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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Earn your Junior Ranger Badge!
Earn your Junior Ranger Badge!
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).
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.
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.
"Capture the New Year" Photography Scavenger Hunt
Capture the New Year at Sacajawea State Park! Join Interpretive Ranger Mary for a photography scavenger hunt around the day-use area. Warm up with a hot drink, toast marshmallows on the patio, and enjoy the beauty of the Snake-Columbia Confluence in winter!
Capture the New Year at Sacajawea State Park! Join Interpretive Ranger Mary for a photography scavenger hunt around the day-use area. Warm up with a hot drink, toast marshmallows on the patio, and enjoy the beauty of the Snake-Columbia Confluence in winter!
Looking for new day-trip experiences or traveling across the state? In the heart of Washington (Kittitas County specifically), you will find three of our parks – perfect for those wanting to check off a few on their must-visit list or newbie hikers looking to hit an easy-rated trail.
Each year, Parks is the welcome recipient of over 190,000 volunteer hours and over 5,000 volunteers. Volunteers from all over the state participate in a variety of volunteer opportunities from trail work and interpretation to habitat restoration and hosting. We would like to thank all our volunteers for their dedication and support.
Saturday, May 10th: 10AM-3PM - Columbia Plateau Trail - Cheney Trailhead - Wood Chipping & Brushing
Join us along the Columbia Plateau State Park Trail to trim back encroaching vegetation and utilize the woodchipper to clean it up! We will meet at the Cheney Trailhead and head South on the Columbia Plateau Trail.
Join us along the Columbia Plateau State Park Trail to trim back encroaching vegetation and utilize the woodchipper to clean it up! We will meet at the Cheney Trailhead and head South on the Columbia Plateau Trail.
Boating is a great activity to enjoy the many lakes, rivers, and coastal waters in our beautiful State! Motorized boats, sailboats, and personal water crafts (PWC’s) are just some of the vessels used in our State. Boating offers recreators the opportunity to fish or swim from beyond the shore!
Our favorite fall road trip through the North and Central Cascades is doable clockwise or counterclockwise, starting from most points on the itinerary. You could bring your RV or camp out, or you could book cozy cabins at each state park on the loop.
From elephant seals to porpoises, orcas, and whales, Deception Pass State Park is a marvel for marine mammal viewing. Join staff for a guided hike at Rosario on Saturday afternoons in March to discover the wonders of marine mammals at Deception Pass. This hike is roughly 0.5 miles with a 100ft elevation gain. The hike is expected to take 1 hour. This hike is not stroller accessible or ADA.
Friday, May 9th: 10AM-3PM - Columbia Plateau Trail - Amber Lake Trailhead - Wood Chipping & Brushing
Join us along the Columbia Plateau State Park Trail to trim back encroaching vegetation and utilize the woodchipper to clean it up! We will meet at the Amber Lake Trailhead and head North on the Columbia Plateau Trail towards Cheney.
Join us along the Columbia Plateau State Park Trail to trim back encroaching vegetation and utilize the woodchipper to clean it up! We will meet at the Amber Lake Trailhead and head North on the Columbia Plateau Trail towards Cheney.
The Recreational Boating Safety Program maintains a record of boating-related accidents and fatalities in the state.
Puget Sound is full of peninsulas, and most Washingtonians, or people who’ve planned a big trip to Washington, have heard of our famous Olympic Peninsula, the northwestern tip of the Lower 48. But have you heard of the Kitsap Peninsula? More accessible by car or public transport, and dotted with amenity-filled towns, Kitsap is a great destination, with several state parks for all your outdoor needs!
We can’t take you to Southeast Asia, but we’re excited to help three Asian-American communities share their cultural traditions at Lake Sammamish and Saltwater state parks in the next few weeks! The United Communities of Laos, Cambodian, and Iu Mien Cultural Festivals, co-hosted by our Folk & Traditional Arts Program, return this July - August!
Offered to veterans who are Washington state residents with a 30% or greater service-connected disability.
Offered annually to Washington state residents who are 62 years of age or older.