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.
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Offered to Washington State residents who provide out-of-home care to children as foster parents, caregivers or kinship families.
Offered to Washington state residents who are legally blind, profoundly deaf, or who meet the disability definition used by the Social Security Administration.
Puget Sound is full of peninsulas, and most Washingtonians, or people who’ve planned a big trip to Washington, have heard of our famous Olympic Peninsula, the northwestern tip of the Lower 48. But have you heard of the Kitsap Peninsula? More accessible by car or public transport, and dotted with amenity-filled towns, Kitsap is a great destination, with several state parks for all your outdoor needs!
We can’t take you to Southeast Asia, but we’re excited to help three Asian-American communities share their cultural traditions at Lake Sammamish and Saltwater state parks in the next few weeks! The United Communities of Laos, Cambodian, and Iu Mien Cultural Festivals, co-hosted by our Folk & Traditional Arts Program, return this July - August!
Offered to Washington State residents who are 62 years or older with a limited household annual income of $40,000 or less.
Wohelo Lodge is nestled in the folds of the Blue Mountains, this southeast Washington frontier has some of our state's most spectacular scenery.
OLYMPIA – Jan. 24, 2023 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is looking for two new volunteers to serve on the Boating Program Advisory Council (BPAC). The new members of the committee must have experience relevant to the program – one position requires a public health and injury prevention background and will serve as the injury prevention specialist. The other position requires a background in recreational boating education.
Come join Park staff as we explore the beautiful old-growth forest that Lewis and Clark State Park has to offer. Participants will learn about the area's rich history as well as the abundant flora/fauna. This scenic hike takes visitors under towering cedar and fir trees strung with lichen and moss, and through a lush understory teeming with ferns. The hike will begin in the CCC kitchen shelter where a warm fire and drinks/snacks will be provided. Enjoy a short show-and-tell session on the local wildlife as hikers are arriving. This year we're implementing an educational scavenger hunt, adding to the fun along the trail! All ages are welcome.
We asked campers to weigh in on proposed changes to the camping stay limits WAC. Stay limits are outlined in Section 7 of WAC 352-32-030.
The proposed update limits maximum stay lengths to no more than 10 nights in one park within a 30-day period. Total nights stayed cannot exceed 90 days per calendar year in all state parks. The goal of the update is to make camping stay limits clear and consistent for our visitors. It also aims to improve equity by shortening the number of days campers can stay annually to accommodate more recreational use of these facilities.
First day hikers are welcome to the Cornet Bay Retreat Center at Deception Pass State Park for a fun morning of hikes. Starting at 9:00 AM, hikers are invited to enjoy warm drinks and snacks. At 9:30 AM hikers will then have the option select their preferred activity based on difficulty level. Hikes range in difficulty from easy to hard. All hikes are on and around Goose Rock and include some of the most popular trails in the park. Hikers can expect to see a variety of wildlife, experience old growth forest, and enjoy amazing views of the Salish Sea and rocky cliffs of Deception Pass.
OLYMPIA – Nov. 3, 2021 – Pass Lake, a popular destination in Deception Pass State Park, has reopened for winter fishing and recreation.
The lake had closed in August, 2021 when high concentrations of toxic algae were discovered. Recent tests show the waters are back at levels deemed safe for recreation by Washington's Department of Health.
Toxic algae blooms typically start in late summer and are usually caused by excessive nutrients in warm, stagnant waters.
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.
Grant provides funding for marine patrol vessels across Washington
OLYMPIA – August 18, 2022 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Boating Program has announced funding recipients to receive just over $554,000 in federal grant dollars to improve patrol capacity on Washington waterways.
The following entities will receive funding to replace their primary patrol vessel through the Marine Law Enforcement Patrol Vessel Replacement Grant Program:
Clallam County - $125,326
Wandering on the Wilbert
What's the oldest tree you ever seen? Join Rangers Drew and Jen on this epic exploration of the old-growth forest of South Whidbey State Park. We'll meet the tall trees of the floating forest along the Wilbert Trail and see how nature is reclaiming the old campground on this family-friendly hike.
Bonus: If you have the time, we'll also check out the Earth Warrior Course on the Hobbit Trail leading to one of the best views of the Salish Sea and Olympic Mountains.
What's the oldest tree you ever seen? Join Rangers Drew and Jen on this epic exploration of the old-growth forest of South Whidbey State Park. We'll meet the tall trees of the floating forest along the Wilbert Trail and see how nature is reclaiming the old campground on this family-friendly hike.
Bonus: If you have the time, we'll also check out the Earth Warrior Course on the Hobbit Trail leading to one of the best views of the Salish Sea and Olympic Mountains.
Make a splash at the Polar Plunge at Lake Sammamish State Park !
Polar Plunge returns on New Year’s Day 2025. Festivities will begin at 10:30 a.m. with registration, music, and merriment brought to you by Clown Garage on the shores of Sunset Beach. The crowd will “plunge” at noon.
The first 300 registered participants will receive a Polar Plunge SWAG bag, including a commemorative pin from local company Pins by Design..
Spectators are welcome to come out to cheer on the athletes as they take a dunk in the chilly waters of Lake Sammamish.
Polar Plunge returns on New Year’s Day 2025. Festivities will begin at 10:30 a.m. with registration, music, and merriment brought to you by Clown Garage on the shores of Sunset Beach. The crowd will “plunge” at noon.
The first 300 registered participants will receive a Polar Plunge SWAG bag, including a commemorative pin from local company Pins by Design..
Spectators are welcome to come out to cheer on the athletes as they take a dunk in the chilly waters of Lake Sammamish.
From its earliest days, members of the Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs (the predecessor of GFWC-WS) have understood the importance of preserving natural resources.
Paddlesports are a popular pastime in Washington State, just ask the several hundred thousand residents who own at least one canoe, kayak, row boat, stand up paddle board, or other human-powered watercraft. Paddlers are everywhere!
Surrounded by flowers and tall oak trees, the American Kitchen overlooks the magnificent Peace Arch that was built in the early 20th century on the United States/Canadian border. View includes Semiahmoo Bay, the San Juan Islands, Point Roberts and Vancouver Island.
By Ken and Ranga Chikonzo
Greetings from Ubuntu Nerudo, a joyful state of mind that some of you will experience during our African Heritage Celebration at Lake Sammamish next month!
Unless you are of Southern African descent, you may not have heard the words Ubuntu or Nerudo before.
Locals and visitors alike love Western Washington for its rivers, forests, lakes and… rain. OK, most people don't love the rain. But, with a hearty spirit, the right gear and a little prep work, the state's famous precipitation doesn't have to ruin your camping vacation.
Join Park Rangers for our Summer Junior Ranger Program Series! Each week the topic will change. Topics include history, wildlife, and park stewardship. See Park Office for more information.
Join Park Rangers for our Summer Junior Ranger Program Series! Each week the topic will change. Topics include history, wildlife, and park stewardship. See Park Museum for more information.
Join Park Staff at the Millersylvania Retreat Center to learn about and explore this unique area of the park and take a guided hike along the trails.
Learn about park history and wildlife!
Learn about park history and wildlife!