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Read our strategic plan, get information about our projects and learn about our Washington State Parks Commission.

State parks have a wide variety of natural native and planted non-native trees and forests, which makes them at risk for almost every worrisome invasive pest. Parks are of particular concern because they have visitors from all over the state and country who often bring their own camping supplies for their stay. This includes the main culprit for invasive pest transfer: firewood.

Parks' Folk & Traditional Arts Program (FTAP) hosts a full lineup of summer concerts and festivals in parks across western and central Washington. The outdoor concert schedule includes long-standing favorites like the American Roots concerts at Deception Pass and a new music series at Lincoln Rock. In addition to several established international festivals, the program welcomes a new event honoring African culture, this September.

OLYMPIA – Nov. 22, 2022 – Washington State Parks will hold an in-person open house to update the public on the progress and status of ongoing master planning efforts at Westport Light State Park to consider a Scottish-style links golf course.

The presentation will provide a summary of findings of the environmental and economic site analysis conducted, introduce the golf course conceptual design and discuss next steps in the planning process.

Washington's coastal state parks are gems full of beauty and wonders to discover. They are also dynamic environments that come with their share of danger. Calm ocean waters may be deceptive!
Washington State Parks are popular spots for weddings, company picnics, community festivals, scouting events, and organized recreational events such as adventure races and fun runs.
Join us to enjoy Bruce Thomas Smith's music in the Waikiki Beach Concert Series at Cape Disappointment State Park.
Learn about Washington's natural, cultural, and artistic heritage through memorable experiences in the parks and plan to attend one of our exciting, enriching events!

OLYMPIA — Lake Sylvia State Park in Montesano has reopened for camping and day-use after undergoing construction and improvements.

Now in its 19th year, this popular summer concert series at Deception Pass State Park is a celebration of America's wide variety of musical traditions.
Music and great memories await you this summer! Enjoy performances by a wide variety of musical groups at Waikiki Beach in beautiful Cape Disappointment State Park.
Join us to celebrate West African culture and heritage with ADEFUA African music and dance at Meadow Shelter, Lake Sammamish State Park on August 30, 2025!
State Parks has completed the development for the new statewide Scenic Bikeways pilot program. Our management of the program includes overseeing the route nomination, evaluation, and designation process, as well as coordinating the implementation of Scenic Bikeway routes with partners and stakeholders. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is the decision-making group with authority to designate a proposed route as a Scenic Bikeway.

This program involves participation from the public who have the opportunity to nominate routes they think should become Scenic Bikeways.

Wildflower season is upon us! Between April and August, several state parks have impressive shows. Check them out!
Singing, dancing and alpine air! This concert series at Lake Wenatchee State Park features performances by great musicians and dancers amid the majestic mountain lake views.
State parks allows the use of remote-controlled aircraft, also known as drones or unmanned aircraft systems, on a limited basis. Permits are required for each instance of use.
Parks maintains statewide and regional media distribution lists to stay connected with local reporters. If you are a member of the media and would like to be added to our distribution lists, subscribe here.

A group of valiant environmentalists from EarthCorps braved the cold to begin work on a project that would change the landscape of Larrabee State Park.

Did you know that Washington state parks are a perfect place to stay on your clam digging adventures?
Plan your winter adventures with help from our winter schedule. Learn about scheduled winter closures for campgrounds, boat launches and day-use areas in Washington state parks.

Landowners open bypass to trail users between Ralston and Marengo

OLYMPIA – Feb. 28, 2023 – Next month an eastern Washington section of the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail will become more contiguous, allowing trail users to avoid a 19-mile road detour between Ralston and Marengo.

The new Cow Creek Trestle Bypass will open seasonally from March 1 to Oct. 31, thanks to a mutual agreement between State Parks and private landowners, TDH Properties.

State Parks’ professional arbor crew blends science, technology and tree work for public safety and conservation.

“What is your earliest tree memory?” Washington State Parks Arborist Mik Miazio once asked visitors at Millersylvania.  

Most recalled climbing trees or eating fruit from neighboring orchards. Grandparents’ houses and childhood backyards were common themes.  

Trees and forest ecosystems are among Washington’s icons, and many nature lovers equate the outdoors with trees. 

And a brief accounting of the hard work that has made it amazing!

By Kelsey Lang, Interpretive Specialist, Fort Worden State Park

My oh, my! It’s been a busy fall, winter and spring at the Commanding Officer’s Quarters Museum. But before diving into recent developments, let’s rewind a bit. On January 1, 2024, Fort Worden State Park officially assumed operations of the museum from its previous steward, the Jefferson County Historical Society.

Deception Pass State Park houses the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Interpretive Center featuring photos, artifacts, and video from CCC projects from across the state.
Come join us on Thursday July 3rd, 2025 at 3:00pm at the Wildlife Theater in Birch Bay State Park to learn about Raptors and see live birds!