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.
Search results
967 results found
Between fall 2024 and spring 2025, Parks will complete a 300-acre forest health treatment in the 7 Mile Area of Riverside State Park. Intermittent trail closures will occur within the project area during this time. To promote a healthy and resilient forest, crews will work on removing wildfire fuels and low vigor trees.
Have you heard? At Washington State Parks, the bird is the word!
Bird watching, also known as birding, is a popular activity that involves observing and identifying birds in their natural habitats. Many of our parks are a birdwatchers paradise, from the bald eagles wintering along Skagit River to the prairie falcons soaring across the grasslands of Eastern Washington.
Bird watching, also known as birding, is a popular activity that involves observing and identifying birds in their natural habitats. Many of our parks are a birdwatchers paradise, from the bald eagles wintering along Skagit River to the prairie falcons soaring across the grasslands of Eastern Washington.
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.
Camp Delany Retreat Center is a unique facility located in Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park, part of the Grand Coulee in the Columbia Basin. This desert oasis provides groups with warm, sunny days and clear, crisp stargazing.
Builders Exchange of Washington (BXWA) has been officially designated by State Parks as the primary source for bid packages pertaining to most public work (construction) projects. Learn about the BXWA and view current projects and public works open for bid.
Come join park staff for a birding experience in the wetland ecosystem of Silver Lake. This hike can take up to 1.5 hours for the full experience. For folks wanting a longer hike afterwards we encourage you to check out nearby Seaquest State Park, with over 5 miles of forested trails.
Washington state parks welcomes many types of volunteer groups. Volunteer groups consist of 3 or more persons that volunteer on either short or long-term projects. or events. Volunteer groups can consist of formal groups such as scouts, church groups Friends Groups and recreational organizations to local businesses that just want to come out and support their local park.
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Winter Recreation Program will be hosting Advisory Committee meetings in the coming weeks for both the Snowmobile Advisory Committee and the Winter Recreation Advisory Committee (WRAC).
Olyvia Buday started out as a college student volunteer at Penrose Point State Park. Now she's the South Sound Area Manager. Check out this story of her unexpected career path.
The Cornet Bay Retreat Center is located within the iconic Deception Pass State Park. Offering plenty of space for large meetings and group activities, you will be surrounded by old growth trees, wildlife and spectacular views of Mount Baker and Cornet Bay.
State parks are home to birds, fish, reptiles and mammals. But getting too close or feeding wild critters is dangerous for you and for them. Never fear! We're here with our trusty tips to help avoid potential conflicts in case you come across wildlife in our parks.
Alicia started as a volunteer at Deception Pass State Park with the Maintenance Crew. Not long after that, she became a park aide. Then, she found that she really loved intense physical labor, spacial problem solving, and operating more behind the scenes so, she pivoted and took on the role of Maintenance Mechanic.
Participants will snowshoe past the Bald Knob Picnic Shelter to the historic stone Vista House located at 5,883 feet – the highest point of Mount Spokane. If weather permits, participants will have views of the Cabinet Mountains in Montana, Selkirk Crest in North Idaho, and nearby lakes. Roundtrip, this hike will be approximately 3.5 miles. Snacks will be provided at the trailhead. Participants can also purchase hot drinks and snacks at the Vista House.
Snacks will be provided at the trailhead. Maximum group size is 30. Please register through Eventbrite under the event name “First Day Hike – Snowshoe to the Summit”. Daily Sno-Park Permit ($25) or Seasonal Sno-Park Permit ($50) is required and can be purchased at the Mount Spokane State Park office/kiosk or online at https://parks.state.wa.us/130/Winter-recreation.
Snacks will be provided at the trailhead. Maximum group size is 30. Please register through Eventbrite under the event name “First Day Hike – Snowshoe to the Summit”. Daily Sno-Park Permit ($25) or Seasonal Sno-Park Permit ($50) is required and can be purchased at the Mount Spokane State Park office/kiosk or online at https://parks.state.wa.us/130/Winter-recreation.
Many of your state parks serve as a regular haven for migratory and year-round bird populations. Cold, clear days on the Olympic Peninsula draw all manner of fowl who fish, float and flit by the water.
Experienced paragliders and hang gliders who have their own gear can take off from a few state parks. Fort Flagler, Fort Ebey and Steptoe Butte welcome paragliders; while hang gliding is only allowed at Steptoe Butte.
In March 2024, Parks worked in collaboration with the Ecostudies Institute and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct a prescribed burn to improve habitat conditions at Leadbetter Point State Park for western snowy plover and streaked-horned lark, two endangered species, as well as to restore a more native plant-dominated vegetation community.
One of our favorite ways to recreate in our parks is to go camping. While it can be a broad term, camping essentially means you’re sleeping outdoors in some type of shelter, like a tent or a camper or RV.
Most state parks have overnight camping accommodations. These range from basic campsites to full hook-up sites and roofed structures like yurts and platform tents.
Most state parks have overnight camping accommodations. These range from basic campsites to full hook-up sites and roofed structures like yurts and platform tents.
OLYMPIA – June 13, 2023 – Plan your next adventure along the Willapa Hills Trail and explore the brand-new multi-use Littell Bridge near the Adna Trailhead.
From Fort to Forest: Discover the Transformation of Fort Townsend. Start your New Year amongst the magical forest of Fort Townsend State Park! Join us for coffee and snacks, guided and self-guided hikes, and learn about a hidden gem just outside the city limits of Port Townsend.
OLYMPIA – April 26, 2023 – Sun Lakes – Dry Falls State Park has long been known as a geological icon and must-see destination for Washingtonians. Now, its significant legacy is being recognized on an international scale.
How did the mouse escape from the wildfire? Which tree's bark looks like a bacon sandwich? Learn to identify Douglas-fir trees, one of the most common trees in Washington state parks!
SPOKANE — This week, the easternmost 14 miles of the Spokane River Centennial Trail reopened after the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission resurfaced it with a new layer of asphalt.
The project was completed weeks ahead of schedule.
Lake Sylvia State Park closed June through Dec. 13, 2024 for a major construction project that replaced the culvert beneath the entrance road with a bridge and a new road. The culvert failed, which put the road at risk of collapsing, particularly during heavy rain events.
Even during the dark days of winter, the world is your family-friendly playground at our state parks and Sno-Parks. But cold weather adventures do add a few layers complexity, pun intended. We’ve got tips (learned mostly through trial and error) on how to stay warm and dry in the outdoors this winter.
Snowmobiling is one of the state's most popular winter activities. More than 3,000 miles of groomed trails are provided through the Winter Recreation Program, in cooperation with federal, county, and local agencies, ski areas, snowmobile clubs, and private landowners.
The Winter Recreation Program provides Sno-Parks, cleared parking areas for vehicles in close proximity to groomed and/or backcountry trails. There are two types of Sno-Parks, those for snowmobiles and those for non-motorized sports. A handful offer both types of activities.
The Winter Recreation Program provides Sno-Parks, cleared parking areas for vehicles in close proximity to groomed and/or backcountry trails. There are two types of Sno-Parks, those for snowmobiles and those for non-motorized sports. A handful offer both types of activities.