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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OLYMPIA — As management and operation of the upper campus at Fort Worden Historical State Park returns to the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the agency is bringing it into alignment with the other 123 parks in its system.
The Emel House is a vintage 1911 home set in a beautiful garden with an expansive lawn, charming gazebo and spectacular view of Hood Canal.
Join us to enjoy Bruce Thomas Smith's music in the Waikiki Beach Concert Series at Cape Disappointment State Park.
Kick off your summer activities at the annual Outdoor Discovery Day at Fort Casey State Park. It is on Saturday, June 7, a Discover Pass free day. Enjoy fun, kid friendly activities. Find out what’s happening this summer on Whidbey Island. Discover the different ways you can enjoy and connect to the outdoors.
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.
Pacific Beach State Park has a long history as a place for travelers to rest as they journey along Washington’s Pacific Ocean coastline.
Indigenous Lands
The park lies within the traditional territories of Coast Salish Indigenous people whose present-day descendants include members of the Quinault Indian Nation and the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation.
Ethnographers reported that the mouth of Joe Creek in today’s Pacific Beach State Park served as a “rest stop” for Indigenous people traveling along the coast between trading centers.
Join us to enjoy the musical dialogue between Indigenous, European and African cultures which define Latin American identity by Trío Guadalevín in the Waikiki Beach Concert Series at Cape Disappointment State Park.
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.
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.
Construction will impact boat launch use during 2023 halibut, lingcod fishing season
OLYMPIA – March 16, 2023 – Construction is underway for the new Keystone Boat Launch on Whidbey Island. Located near the Keystone Ferry Terminal, the popular launch is part of Fort Casey Historical State Park.
OLYMPIA — As a member of the Washington Clean Coast Alliance, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is proud to co-host the annual Washington Coast Cleanup on Saturday, April 19. This vital event brings together volunteers to help protect and preserve Washington’s coastline.
This year’s cleanup will take place at 10 state parks, including Cape Disappointment, Fort Flagler, Fort Townsend, Fort Worden, Grayland Beach, Mystery Bay, Ocean City, Pacific Beach, Shine Tidelands and Twin Harbors.
Bottle Beach State Park’s sweeping shoreline provides a window into one of the most important shorebird feeding area on the Pacific Coast. Grays Harbor attracts more than a million birds each spring and up to 20 percent of these migrating birds use the area just off Bottle Beach, peaking in late April and early May. Shorebirds are attracted to this spot because the mudflats just offshore host abundant shrimp-like Corophium amphipods for them to eat. The rich supply of amphipods, up to 55,000 per square meter, is unique along the Pacific Coast.
While you are out for a stroll in the park or just around the campground, be sure to stop by our Pop-up Exhibits to learn more about the park! Exhibits will rotate between natural resource and history topics.
The presentation focuses on the ecological and epidemiological aspects of the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
The presentation focuses on the ecological and epidemiological aspects of the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
Wild Resolutions First Day Hike
Join us for a First Day Hike at Fort Worden! This program invites participants to start the new year with a refreshing outdoor experience. Meet staff and volunteers at the USO parking lot for park maps, SWAG, and free hot chocolate provided by Fort Worden Hospitality!
Attendees will then embark on a self-guided exploration of scenic trails and historical structures, surrounded by stunning views of the coastline and lush landscapes. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner, this hike is designed to promote wellness and connections to our park's natural and historical resources. Don't miss this opportunity to set positive intentions for the year ahead while enjoying camaraderie with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Bring water, wear comfortable footwear, and prepare for a memorable start to the year!
Join us for a First Day Hike at Fort Worden! This program invites participants to start the new year with a refreshing outdoor experience. Meet staff and volunteers at the USO parking lot for park maps, SWAG, and free hot chocolate provided by Fort Worden Hospitality!
Attendees will then embark on a self-guided exploration of scenic trails and historical structures, surrounded by stunning views of the coastline and lush landscapes. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner, this hike is designed to promote wellness and connections to our park's natural and historical resources. Don't miss this opportunity to set positive intentions for the year ahead while enjoying camaraderie with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Bring water, wear comfortable footwear, and prepare for a memorable start to the year!
This entire gorge is famous for its wind and water sports, and Doug's Beach is a coveted spot. The winds can be fierce, whipping the river into a white-capped frenzy. Kite boarding and windsurfing success at this site comes with bragging rights and respect; it is rated as expert and is only recommended for those who are properly trained, skilled and equipped.
OLYMPIA — Significant septic failures led to the closure of the cabins and other buildings in the beach area of Cama Beach State Park in February 2024.
The West Beach parking lot at Deception Pass State Park experienced significant damage following heavy winter storms in January. The lot pavement was damaged in several areas and littered with large debris. The parking lot is located near a shoreline, which is a sensitive ecosystem.
If you enjoy Washington beaches, then you know how important it is to protect them. Protecting our beaches is a shore way of keeping them safe, clean and fun. There are several ways you can do your part and keep our parks a beautiful place.
Clayton Beach access trail closes Nov. 1 until late spring of 2023
OLYMPIA – Oct. 27, 2022 – Larrabee State Park is getting an exciting renovation this winter that will significantly improve safety and access to Clayton Beach.
State Parks is building a new bridge over the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad track, which, supported by a new trail reconfiguration, will provide safe passage between this popular beach and the Lost Lake parking lot.
OLYMPIA – Lake Wenatchee State Park has acquired a new Fixed Frame Beach Wheelchair that allows visitors with mobility needs to access the park’s sandy lakeshore. The chair’s large, wide wheels make it more stable and maneuverable in soft, shifting sand and uneven terrain.
…a seacoast fortification may be said to have most efficiently performed the function for which it was intended, if it is never called into action at all.
-Eben Eveleth Winslow, US Army Corps of Engineers
OLYMPIA – Following a public process, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission voted on Thursday to keep the cabins at Cama Beach Historical State Park permanently closed where they currently sit.
By Holly Sproul (Parks Forms Manager & Web Specialist) & Nephew Evan (Age 9)
After soaking up the sun at Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park, we ventured to the westside of the mountains to cool off at Fort Worden Historical State Park in Port Townsend.