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Federation Forest State Park is an oasis of old growth forest preserved by women who banded together to effect social change and influence public policy despite barriers to their participation in political life.

In the park, Douglas fir trees soaring 200-300 feet high into the forest canopy have been growing for 300-400 years or more. Long after they die, their fallen trunks or standing snags continue to provide habitats for a diverse community of life.

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

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

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:

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.

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.

On the surface, Fort Townsend is a classic state with beach access along Port Townsend Bay. But a closer look reveals a hidden history. Built in 1856, Fort Townsend operated as a U.S. Army site on and off until a fire destroyed its barracks in 1895. The small camping park south of Port Townsend is unique among Washington's coastal forts because it has all but returned to nature.

An Underground Wonderland

Crawford State Park Heritage Site preserves Gardner Cave, one of the largest limestone caverns in Washington. The cave is adorned with fantastic and delicate natural decorations that have formed over thousands of years.

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.
Annual polar plunge on New Years Day

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a virtual work session on March 19. 

Commission meeting agenda items include an update on the agency’s Climate and Sustainability Program activities, an update on State-Tribal Recreation Impacts Initiative and efforts to adopt a charter for the initiative in June 2025, a legislative update, a financial update and general updates from State Parks staff.

The rain (and snow) might be coming, but we've got your picnic plans covered (literally). Check out our staff picks for the nine best WA State Parks shelters for your winter cookout.

The Bay of Despond

Today’s Jarrell Cove State Park was covered by glacial ice during the most recent ice age. The fingerlike waterways of South Puget Sound including the inverted Y shape of Jarrell Cove and Pickering Passage outside its entrance were excavated by highly pressurized meltwater streams that developed as the thousands-of-feet-thick ice began to melt. The park’s namesake cove features deep waters and a tall tidal range. Low tides yield extensive muddy banks.

On the surface, Fort Townsend is a classic state park on a Puget Sound beach. But a closer look reveals a hidden history.
Break out the boat, paddleboard or kayak — Blake Island offers classic island recreation while still being close to Seattle.
Picture a green fairy forest of moss-covered rocks and cedar trees.
Matia island archipelago for its old-growth trees, rainforest vibe and dramatic cove with fantasy forest canopy and swirling sandstone formations. Picturing a green fairy forest covered with moss and cedar trees.
Located in the San Juan Islands, Matia Island Marine State Park is a secluded little island accessible only by boat.

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.

The 3,876-acre, 130-mile Columbia Plateau State Park Trail is one of the state's hidden riches; explorers who find it are rewarded with big eastern Washington skies, rolling landscapes and unforgettable journeys.

OLYMPIA – Sept. 13, 2022 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its regular hybrid commission meeting on Thursday, Sept. 22 at the Gladish Community Center in Pullman.

Commission action items include approval of the submittal of the 2023 supplemental operating and capital budget requests to the Office of Financial Management (OFM) and approval of the 2023 regular commission meeting schedule.

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


OLYMPIA – Nov. 30, 2021 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a planning meeting in-person on Tuesday, Dec. 7 and Wednesday, Dec. 8 in Kalama.

Agenda items include year-end review, division highlights and 2022 priorities.

The public may attend the meeting, but no public comment will be taken. Attendance is limited to in-person only. No virtual access will be available.

The commission will not make any decisions at the planning meeting.

WHAT
Commission planning meeting

Curlew Lake State Park is perched in a high valley in northeastern Washington that owes its landform features to Ice Age glaciers. The lake, six miles long, half a mile wide, and reaching a depth of 130 feet, is centered in the valley of Curlew Creek. The creek drains to the Kettle River, which wanders back and forth across the US/Canada border to its confluence with the Columbia River near Kettle Falls.

Climb a mountain, ride a horse or try stand up paddling. Settle into your camp chair and soak your feet in an alpine lake. Kick back with a book, teach the kids to swim – or do it all – at Lake Wenatchee State Park.