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Donations

Everyone can support state parks through a donation to our Foundation or a donation made when renewing license plate tabs.

Heritage Days at Sacajawea

Sacajawea Historical State Park welcomes all to join the 21st Heritage Days event this later month!

How prescribed burning helps improve habitat conditions

In March 2024, Parks worked in collaboration with the Ecostudies Institute and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct a prescribed burn to improve habitat conditions at Leadbetter Point State Park for western snowy plover and streaked-horned lark, two endangered species, as well as to restore a more native plant-dominated vegetation community. 

Biking

Biking, also known as cycling, is a great way to get outdoors and explore your state parks. It can be done on roads, bike paths or off-road trails — though, if you're a beginner, we recommend starting on paved paths. Whether you're an expert trail cyclist or a casual campground wanderer, your state parks have many opportunities to discover and explore on two wheels.

Fort Ebey beach access road closed June 23-25 for repaving

COUPEVILLE – The beach access road at Fort Ebey State Park will close June 23-25 for repaving.

The road work will help restore sections of the park’s day-use road that have eroded.  This work is the first phase in a larger project to repave the roads at Fort Ebey.

Recreation and beach access still available

Camping

One of our favorite ways to recreate in our parks is to go camping. While it can be a broad term, camping essentially means you’re sleeping outdoors in some type of shelter, like a tent or a camper or RV.

Most state parks have overnight camping accommodations. These range from basic campsites to full hook-up sites and roofed structures like yurts and platform tents.

Next state land free days are June 11, June 12 and June 19

No Discover Pass is required to park on those three days

Next state land free days are March 9, March 19 and April 22

No Discover Pass is required to park on those three days


SEPA Review - Current Projects

Learn more about Park's planning projects currently under State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review.

Ready for winter? Here are a few tips to keep it merry and bright

Even during the dark days of winter, the world is your family-friendly playground at our state parks and Sno-Parks. But cold weather adventures do add a few layers complexity, pun intended. We’ve got tips (learned mostly through trial and error) on how to stay warm and dry in the outdoors this winter.

Paragliding and hang gliding registration form

Experienced paragliders and hang gliders who have their own gear can take off from a few state parks. Columbia Hills, Fort Ebey, Fort Flagler and Steptoe Butte welcome paragliders; while hang gliding is only allowed at Steptoe Butte.

**Steptoe Butte State Park is currently closed due to a roadway washout. Reopening is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 2025.**

Guest writer: The importance of empowering youth stewards

I can have my voice heard. I can truly make a difference. When I think of the reasons that my involvement with State Parks is important to me, these are what come to mind. As a member of the Washington State Parks Youth Leadership Program, I have enjoyed the opportunity to share my perspective with the agency and know that my concerns and suggestions will be accepted with an open mind.

Join the wave to preserve Washington’s shores at coastal cleanup on Sept. 20

OLYMPIA – Help protect Washington’s beaches and marine life on Sept. 20 by volunteering at a state park during the annual International Coastal Cleanup.  

As a member of the Washington Clean Coast Alliance, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is proud to co-host this opportunity to bring people together who cherish Washington’s coastline to help protect and preserve it. 

Wilderness Areas

Wilderness Areas are protected regions within national forests, national parks, and certain other federal lands where motorized equipment is prohibited.

Volunteer Event - Riverside - Trail Maintenance

Wednesday, September 10th: 9AM-2PM – Riverside State Park – McLellan Trailhead – Trail Maintenance

Wallace Falls First Day Hike

​Allow for 3 hours round trip. We will make several stops and talk about park features, history, and wildlife.​

Lime Kiln Point First Day Hike

Join Interpretive Specialist Emily on a slow, contemplative stroll on the forest trails of Lime Kiln Point State Park. After enjoying the views over Haro Strait and breathing in the sea air, we will venture up into the quieter parts of the Park to reconnect with nature and ourselves as we ring in 2026. We will end our hike with a cup of hot tea, featuring flavors inspired by the forest.

Permits

Some activities require you to register and get a permit. Annual permits can save you money on moorage, boat launch and Sno-Park fees.

State lands offer final free days of 2021

No Discover Pass will be needed to park on state recreation lands Thursday, Nov. 11, Friday, Nov. 26.

Commercial Filming and Photography Permits

Learn about the type of permits and other requirements needed to engage in professional, commercial and educational filming and photography at Washington State Parks.

Rhythm on the River Concert Series

This concert series started in 2024. Learn more about this year's Rhythm on the River Concert Series at Lincoln Rock State Park.

Cambodian Cultural Celebration 2025

Come and join us to celebrate the 16th annual Cambodian Cultural Celebration in Saltwater State Park on August 9, 2025!

Waikiki Beach Concert Series: Tora'dan

Join us to enjoy Tora'dan's music in the Waikiki Beach Concert Series at Cape Disappointment State Park.

Commission to consider candidates for agency director position during upcoming special meetings

OLYMPIA – March 1, 2022 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold virtual meetings later this week to conduct interviews for the agency director position.

Members of the public may participate in the meetings remotely – either online or via phone – except during executive sessions. No final action will be taken during the executive sessions.

WHO:
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

Lake Sylvia Dam Safety Project

On June 23, State Parks lowered the level of Lake Sylvia approximately five feet to relieve pressure on the Lake Sylvia dam.

The Lake Sylvia dam, which was built around 1918, is showing signs of age and requires maintenance work. Lowering the level of the lake relieves pressure on the dam, ensures visitor safety and allows State Parks and its partners to continuing monitoring the structure while preparing for next steps.