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Join the fun and run at Steamboat Rock State Park this Jan. 1.
Situated on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, North Head Lighthouse is a stunning location for windswept small weddings and short ceremonies.
The Fort Townsend Friends Barn is a modern replica of an historic 1800s stable. It stands among the tall firs, planted by soldiers in 1856 and offers glimpses of Port Townsend and Cascade Mountains.

A first-time visitor to Paradise Point State Park might wonder why a place so close to the roar of a busy interstate highway was chosen to be one of Washington’s “cherished places.” It is important to remember that this landscape has a story that runs much longer and deeper than the concrete ribbon of Interstate 5.

The first Washington state iNaturalist verified observation of the species, Hylaeus basalis, (Cinquefoil Masked Bee), was photographed on Marrowstone Island in Jefferson County on May 8, 2024.  This small, nearly all black bee was observed in coastal strand habitat inside Fort Flagler State Park.
Meet at Lake Wenatchee North Park Entrance and tag along with our park staff as they snowshoe 1.3 miles along the Wenatchee River, the shores of Lake Wenatchee, and surrounding forest. Participants can enjoy a well-packed route through parts of our park that are not always accessible in summer. Expect some historical talking points, nature interpretation, and views of Nason Ridge, Dirty Face, and North Beach
Anderson Lake State Park is a day-use park with cedar, fir and alder forests and a freshwater marsh. Explore the park via hiking, equestrian and biking trails, which slope down to a lake teeming with birds and other wildlife.
Federation Forest is a day-use park next to the White River with hundreds of acres of old-growth trees and kid-friendly hiking trails. Pack a picnic and bring your family for a relaxing afternoon under the cool forest canopy.

The Kitsap Memorial Log Hall Heritage Area is located on the Hood Canal shoreline, offering wedding and event guests panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains.

Jackson House State Park Heritage Site is a 1.4-acre day-use park in Chehalis on the Jackson Highway. The park was the setting of a homestead cabin built in 1850 by John R. Jackson, one of the first Euro-Americans to settle north of the Columbia River and an important figure in early Washington territorial history.
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.
Tribal History, Culture, First Food and Tribal Art Exhibit at the Goldendale Observatory.
Set on a split cove, Tolmie State Park is a great destination for beach exploration, swimming, hiking, clamming, and crabbing. Popular with scuba divers, Tolmie features an underwater park with an artificial reef. A saltwater marsh, abundant wildlife, and birdwatching opportunities make Tolmie a great day use destination!

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. 

No Discover Pass is required to park on State Parks, WA State Department of Natural Resources or WA Department of Fish and Wildlife managed lands on September 24

Bridle Trails State Park preserves an urban forest in the heart of one of Washington’s most densely populated areas for park visitors to enjoy equestrian sports, trail riding and hiking. The local community has been deeply engaged with the park since its inception. 

Squak Mountain State Park offers a peek-a-boo view of Seattle amongst mossy rocks, lichen covered trees, and bubbling creeks. With hiking and horse trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities, this day use park less than 15 minutes from Seattle has something for everyone.

Closure expected to last a full year 

Olympia – Kopachuck State Park will close from June 3, 2024 until summer of 2025 for extensive construction and reimagining of the day-use park. 

During the construction period, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will build an outdoor amphitheater, a new playground and a large, rentable facility in the upper day-use area. The goal of the project is to provide a park with better infrastructure, all while keeping its neighborhood park feel. 

Cape Disappointment camping — including loops A, B, C and D, Waikiki Beach and the North Jetty will tentatively close after Labor Day 2025 through May 2026 while we complete renovations and repairs to improve the park. The boat launch will also experience intermittent closures. 

Does the first part of your outdoor adventure involve going online to figure out if you have the right recreation pass? Do you still hit the trail not completely sure you’ve got the right pass displayed the right way? 

Whether you’re new to the Northwest’s nature scene, or you’re a PNW pro, you’re not alone if you still scratch your head about permits. 

Washington’s outdoor pass system can be confusing, but we’re here to help. 

Among Lake Sylvia State Park’s peaceful trails and campsites are nearly hidden stories of ventures to wrest timber and hydroelectricity from the landscape.

Indigenous Lands

Lake Sylvia State Park lies within the traditional territories of Coast Salish Indigenous people whose present-day descendants include members of the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation.

In partnership with Washington CoastSavers, Parks puts on three beach cleanup volunteer events a year and our first one, the Washington Coast Cleanup will be on April 20.

Named for Captain John Meares’ first thwarted voyage to find the Columbia, Cape Disappointment is steeped in Northwest history.
Step back in time on a guided tour of a 1905 military hospital. Tour the first floor to learn about its history and the ongoing restoration work.
Join Interpretive Specialist, Sarah Overby, for a guided hike.