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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An Island In the Salish Sea
Blake Island Marine State Park, located in the heart of Puget Sound, has long been a desired getaway spot, now surrounded by the homes of millions of people.
OLYMPIA – Oct. 6, 2021 – Today the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission received the voluntary resignation of Director Pete Mayer. Mayer's decision to resign is based on the best interest of his family and he steps down as director to pursue other opportunities closer to his new home. The commission appreciates Mayer's service to Parks and the citizens of Washington state. Mayer was initially appointed as director in March 2021.
“The river was the lifeblood of the people. Not only did it connect all of the many villages into one tribe, but it was the home of the salmon, the Nisquallies’ main source of food.” --Cecelia Svinth Carpenter, Where the Waters Begin
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) has identified 35 public recreational mooring buoys across western Washington that are at risk of breaking in the future.
Starting this week, Parks will close these buoys, which the agency plans to replace. Even though individual buoys will close, the impacted parks will still have other mooring buoys available for use.
OLYMPIA – Feb. 22, 2023 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its regularly scheduled commission work session virtually on March 1.
Commission work session items include a financial update covering Parks' 2021-23 biennium operating and capital budget expenditures and Parks Renewal and Stewardship Account (PRSA) revenue; An update on the 2023 legislative session; and an update on the work to develop a new state park at Nisqually State Park in partnership with the Nisqually Indian Tribe.
Whether you are a seasoned birder of brand new to the scene, come join us for some FUN and times outdoors.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its regularly scheduled commission work session virtually on Aug. 23.
SPOKANE – After several months of conversation with the community, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission developed its preliminary land use plan for the potential boundary expansion of Riverside State Park.
Explore the flora and fauna of Nolte State Park on a ranger-led First Day Hike.
Federation Forest State Park is an oasis of old growth forest preserved by women who banded together to effect social change and influence public policy despite barriers to their participation in political life.
In the park, Douglas fir trees soaring 200-300 feet high into the forest canopy have been growing for 300-400 years or more. Long after they die, their fallen trunks or standing snags continue to provide habitats for a diverse community of life.
Ocean City State Park has been an oceanfront destination for generations. The park faces the Pacific Ocean at North America’s “active margin,” where the ocean-floor Juan de Fuca tectonic plate slowly sinks beneath the continent, sliding at a rate of about 13 feet per century in the plate’s subduction zone. Sudden movements of the Juan de Fuca Plate can cause earthquakes that may modify the land surface and generate tsunamis.
Set in the hills above the Columbia River, Goldendale Observatory State Park houses one of the nation’s largest public telescopes. The newly-renovated facility is known for informative science programs and vivid starry skies.
Are you the type to start a road trip at 4 a.m., crossing fingers for a fabulous sunrise? Time your departure for an early stop at Triton Cove State Park on your drive up or down Hood Canal.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its regular hybrid commission meeting on Thurs., July 13, 2023, at the Ocean Shores Convention Center. The public is welcome to attend in-person or online.
Agenda items include:
You'll know you've arrived at Kinney Point when you see the kayak rack. This unique "parking" feature invites you to pull in, hang up your kayak and play!
Located on Marrowstone Island, this park is only accessible by beachable watercraft, and the wide pebble beach disappears at high tide; hence, the rack. Part of the Cascadia Marine Trail, Kinney Point State Park Property is a quiet place to spend the night, explore the beach and stretch your legs after a long day of paddling.
Located on Marrowstone Island, this park is only accessible by beachable watercraft, and the wide pebble beach disappears at high tide; hence, the rack. Part of the Cascadia Marine Trail, Kinney Point State Park Property is a quiet place to spend the night, explore the beach and stretch your legs after a long day of paddling.
New installation will celebrate Deception Pass State Park's 100-year anniversary and those who helped shape the park
OLYMPIA – April 6, 2022 – As Deception Pass State Park nears its 100th birthday this month, the Deception Pass State Park Foundation and Parks staff invite past managers and their families, friends and descendants to attend an event at which a permanent installation in the park will honor their contributions.
Picturesque Scenic Beach has stunning views of the toothy Olympic Mountain range. Enjoy groomed trails through the forest and admire native rhododendrons in season. Stroll along the beach and past the historic Emel House, a popular wedding destination.
A Spit of Land
The formation of a sand spit extending outward from a headland requires three things:
An Underground Wonderland
Crawford State Park Heritage Site preserves Gardner Cave, one of the largest limestone caverns in Washington. The cave is adorned with fantastic and delicate natural decorations that have formed over thousands of years.
Park planners will discuss updated plans for new trail access, parking for Willapa Hills Trail
OLYMPIA – March 8, 2022 – Washington State Parks invites the public to a second open house in Pacific County to learn more about updated plans for the Willapa Hills Trail at Menlo.
WHEN:
6:30 - 8 p.m.
Thursday, March, 24
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a virtual work session on March 19.
Commission meeting agenda items include an update on the agency’s Climate and Sustainability Program activities, an update on State-Tribal Recreation Impacts Initiative and efforts to adopt a charter for the initiative in June 2025, a legislative update, a financial update and general updates from State Parks staff.
Savor panoramic mountain views, expansive wildflower meadows and starry skies at this Simcoe mountain jewel. Hike through tall pines and sturdy oaks while enjoying birdsongs. Great for day trips to the Goldendale Observatory or the majestic Columbia River Gorge.
Annual polar plunge on New Years Day
On the surface, Fort Townsend is a classic state park on a Puget Sound beach. But a closer look reveals a hidden history.
The rain (and snow) might be coming, but we've got your picnic plans covered (literally). Check out our staff picks for the nine best WA State Parks shelters for your winter cookout.