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Alta Lake State Park is a land of fire and water. Tucked into the hills between Winthrop and Lake Chelan, Alta Lake has long been a hub for anglers, water sports enthusiasts and families that love to camp.
Annual polar plunge on New Years Day

On the surface, Fort Townsend is a classic state park on a Puget Sound beach. But a closer look reveals a hidden history.
On the surface, Fort Townsend is a classic state with beach access along Port Townsend Bay. But a closer look reveals a hidden history. Built in 1856, Fort Townsend operated as a U.S. Army site on and off until a fire destroyed its barracks in 1895. The small camping park south of Port Townsend is unique among Washington's coastal forts because it has all but returned to nature.
You'll know you've arrived at Kinney Point when you see the kayak rack. This unique "parking" feature invites you to pull in, hang up your kayak and play!

Located on Marrowstone Island, this park is only accessible by beachable watercraft, and the wide pebble beach disappears at high tide; hence, the rack. Part of the Cascadia Marine Trail, Kinney Point State Park Property is a quiet place to spend the night, explore the beach and stretch your legs after a long day of paddling.

The rain (and snow) might be coming, but we've got your picnic plans covered (literally). Check out our staff picks for the nine best WA State Parks shelters for your winter cookout.

New installation will celebrate Deception Pass State Park's 100-year anniversary and those who helped shape the park

OLYMPIA – April 6, 2022 – As Deception Pass State Park nears its 100th birthday this month, the Deception Pass State Park Foundation and Parks staff invite past managers and their families, friends and descendants to attend an event at which a permanent installation in the park will honor their contributions.

Break out the boat, paddleboard or kayak — Blake Island offers classic island recreation while still being close to Seattle.

Park planners will discuss updated plans for new trail access, parking for Willapa Hills Trail

OLYMPIA – March 8, 2022 – Washington State Parks invites the public to a second open house in Pacific County to learn more about updated plans for the Willapa Hills Trail at Menlo.

WHEN:
6:30 - 8 p.m.
Thursday, March, 24

The 3,876-acre, 130-mile Columbia Plateau State Park Trail is one of the state's hidden riches; explorers who find it are rewarded with big eastern Washington skies, rolling landscapes and unforgettable journeys.

Climb a mountain, ride a horse or try stand up paddling. Settle into your camp chair and soak your feet in an alpine lake. Kick back with a book, teach the kids to swim – or do it all – at Lake Wenatchee State Park.

OLYMPIA – Sept. 13, 2022 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its regular hybrid commission meeting on Thursday, Sept. 22 at the Gladish Community Center in Pullman.

Commission action items include approval of the submittal of the 2023 supplemental operating and capital budget requests to the Office of Financial Management (OFM) and approval of the 2023 regular commission meeting schedule.

In addition, the commission will hear updates and reports from agency staff.


OLYMPIA – Nov. 30, 2021 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a planning meeting in-person on Tuesday, Dec. 7 and Wednesday, Dec. 8 in Kalama.

Agenda items include year-end review, division highlights and 2022 priorities.

The public may attend the meeting, but no public comment will be taken. Attendance is limited to in-person only. No virtual access will be available.

The commission will not make any decisions at the planning meeting.

WHAT
Commission planning meeting

Airplane pilots and boaters compare Puget Sound to a maze. Land fingers, islands and waterways comprise the stunning topography, and South Sound inlets dead-end at mudflats and beaches. Amidst all this intrigue, Joemma Beach State Park is remarkably accessible.

Washington water fans, look no further! Bust out your kayak, sand bucket, swimsuit or fishing rod, and head straight for Dash Point State Park! Hidden in plain sight between Seattle and Tacoma, this park offers miles of forested hiking and biking trails, but its main draw is the beach.

Crawford State Park feels like it's at the end of the earth, and its star attraction, Gardner Cave, feels like the center of the earth.
Try a new trail this Jan. 1 at Spencer Spit State Park.
Willie Keil’s Grave is located in a small, private cemetery just off State Highway 6, about 5 miles east of Raymond. Stop at the State Parks highway pullout to view the gravesite, pay your respects, and read about the so-called "Pickled Pioneer."
Patos Island is a 207-acre marine park that features dramatic rock formations, a landscape of madrone trees and a working lighthouse. Boat in and stay overnight at a primitive campsite and immerse yourself in the remote beauty of the San Juan Islands.

SPOKANE – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) invites the public to provide feedback and participate in conversations about a potential expansion of Riverside State Park to incorporate a property, newly acquired by Inland Northwest Land Conservancy, and known as “Glen Tana.”   

Join Ranger Gladson for a New Years Day hike to Clayton Beach at Larrabee State Park. This newly renovated trail is family friendly and includes stream bridges, boardwalks over wetlands, and a new pedestrian overpass. Ranger Gladson will provide interpretation along the way with local flora and fauna as well as history of Larrabee State Park.

All but hidden on the west side of Marrowstone Island, Mystery Bay State Park offers a great escape for visitors arriving by land or by water. Boaters can dock or lay anchor and stroll along the grassy and gravelly shoreline or enjoy the inlet's pristine waters.

Nationwide recruitment efforts lead to internal talent

OLYMPIA – March 16, 2022 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announced today the appointment of Diana Dupuis as the agency's new director. Dupuis will be the first female director since the agency was established more than 100 years ago.

Savor panoramic mountain views, expansive wildflower meadows and starry skies by night at this Simcoe mountain jewel. Hike through tall pines and sturdy oaks while enjoying birdsongs and wildflowers in season. Also, great for day trips to the Goldendale Observatory or the majestic Columbia River Gorge.