. The lake’s attractively cool waters are due to its 76-foot depth and cold water coming into the lake from Deep Creek, with its headwaters in the 3,000-foot-high foothills of the Cascade Mountains.
The lake has no outlet, as outflow percolates through gravels left as meltwater outwash from the great Ice Age glaciers that filled the Puget Sound lowlands.
OLYMPIA – Construction is anticipated to begin on a new roundabout at the intersection of State Route 7 and Mashel Prairie Road near Nisqually State Park on April 7.
Step back in time at Fort Casey Historical State Park. Ignite your curiosity in the historic military batteries and 1903 lighthouse, with its own interpretive center and gift shop. Soak in the stunning views, fly a kite, fish or explore the beach at this central west side Whidbey Island gem.
“To know the land, one must feel it out inch by inch with the feet.” –Harvey Manning
A generous land donation and the hard work of community activists has ensured that Squak Mountain State Park will be an enduring piece of wilderness close to the homes of millions of urban residents.
The West Beach parking lot at Deception Pass State Park experienced significant damage following heavy winter storms in January. The lot pavement was damaged in several areas and littered with large debris. The parking lot is located near a shoreline, which is a sensitive ecosystem.
Hike a trail that meanders through a forest, around freshwater lakes, saltwater marshes and ocean tidelands. The beaches at Cape Disappointment lure kite flyers, sandcastle builders, and nature explorers.
Surrounded by idyllic forest on the shore of Mayfield Lake. Enjoy swimming, boating, hiking, fishing, kayaking and nature watching or just sitting around a campfire taking in the lush natural surroundings.
Cape Disappointment State Park spreads over the land north of the point where the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean meet. The park includes three headlands of basalt rock cliffs: Cape Disappointment overlooking the river, North Head above the strand of Long Beach, and McKenzie Head, midway between the other two headlands. The basalt bedrock of these wave-pounded cliffs are ancient lava flows that erupted on the ocean floor. Encountering the cold ocean water, the lava quickly hardened into bulbous masses geologists call pillow lava.
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:
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold in-person only planning meetings on Wednesday, Dec. 6 and Thursday, Dec. 7 at the Tulalip Resort in Tulalip.
On Oct. 16, 1805, the Corps of Discovery arrived at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers, the site of today’s Sacajawea Historical State Park.