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An encore and a new career: one park aide's journey

Parks Inland Northwest and Blue Mountain Area Community Engagement Coordinator, Rex Schultz retired after a long, happy career in professional golf. Then he took a job as a park aide in eastern Washington. Now he has a new career and is having the time of his life. Read his story and consider becoming a park aide yourself!

Camping reservations available at Cape Disappointment, construction postponed

OLYMPIA – The season isn’t over for Cape Disappointment State Park.

What's the buzz on pollinators

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

Commission Rule Making

Be a part of the rulemaking process for State Parks. Learn the steps for changing rules and about current rule adoptions.

Visitation Reports

Read about and view visitation data Washington State Parks collects on our overnight and day-use visitors.

Jobs

Learn about working on our team and the variety of jobs you can do as a member of the Washington State Parks team.

Spokane River Guided Bird Walk

Join Us for a Bird Walk at Riverside State Park hosted by the Spokane Audubon Society!

Sno-Park passes explained

Washingtonians generally experience shock each November as the weather turns cold and wet. But, being hardy souls, we often shift quickly to embrace winter and its opportunities for snow play. Then we set out on adventures like:

Annual quilt show returns as “Quilts on the Commons” at Terry’s Corner

CAMANO ISLAND — The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is excited to support the Cama Beach Quilters in hosting their 15th annual quilt show. 

This year, the quilt show is moving from Cama Beach Historical State Park to the Camano Commons Marketplace at Terry’s Corner to accommodate more people with improved parking and space for vendors. The new location is also much flatter and more navigable for eventgoers with limited mobility.

Volunteer Activity COVID-19 Guidance

Learn more about State Parks' ongoing recommendations and guidance for volunteers activities and COVID-19.

Winter Recreation Program encourages responsible snowmobiling

State Parks follows the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association in pledging to protect natural areas

Strategic Planning

Learn about State Parks' strategic planning in accordance with it's vision and mission at the agency's 2021-2031 plan and priorities.

Customer Feedback Form

Providing positive and memorable experience is a top priority for Washington State Parks. Your feedback is vital to fulfilling that mission.

Donations

Everyone can support state parks through a donation to our Foundation or a donation made when renewing license plate tabs.

Heritage Days at Sacajawea

Sacajawea Historical State Park welcomes all to join the 21st Heritage Days event this later month!

Birch Bay First Day Hike

Take a guided hike on the beach along the Birch Bay lead by Park Ranger Sokol. Explore and learn about the native wildlife at Birch Bay State Park.  

Biking

Biking, also known as cycling, is a great way to get outdoors and explore your state parks. It can be done on roads, bike paths or off-road trails — though, if you're a beginner, we recommend starting on paved paths. Whether you're an expert trail cyclist or a casual campground wanderer, your state parks have many opportunities to discover and explore on two wheels.

SEPA Review - Current Projects

Learn more about Park's planning projects currently under State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review.

Nolte First Day Hike

A guided tour around the wooded trail through Nolte State Park, lead by Park Ranger Bailey. Ranger Bailey will point out various flora and fauna along the hike and describe the history of the Park and the Tahoma Gateway area.

Paragliding and hang gliding registration form

Experienced paragliders and hang gliders who have their own gear can take off from a few state parks. Columbia Hills, Fort Ebey, Fort Flagler and Steptoe Butte welcome paragliders; while hang gliding is only allowed at Steptoe Butte.

**Steptoe Butte State Park is currently closed due to a roadway washout. Reopening is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 2025.**

Guest writer: The importance of empowering youth stewards

I can have my voice heard. I can truly make a difference. When I think of the reasons that my involvement with State Parks is important to me, these are what come to mind. As a member of the Washington State Parks Youth Leadership Program, I have enjoyed the opportunity to share my perspective with the agency and know that my concerns and suggestions will be accepted with an open mind.

Join the wave to preserve Washington’s shores at coastal cleanup on Sept. 20

OLYMPIA – Help protect Washington’s beaches and marine life on Sept. 20 by volunteering at a state park during the annual International Coastal Cleanup.  

As a member of the Washington Clean Coast Alliance, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is proud to co-host this opportunity to bring people together who cherish Washington’s coastline to help protect and preserve it. 

Parks Commission to meet in Yakima

Meeting update: The public will not be able to attend the April 11 Commission meeting virtually due to a technical emergency at TVW.

Though the meeting will not be livestreamed, a recording of the meeting will be posted on this webpage approximately one week after the meeting. The public is still invited to attend in person. By having an in-person option, this meeting meets the requirements of the Open Public Meetings Act.

Youth Programs

Get your kids outdoors with Washington State Parks youth programs. Join fun educational events, design nature crafts, explore park trails, complete a Junior Ranger booklet and much more.

Sports Funding Program

The Winter Recreation Sports Funding program provides funds for services in Washington State Sno-Parks. Funds can be used for the acquisition, development, operation, planning and maintenance of Sno-Park facilities and programs.