The Parks headquarters Information Center is moving from its current location in Tumwater to the Department of Ecology building at 300 Desmond Drive SE in Lacey. Our customer service team is located at the front desk, just inside the main entrance.
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ArtDoors is a drop in event where you can join others to make art in the park. We will have a planned craft and supplies for those who just want to drop by to try something or you are welcome to bring your own project to work on in community with others!
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 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.
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 – 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.
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.
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.
If there is snow we will be taking a beginner snowshoe walk through the campground. If there is no snow we will take a easy walk through the campground and day use area. Looking for traces of local wildlife and discussing the history of the park and how it came to be. Once the walk is complete, there will be hot cocoa and snacks provided for enjoyment.
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.
SPOKANE — Beginning on April 15, the easternmost 14 miles of the Spokane River Centennial Trail will temporarily close while the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission resurfaces the trail with a new layer of asphalt. The project is anticipated for completion in early September.
Our rangers want you to know that, despite its popularity, Palouse Falls State Park offers an off-the-beaten-path experience. Check out our 10 tips to make your trip safe and memorable.
Hike around Saltwater State Park, Various trail surface conditions; asphalt, gravel, and dirt. Switch back trails inclines and descent. 3-5 ft wide trail sections. Families are welcome if children can handle the mileage. Visit the beach on your own after the hike.
Throughout the early 20th century, powerful beams of light illuminated dark waterways to track ships or targets for night practice. Come see a working 60-inch searchlight in action at Fort Flagler State Park! Learn how the advancement of electricity assisted the Coast Artillery Corps in their mission to protect Puget Sound.
OLYMPIA – May 31, 2022 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a special meeting on Wed., June 1. The purpose of this special meeting is for the Commission to hold an executive session with the agency's assigned legal counsel to discuss potential litigation pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(i).
This hike will be led by a Park Ranger, who will guide participants along the Wenatchee River, up to our North Beach for views across Lake Wenatchee, and then through our Pine and Douglas Fir forest, finally ending back at the North Reservation Booth for hot cocoa and light snacks!
If you happen to be hiking in Federation Forest, Millersylvania, Lewis and Clark or any number of lowland state parks in Western Washington, and you see a funky little tree that looks like a cross between a giant bonsai and a miniature conifer, it might be a Pacific yew tree.
Lake Sammamish State Park is getting a much-needed renovation at Sunset Beach. This heavily used day-use area will have improved ADA access trails, an upgraded event space, new picnic shelters, and small covered shelters near the playground for caregivers to observe the play area.
Guided by Park staff and volunteers from the Friends of Mt. Spokane, participants will snowshoe past the Bald Knob Picnic Shelter to the historic Vista House located at 5,833 feet – the highest point of Mt. Spokane. If weather permits, participants will have views of the Cabinet Mountains in Montana, Selkirk Crest in North Idaho, and nearby lakes.
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Parks Winter Recreation Program will hold its annual summer funding meetings for both the Snowmobile Advisory Committee (SMAC) and the Winter Recreation Advisory Committee (WRAC) in early August.
Each meeting is open to the public and the community is invited to attend.
OLYMPIA – Jan. 25, 2023 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Winter Recreation Program will be hosting two in-person only advisory committee meetings in the coming weeks for both the Winter Recreation Advisory Committee and the Snowmobile Advisory Committee. Members of the public are invited to attend.