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Scenic Beach State Park History

Beach with a view

Scenic Beach State Park is rooted in the era of automobile tourist camps that sprung up around Washington’s inland waterways in the 1920s as car ownership became widespread. Its location on the eastern shore of Hood Canal, with views across the water to the soaring peaks of the Olympic Mountains is highlighted in the spring and early summer with blooming native rhododendrons.

Seaquest State Park

Seaquest is a 475-acre, year-round camping park set among lush pines in the shadow of the storied Mount. St. Helen's volcano. Seaquest Park boasts forested campgrounds, great hiking trails and stunning mountain panoramas. Next door to the campground is Silver Lake. The park is connected to the popular Mount St. Helen's Interpretive Center, another worthwhile destination, and Silver Lake by a pedestrian tunnel which leads you to a boardwalk trail over the wetland where ducks and other wildlife thrive.

Fort Townsend Historical State Park

On the surface, Fort Townsend is a classic state with beach access along Port Townsend Bay. But a closer look reveals a hidden history. Built in 1856, Fort Townsend operated as a U.S. Army site on and off until a fire destroyed its barracks in 1895. The small camping park south of Port Townsend is unique among Washington's coastal forts because it has all but returned to nature.

How to have a great state park visit with dogs

It’s not a hike, campout or road trip unless your loyal pup comes with you. While embarking on a state park adventure is optional, bringing the whole family back healthy and whole is mandatory! So, we have for getting out and camping out with your canine BFF.

Parks Commission approves stay limit changes

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Parks Recreation Commission has approved changes to camping stay limits in state parks. 

The update limits maximum stay lengths to no more than 10 nights in one park within a 30-day period. Total nights stayed cannot exceed 90 nights per calendar year in all state parks. Camping stay limits are outlined in Section 7 of WAC 352-32-030. 

Fort Worden Upper Campus Project

Washington State Parks is now operating the upper campus of Fort Worden Historical State Park. In the coming months, we will begin a planning process to inform the long-term plan for the upper campus. The parks campgrounds are open and remain available for reservations.  

State Parks will engage with the Tribes separately to get an understanding of how they want to participate in future planning.  

Video tour: Lake Chelan State Park

This social camping park pulses with life in the summer. Generations of families return to the blue lake every year; they even try to book the same campsite they've used since the 1960s and '70s. But, while they'll jockey online for their favorite spot, veteran Chelan-goers happily share this gem with first-timers, and many lifelong friendships begin there.

B.A.R.K. Ranger Program

Bring your leashed pet to Larrabee State Park to learn about camping and hiking safety with them.

State Parks needs you to help stop the spread invasive pests

OLYMPIA — Washington State Parks needs the help of its visitors to stop the spread of invasive pests that can cause significant damage to our forests. 

State parks have a wide variety of natural native and planted non-native trees and forests, which puts them at risk for almost every worrisome invasive pest. Parks are of particular concern because they welcome 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. 

Park Aide Information

Under the supervision of a Park Ranger, Park Aides perform a variety of tasks at a State Park, beach or historical area. A typical workday may include anything from registering campers and collecting camp fees, to cleaning facilities, mowing lawns or explaining park rules. The specific duties will have some variation by park location.

Lake Wenatchee First Day Hike

This hike will be led by a Park Ranger, who will guide participants along the Wenatchee River, up to our North Beach for views across Lake Wenatchee, and then through our Pine and Douglas Fir forest, finally ending back at the North Reservation Booth for hot cocoa and light snacks!

Lake Sylvia reopens after summer construction, improvements

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

Olallie State Park

At Olallie State Park, view waterfalls, hike, bike, rock climb, connect to the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail and more.

Conconully State Park

Nestled in the forested mountains of north central Washington, Conconully State Park is an angler’s paradise.

ADA at State Parks

State Parks is dedicated to ensuring that outdoor experiences in Washington’s natural environments are accessible to all, regardless of abilities. Learn about how we are making Parks accessible here.

Larrabee State Park History

Larrabee State Park was Washington’s first state park.

Lake Sylvia First Day Hike- Forest Bathing Stroll

Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese practice of immersing in nature for health and wellness benefits. The hike will begin at the Legacy Pavilion. The walk is a gentle easy stroll through the park and group camp.

Kopachuck State Park

Kopachuck State Park is great for a family picnic or to immerse yourself in nature while walking your dog. Recharge your batteries with stunning beach sunsets.

Belfair State Park

Wetlands, pebble beaches, tidal flats and salmon runs are the stuff that Puget Sound is made of. Discover and explore these features and more at Belfair State Park.

Nolte State Park

Nolte State Park is a charming, laid-back day use park on Deep Lake near the Green River Gorge. Bring your family for a relaxing afternoon of swimming, kayaking, fishing and lazing in the grass.

Bogachiel State Park

Soak your feet in the river and take your time in this green-enshrouded haven. Bogachiel State Park provides an excellent base for touring the western Olympic Peninsula.

Nisqually State Park

Nisqually State Park is a day use park currently in development on the Nisqually River between Mashel River and Ohop Creek. Take in stunning views of Mount Rainier as you explore an abundance of trails on foot, bicycle, or horseback.

Riverside State Park

Riverside State Park consists of 9,194 acres along the Spokane and Little Spokane rivers. Recreational opportunities include mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, and boating and more!

Rockport State Park

At the foot of Sauk Mountain, featuring 250-foot tall rare old-growth trees and a Skagit River overlook, Rockport State Park is one of the few places to view a rare ecosystem.

State Parks working to reduce wildfire risk at Westport Light State Park

Olympia — The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will complete a wildfire fuel reduction project at Westport Light State Park this month. The project responds to community concerns and reduces wildfire risk in Westport.