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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In April 2025, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will begin a grant-funded project to build a new trailhead and expand parking access to the popular Knothead Loop Trail in Northwest Spokane. Construction has begun and will tentatively be completed by July. View a map of the work area here.
Saturday, July 20th, 2024, at 1:00pm Whatcom Humane Wildlife Center with give a presentation about different species they receive and what happens after they are admitted into care. It is at the Wildlife Theater (Upper Day Use) at Birch Bay State Park.
Builders Exchange of Washington (BXWA) has been officially designated by State Parks as the primary source for bid packages pertaining to most public work (construction) projects. Learn about the BXWA and view current projects and public works open for bid.
State parks are home to birds, fish, reptiles and mammals. But getting too close or feeding wild critters is dangerous for you and for them. Never fear! We're here with our trusty tips to help avoid potential conflicts in case you come across wildlife in our parks.
Alicia started as a volunteer at Deception Pass State Park with the Maintenance Crew. Not long after that, she became a park aide. Then, she found that she really loved intense physical labor, spacial problem solving, and operating more behind the scenes so, she pivoted and took on the role of Maintenance Mechanic.
Participants will snowshoe past the Bald Knob Picnic Shelter to the historic stone Vista House located at 5,883 feet – the highest point of Mount Spokane. If weather permits, participants will have views of the Cabinet Mountains in Montana, Selkirk Crest in North Idaho, and nearby lakes. Roundtrip, this hike will be approximately 3.5 miles. Snacks will be provided at the trailhead. Participants can also purchase hot drinks and snacks at the Vista House.
Snacks will be provided at the trailhead. Maximum group size is 30. Please register through Eventbrite under the event name “First Day Hike – Snowshoe to the Summit”. Daily Sno-Park Permit ($25) or Seasonal Sno-Park Permit ($50) is required and can be purchased at the Mount Spokane State Park office/kiosk or online at https://parks.state.wa.us/130/Winter-recreation.
Snacks will be provided at the trailhead. Maximum group size is 30. Please register through Eventbrite under the event name “First Day Hike – Snowshoe to the Summit”. Daily Sno-Park Permit ($25) or Seasonal Sno-Park Permit ($50) is required and can be purchased at the Mount Spokane State Park office/kiosk or online at https://parks.state.wa.us/130/Winter-recreation.
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, but here at Washington State Parks, we appreciate our volunteers all year long!
In 2024, volunteers came out 5,000 strong, from around the country, to help in our parks. They contributed over 176,000 hours of service. They did trail work, habitat restoration, park hosting, interpretive program assistance, fundraising and donating money, educating staff and much more.
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Winter Recreation Program will be hosting Advisory Committee meetings in the coming weeks for both the Snowmobile Advisory Committee and the Winter Recreation Advisory Committee (WRAC).
Olyvia Buday started out as a college student volunteer at Penrose Point State Park. Now she's the South Sound Area Manager. Check out this story of her unexpected career path.
The Cornet Bay Retreat Center is located within the iconic Deception Pass State Park. Offering plenty of space for large meetings and group activities, you will be surrounded by old growth trees, wildlife and spectacular views of Mount Baker and Cornet Bay.
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.
Many of your state parks serve as a regular haven for migratory and year-round bird populations. Cold, clear days on the Olympic Peninsula draw all manner of fowl who fish, float and flit by the water.
From Fort to Forest: Discover the Transformation of Fort Townsend. Start your New Year amongst the magical forest of Fort Townsend State Park! Join us for coffee and snacks, guided and self-guided hikes, and learn about a hidden gem just outside the city limits of Port Townsend.
OLYMPIA – April 26, 2023 – Sun Lakes – Dry Falls State Park has long been known as a geological icon and must-see destination for Washingtonians. Now, its significant legacy is being recognized on an international scale.
How did the mouse escape from the wildfire? Which tree's bark looks like a bacon sandwich? Learn to identify Douglas-fir trees, one of the most common trees in Washington state parks!
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.
Snowmobiling is one of the state's most popular winter activities. More than 3,000 miles of groomed trails are provided through the Winter Recreation Program, in cooperation with federal, county, and local agencies, ski areas, snowmobile clubs, and private landowners.
The Winter Recreation Program provides Sno-Parks, cleared parking areas for vehicles in close proximity to groomed and/or backcountry trails. There are two types of Sno-Parks, those for snowmobiles and those for non-motorized sports. A handful offer both types of activities.
The Winter Recreation Program provides Sno-Parks, cleared parking areas for vehicles in close proximity to groomed and/or backcountry trails. There are two types of Sno-Parks, those for snowmobiles and those for non-motorized sports. A handful offer both types of activities.
Earn your Junior Ranger Badge!
Earn your Junior Ranger Badge!
SPOKANE — This week, the easternmost 14 miles of the Spokane River Centennial Trail reopened after the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission resurfaced it with a new layer of asphalt.
The project was completed weeks ahead of schedule.
Lake Sylvia State Park closed June through Dec. 13, 2024 for a major construction project that replaced the culvert beneath the entrance road with a bridge and a new road. The culvert failed, which put the road at risk of collapsing, particularly during heavy rain events.
SPOKANE — Beginning on April 15, the easternmost 14 miles of the Spokane River Centennial Trail will temporarily close while the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission resurfaces the trail with a new layer of asphalt. The project is anticipated for completion in early September.
Our rangers want you to know that, despite its popularity, Palouse Falls State Park offers an off-the-beaten-path experience. Check out our 10 tips to make your trip safe and memorable.
Hike around Saltwater State Park, Various trail surface conditions; asphalt, gravel, and dirt. Switch back trails inclines and descent. 3-5 ft wide trail sections. Families are welcome if children can handle the mileage. Visit the beach on your own after the hike.
Throughout the early 20th century, powerful beams of light illuminated dark waterways to track ships or targets for night practice. Come see a working 60-inch searchlight in action at Fort Flagler State Park! Learn how the advancement of electricity assisted the Coast Artillery Corps in their mission to protect Puget Sound.