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OLYMPIA – April 5, 2022 – As a member of the Washington Clean Coast Alliance, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will participate in this year's Washington Coast Cleanup.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 23.

Free performances celebrate diverse cultures

OLYMPIA – June 7, 2022 – The Washington State Parks' Folk and Traditional Arts Program will reprise two of its beloved concert series this summer at Deception Pass and Cape Disappointment state parks. The program also added a third series at Lake Wenatchee State Park, expanding free access to diverse musical traditions in Central Washington.

Performance schedules are as follows:

OLYMPIA – May 24, 2023 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its regularly scheduled commission work session virtually on May 31.

Commission work session items include a financial update covering Parks' 2021-23 biennium operating and capital budget expenditures and Parks Renewal and Stewardship Account (PRSA) revenue; a presentation on potential changes to the Foster Family Program; and a discussion about potential dates and locations for 2024 Commission work session and regular meetings.

OLYMPIA – March 7, 2023 Lake Sammamish State Park is one of the most popular parks in the Seattle area for families and communities to come together and enjoy a dose of nature near the city. That's why, in just a few weeks, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission plans to begin work on several improvements and upgrades that will revitalize the Sunset Beach area.

A high desert adventure awaits you at this sprawling camping park located between Soap Lake and Coulee City. Experience a dramatic landscape of deep gorges and lakes where you can get out on the water, hike and play nine-hole or mini golf.
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.
From Warden to the Idaho border, experience wide open vistas and the remote beauty of eastern Washington from arid scrublands and farmlands to small historic towns and the rolling hills of the Palouse.

OLYMPIA – Feb. 22, 2022 – This month, Gov. Jay Inslee appointed Holly Williams of Vancouver as the newest member of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.

Come learn about Mushroom Foraging 101 with Pam Borso, from the Native Plant Society! It is at the BP Heron Center at Birch Bay State Park, 1pm - 3pm on Sunday November 3rd, 2024.

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to nominate winter sports enthusiasts for the agency’s snowmobile advisory committee. Three positions are available statewide to snowmobilers, and one is available statewide to individuals involved in non-motorized winter sports. 

Travel 107 miles from Snoqualmie Tunnel, through Ellensburg, to Royal City Junction. Explore temperate forests, rolling grasslands, wildflowers, unique sage steppe birds and channeled scablands.

Parks host hikes, snowshoe excursions, bike rides and more on New Year's Day!

OLYMPIA – Dec. 6, 2021 - Washington State Parks invites the public to take a First Day Hike on Jan. 1, 2022.


At least 42 state parks have scheduled staff-led hikes, self-guided hikes, dog strolls, cross-country ski trips and more for New Year's Day.

Forest thinning project will reduce wildfire risk to Roslyn, Cle-Elum

OLYMPIA – May 12, 2022 – Washington State Parks will begin work to thin approximately 90 acres on the Bullfrog State Park Property near Cle Elum this month. The hired contractor will remove smaller, weaker and less fire tolerant trees to reduce fuel loads and promote fire tolerant species. The project will return the forest to historic site conditions and improve the health of remaining trees by reducing competition.

OLYMPIA — As of Feb. 26, 2024, the cabins and restrooms in the lower area at Cama Beach State Park will be closed until further notice. Day use in that area will remain open but restrooms will only be available in other parts of the park. 

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Parks Folk and Traditional Arts Program (FTAP) and Kirkland-based non-profit Ubuntu Nerudo will partner to hold the second-annual Ubuntu Nerudo African Heritage Festival at Lake Sammamish State Park next month.

OLYMPIA — Washington State Parks needs the help of its visitors to stop the spread of invasive pests that can cause significant damage to our forests. 

State parks have a wide variety of natural native and planted non-native trees and forests, which puts them at risk for almost every worrisome invasive pest. Parks are of particular concern because they welcome visitors from all over the state and country who often bring their own camping supplies for their stay. This includes the main culprit for invasive pest transfer: firewood. 

Ali RaadOLYMPIA – Jan. 11, 2023 – This month, Gov. Jay Inslee appointed Ali Raad of Thurston County as the newest member of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.

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."

Brooks Memorial sits between the pine forests of the Simcoe Mountains and the Columbia River Gorge. This environmental diversity makes for a stunning park site. The miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails lead along the Little Klickitat River and up through Ponderosa pine and stands of Oregon white oak.

OLYMPIA – As a proud member of the Washington Clean Coast Alliance, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will co-host the annual Washington Coast Cleanup on Saturday, April 20.

This year’s event will take place at ten state parks: Cape Disappointment, Fort Flagler, Fort Townsend, Fort Worden, Grayland Beach, Mystery Bay, Ocean City, Pacific Beach, Shine Tidelands and Twin Harbors. 

Clayton Beach access trail closes Nov. 1 until late spring of 2023

OLYMPIA – Oct. 27, 2022 – Larrabee State Park is getting an exciting renovation this winter that will significantly improve safety and access to Clayton Beach.

State Parks is building a new bridge over the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad track, which, supported by a new trail reconfiguration, will provide safe passage between this popular beach and the Lost Lake parking lot.

Want to build a snowman? Hike? Go sledding? Choose your own winter wonderland adventure this Jan. 1 at Fields Spring State Park!
Calling all pups! Bring your people for a day of food, fun and walkies this New Year's Day at Sacajawea Historical State Park