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State Parks is reviewing and updating Lake Sammamish State Park’s Management Plan, which was originally completed in 2004.

Monofilament recycling program information in Washington State Parks. Learn more about where you can recycle monofilament fishing line at parks.
The diverse resources within Washington State Parks offer a variety of research opportunities. Conducting research in a state park requires a research permit.

Parks is in the process of developing a new community-informed Master Plan for Mount Spokane State Park. This heavily-used "trails park" features distinct summer and winter experiences for a variety of recreational opportunities. The master planning process, called the “Future Planning for Mount Spokane” is rooted in the exploration of what Mount Spokane means to individuals and communities and how Parks can honor that meaning over the next 20 years.

OLYMPIA — Operations of the Lifelong Learning Center campus at Fort Worden Historical State Park (Fort Worden) is returning to the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (State Parks) in early October. While Fort Worden is a state park, a large part of the campus has primarily been co-managed by the Fort Worden Public Development Authority (FWPDA) for more than a decade.

State Parks closes parts of Bowman Bay to protect the new pup

OLYMPIA – Feb. 4, 2022 – Washington State Parks announces the birth of a new northern elephant seal at Deception Pass State Park.

The birth took place on Jan. 31 at Bowman Bay in the park. The pup's mother is one of a small family of elephant seals that visits Whidbey and Fidalgo islands frequently and is well known to residents. This is her first pup.

Individuals can give back to their community by volunteering at their local state parks. A variety of short- and long-term opportunities are available based on the unique needs of each park.
The Winter Recreation (Sno-Park) Advisory Committee assists and advises the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission in the development of winter recreation facilities and programs
Ring in the New Year with Washington State Parks! First Day Hikes offer an experience for everyone to get outside and enjoy our beautiful state parks.

Twelve marine state parks now accept buoy fees by phone

OLYMPIA – July 6, 2022 – Twelve Washington marine state parks now allow boaters to pay moorage fees by phone. Each buoy will have a buoy number and phone number to call to make payment. Previously, boaters at these parks had to go to shore to pay for overnight moorage.

This call-in option started in 2021 as a pilot program at Jarrell Cove State Park. The program expands this year to include 10 parks in the San Juan Islands and two in Skagit County.

They are:

SPOKANE — Washington State Parks invites community members to help shape the next 20 years of Mount Spokane State Park by attending a public meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 22 from 4-5:30 p.m. at the Shadle Park Library.

At this meeting, park planners will share the draft Preferred Alternative for the park’s Master Plan, which outlines a long-term vision for Mount Spokane. The draft includes a list of prioritized improvement projects, land classifications and long-term boundary recommendations — all aimed at enhancing the visitor experience for the next 20 years.

Metal detecting is allowed in over 30 state parks. Detecting areas vary by park, from developed public-use areas and unoccupied campsites to designated areas.
A Commercial Use Permit is required for all businesses and non-profit businesses that conduct recreational business activities in a Washington State Park or on State Park managed land.
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Please complete this form to report ADA accessibility barriers at State Parks. Someone from State Parks will contact you about your grievance within 25 calendar days. 

OLYMPIA – Lake Sylvia State Park will close June 10 through Sept. 30 for an improvement project at the park’s entrance.

The $2.9 million Capital project will replace a culvert beneath the entrance road with a bridge and a new road. The new bridge will provide safer and more sustainable infrastructure to the park’s entrance, particularly in heavy rain events.

The Winter Recreation Sports Funding program provides funds for services in Washington State Sno-Parks. Funds can be used for the acquisition, development, operation, planning and maintenance of Sno-Park facilities and programs.
While you are out for a stroll in the park, be sure to stop by our Pop-up Exhibits to learn more about the park! Exhibits will rotate between natural resource and history topics.
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In 2018, State Parks initiated a planning process to update the land classifications and long-term boundaries at three parks located within the Blue Mountain Area: Palouse Falls, Lyons Ferry, and Lewis and Clark Trail. The Commission adopted the recommended updates to the land classification and long-term boundaries for these three parks in January 2021. Staff is currently developing the management plan for these three parks, which serve as a resource to staff to help implement the plan, as well as provide information that may be of interest to the public.

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, in partnership with Outdoors for All Foundation, is excited to launch a pilot program that offers an Action Trackchair for visitor use at Lake Sammamish State Park. 

Do you have gorgeous or interesting photos from your time in state parks? We want to see them! Help us show off our state's beauty by sharing photos taken in our parks, at our heritage sites and on our trails. Washington State Parks uses, with permission, user-generated content on our social media, website and in promotional and retail items.

OLYMPIA – Today at a special meeting, the Fort Worden Public Development Authority’s (PDA) Board of Directors voted to request a dissolution of the organization by the City of Port Townsend (City).  

The vote by the PDA initiates the process of dissolving the PDA organization and ending its 50-year lease with the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) to operate the Lifelong Learning Center at Fort Worden State Park. 

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

Significant septic and infrastructure failures led to the closure of the cabins and other buildings in the beach area of park in February 2024. Following a public process, the Commission voted in October 2024 to keep the cabins permanently closed where they currently sit.

The Center for Wooden Boats, restrooms in the lower area, the store and park office are also closed. 

Day use in the area remains open but restrooms are only available in other parts of the park.