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The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is developing a long-range plan for its property located on Miller Peninsula. This 2,800-acre undeveloped park is located in the north Olympic Peninsula, just east of Sequim and north of Highway 101 in Clallam County. The property includes a trail system for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians through a beautiful second-growth forest.

Kanaskat-Palmer State Park borders the Green River at the upper end of the Green River Gorge, a unique place where sandstone bedrock, covered by glacial deposits in most of the Puget Sound lowlands, is revealed by the downcutting of the river through the formation. Seams of coal interwoven with the sandstone fueled a local mining industry in the early 20th century.

Stroll through Saltwater then visit the shore this Jan. 1 at Saltwater State Park.
Come visit a series of open house events in Riverside State Park.
Harstine Island State Park offers many beautiful sights with thick underbrush and a variety of different tree species. The planned hike will take you from the main parking lot (P-3) to the first parking turn out (P-1) with 2 scout trails back to P-3.

The 56-mile Willapa Hills State Park Trail weaves together a landscape steeped in stories of the land and the people that have made their lives in the southwest corner of today’s Washington.

OLYMPIA — Nisqually State Park will temporarily close beginning Jan. 27 for phased maintenance and construction work as park development continues. The park is expected to reopen to visitors in the fall. 

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

Saddlebag Island Marine State Park lies on the western side of Padilla Bay in a chain of four small islands extending southeast from the corner of Guemes Island. It shares an unusual geologic history with Hope Island, another Washington Marine State Park about ten miles south, and Cypress Island, a Natural Resources Conservation Area six miles west.

Get ready for a weekend full of kite-flying fun on June 21st and 22nd, 2025 at the Birch Bay Kids Kite Festival! Bring the whole family and enjoy a vibrant celebration featuring kites soaring over the bay, crafts and a variety of family-friendly entertainment. The event is free to attend, though a Discover Pass is required for parking within Birch Bay State Park.
Whether you are a seasoned birder of brand new to the scene, come join us for some FUN and times outdoors.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) asks everyone who is planning a Fourth of July celebration at a park or on the beach to be safe and protect their friends, neighbors, public lands and wildlife.   

Portland-based artist Nina Vichayapai spent five weeks pulling inspiration from the sites, sounds and people of Deception Pass as State Parks' first-ever artist in residence.

An Island In the Salish Sea

Blake Island Marine State Park, located in the heart of Puget Sound, has long been a desired getaway spot, now surrounded by the homes of millions of people.

SPOKANE – This spring, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will complete a 340-acre forest health treatment in the area immediately north of Seven Mile Road in Riverside State Park.

This project will help reduce wildfire risk within the park and promote a healthy and resilient forest by reducing the amount of wildfire fuels. It will also remove unhealthy trees from the ecosystem.

OLYMPIA – Oct. 6, 2021 – Today the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission received the voluntary resignation of Director Pete Mayer. Mayer's decision to resign is based on the best interest of his family and he steps down as director to pursue other opportunities closer to his new home. The commission appreciates Mayer's service to Parks and the citizens of Washington state. Mayer was initially appointed as director in March 2021.

Lime Kiln Point State Park provides an opportunity for park visitors to view orca whales from shore in an area with connections to the cultural stories of the picturesque San Juan Islands.

Suspect Terranes

The bedrock landscape of the San Juan Islands is made of assemblages of rocks called terranes that have been thrust over one another like a stack of cards by tectonic forces.

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:

A Spit of Land

The formation of a sand spit extending outward from a headland requires three things:


OLYMPIA – July 6, 2022 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its regular in-person commission meeting Thursday, July 14 at the Swinomish Casino and Lodge in Anacortes.

Commission action items include 2023-25 state grant applications and approval of the 2023-25 operating and capital budgets.

In addition, the commission will hear updates and reports from agency staff and MS2000.

Stop by Olmstead Place Historical State Park on Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. to visit the cabin and Smith house.

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!
Explore the flora and fauna of Nolte State Park on a ranger-led First Day Hike.
Break out the boat, paddleboard or kayak — Blake Island offers classic island recreation while still being close to Seattle.