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Peshastin Pinnacles is a 34-acre day use park in the Wenatchee River Valley. Rock climbers come here to tackle the sandstone slabs while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, hills and orchards. Spectators and hikers will enjoy a picturesque setting ideal for wildlife viewing or nature photography.

Parks staff offer reminders, tips and rules for fireworks and use of state parks

OLYMPIA – June 22, 2022 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission encourages safe and responsible gatherings in state parks during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.

Parks urges visitors to:

Yakima Sportsman State Park is, literally, an oasis in the desert. Located near the urban amenities of Yakima in arid eastern Washington, this park attracts local picnickers, out-of-town visitors and road-trippers passing through.

OLYMPIA – March 1, 2022 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will host their regularly scheduled work session virtually on March 8.


The public may listen to or watch the meeting through the resources listed below. This is a work session between staff and the Commission. The public is invited to attend, but no public comment will be taken. No decisions will be made by the Commission at the work session.

We decided it was time to evolve our brand strategy to reflect our priorities.

Seasonal positions will serve parks across Washington. 

OLYMPIA – Washington State Parks is recruiting seasonal park aides to work in its beautiful outdoor places this spring, summer and fall.  

Parks is looking for more than 300 park aides and senior park aides to work from April through September in such diverse environments as old-growth forests, channeled scabland and shrub steppe, on Pacific Ocean beaches, in the high desert and around Puget Sound and its islands.  

Columbia Hills Historical State Park is wide open acres of stunning shrub-steppe beauty composed of 4 different sites: Horsethief Lake, Horsethief Butte, Crawford Oaks Trailhead and Dalles Mountain Ranch Trailhead. High-desert panoramas and river shoreline provide plentiful climbing, biking and horseback riding opportunities. Boat, windsurf or dive into history with the regional geological features or a tour of the Native American petroglyphs located at the park.

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.

OLYMPIA – Feb. 22, 2023 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its regularly scheduled commission work session virtually on March 1.

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; An update on the 2023 legislative session; and an update on the work to develop a new state park at Nisqually State Park in partnership with the Nisqually Indian Tribe.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its regularly scheduled commission work session virtually on Aug. 23. 

Explore the flora and fauna of Nolte State Park on a ranger-led First Day Hike.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) has identified 35 public recreational mooring buoys across western Washington that are at risk of breaking in the future.  

Starting this week, Parks will close these buoys, which the agency plans to replace. Even though individual buoys will close, the impacted parks will still have other mooring buoys available for use. 

Join Klickitat County Parks and Recreation for the annual 2024 Polar Plunge Event at Maryhill State Park. Anyone is welcome to participate or be a spectator!
We're honored to host the Association of Western State Parks Conference (AWSPC) in Vancouver, Washington along the Columbia River Gorge.

Set in the hills above the Columbia River, Goldendale Observatory State Park houses one of the nation’s largest public telescopes. The newly-renovated facility is known for informative science programs and vivid starry skies.

Are you the type to start a road trip at 4 a.m., crossing fingers for a fabulous sunrise? Time your departure for an early stop at Triton Cove State Park on your drive up or down Hood Canal.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its regular hybrid commission meeting on Thurs., July 13, 2023, at the Ocean Shores Convention Center. The public is welcome to attend in-person or online.

Agenda items include:

SPOKANE – After several months of conversation with the community, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission developed its preliminary land use plan for the potential boundary expansion of Riverside State Park

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.
Set on a glorious stretch of the Green River east of Auburn, this suburban jewel known for its radio-controlled aircraft flying activities offers wooded hiking and horse trails, expansive fields for play and places to view the fall salmon runs.
Picturesque Scenic Beach has stunning views of the toothy Olympic Mountain range. Enjoy groomed trails through the forest and admire native rhododendrons in season. Stroll along the beach and past the historic Emel House, a popular wedding destination.
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.

A rare cluster of old-growth trees creates an inspiring shadow to stand in. Rainbow Falls State Park, 16 miles west of Chehalis, is a walker’s paradise. Miles of loamy trails wind through the forest and along the river, to a small cascade that throws rainbows of spray at the sun.

On the surface, Fort Townsend is a classic state park on a Puget Sound beach. But a closer look reveals a hidden history.

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.