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https://parks.state.wa.us/550/Mystery-Bay

All but hidden on the west side of Marrowstone Island, Mystery Bay State Park offers a great escape for visitors arriving by land or by water. Boaters can dock or lay anchor and stroll along the grassy and gravelly shoreline or enjoy the inlet's pristine waters.

• Take along a kayak or paddleboard, shellfish harvesting buckets (and permits), or scuba gear for a day of recreation. Take in views of the Olympic Mountains from one of six unsheltered, first-come, first-served picnic tables. Cook up those oysters and clams in one of three fire rings, (fires allowed during daylight hours) and enjoy an island sunset before heading to your boat or to your campsite at nearby Fort Flagler State Park.

• Boats can get to this 18-acre day-use park via the channel through Kilisut Harbor. Mystery Bay offers year-round moorage, making it a popular destination with off-season sailors and yachters.

https://goo.gl/maps/KpkVwytD5iY6oEc69

https://parks.state.wa.us/474/Beacon-Rock

• A dizzying mile-long switchback trail takes you up 848-foot Beacon Rock, but that’s not the only way to a tip-top experience. Rock climbing and hiking to waterfalls are the rage at this park, where there are plenty of vantage points for eagle-eye views.

• The main campground has 28 standard campsites. It is an older camp in a forested setting suited more for tents than RVs. There are a limited number of sites that accommodate RVs over 20 feet. This campground closes seasonally.

• The Woodard Creek Campground has five full-hookup campsites that provide electricity, water, and sewer. The sites have a maximum length of 40 feet. These campsites are open year round.

https://goo.gl/maps/PXweJg11qK9ddntX7

https://parks.state.wa.us/582/Sequim-Bay

Discover the northern Olympic Peninsula at Sequim Bay State Park!

• Set in one of the driest micro-climates west of the Cascade Mountains, Sequim Bay hosts a stretch of the Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT), a 120-mile, multi-use recreation trail that extends from Port Townsend west to the Pacific Ocean.

Approximately half those trail miles are paved, while the remaining miles are unimproved or under construction. The trail crosses a high bridge completed in 2016 to allow salmon passage in the stream below. Trail users will enjoy passage over the smooth, graded span. The park also is a hit with the boating crowd. Big docks, offshore moorage and RV sites that accommodate watercraft make Sequim Bay a particularly boat-friendly park.

• 2.5 miles of hiking trails.

• Boat launch

• The park has 45 standard campsites, 15 full-utility sites, three restrooms (one ADA), and three showers (two ADA). There are two loops of forested, dry, camping sites, some very near the water. **Reservations are in effect May 15 to November 1 for the 2020 season only. **

https://goo.gl/maps/oEoqduzniQbyUHpC9

https://parks.state.wa.us/298/Sun-Lakes-Dry-Falls

As you enter Sun Lakes-Dry Falls, you may feel like you're on another planet. The park is surrounded by one of Washington's most striking and historically significant landscapes.

• Dry Falls is a geological wonder of North America. Carved by Ice Age floods more than 13,000 years ago, the former waterfall was once four times the size of Niagara Falls. Today, the 400-foot-high, 3.5-mile-wide cliff overlooks a big sky and a landscape of deep gorges and dark, reflective lakes. The park is a notable site along the National Ice Age Floods Geologic Trail.

• Visitors – especially history and geology geeks – will appreciate the Dry Falls Visitor Center, where interpretive displays tell the story of the floods and their effects on Washington's landscape. Call (509) 632-5214 for seasonal hours and to arrange a tour.

• The park also offers great recreation. Nothing beats the boat launch and social atmosphere of Park Lake, and shimmering Deep Lake presents a remote paddling and kayaking experience. The lure of Dry Falls Lake entices anglers to cast out for trout.

• Hiking trails (15 miles) wind through the scented, sage-dotted hills to table-top cliffs with panoramic views.

• The park even offers nine-hole and miniature golf for visitors who equate a desert vacation with a good game on the green.

• The park has 150 standard campsites, 41 full-hookup sites, one dump station, six restrooms and 12 showers. Maximum site length is 65 feet (may have limited availability). Park campsites do not have tent pads. All campsites have fire pits. Be prepared for the possibility of heavy winds. Individual campsites are reservable from April 15 to Sept. 15 and are advised for the summer months. Anytime after Oct. 1, the water at sites 58-88 may be turned off due to weather. Winter water supply is available at the Contact Station. These sites will close on Nov. 1.

https://goo.gl/maps/sogNfCLt3JMz2rB27

https://parks.state.wa.us/497/Deception-Pass

Deception Pass is Washington's most-visited state park for a reason. Mysterious coves, rugged cliffs, jaw-dropping sunsets, and a stomach-dropping high bridge make this park a go-to for locals and international travelers alike.

Families can fish and swim in Cranberry Lake. Beach explorers look for shells along miles of Puget Sound beachfront. Hikers can trek through forests and out along bluffs. And birdwatchers fill their field guides with notes. You may see a whale or a family of seals as you gaze on the wild waters that once challenged early explorers.

Your inner explorer will delight in learning Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) history at Bowman Bay. The CCC was Franklin D. Roosevelt's Depression-era "Tree Army;" it employed nearly 3 million men and built many of America's state and national parks. An extended stay at Deception Pass will have you peering into tide pools at Rosario Beach, boating at Cornet Bay, strolling on North and West beaches and gaping up at Hoypus Forest, one of Washington's largest remaining old-growth stands.

You, your family and your out-of-town guests will be awestruck by the area's beauty and history, and you'll soon be planning your return.

• Kukutali Preserve on Kiket Island is the newest state park property at Deception Pass. Co-owned and co-managed by the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and Washington State Parks, this area welcomes visitors to bask in its old-growth forest, which ends at stunning views of Fidalgo, Hope, and Skagit islands. Flagstaff Point beyond a neck of land is off-limits to people, to protect a rare environment called a "rocky bald," which supports fragile native plant communities. Pets are not allowed in any area of the preserve.

• 38 miles of hiking trails

• Boating (freshwater/saltwater)

• The Civilian Conservation Corps Interpretive Center is located in the Bowman Bay area of the park. The center was originally a bathhouse built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. In 1987, the building was renovated into a museum by CCC alumni and Washington State Parks staff. The center’s exhibits tell the incredible story of the CCC’s work across the state of Washington during the Great Depression. The center is free-of-charge and is open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. mid-May through Labor Day. Group tours and off-season visits can be arranged by calling (360) 675-3767.

• The Sand Dunes Interpretive Trail at West Beach includes an observation deck and signage that explains local vegetation and ecosystems. The Maiden of Deception Pass story pole is located in the Rosario Beach area of the park. The carving depicts the story of Ko-Kwal-alwoot, a culturally important legend of the Samish Indian Nation.

• The park has 172 tent sites, 134 partial-hookup sites, five hiker/biker sites, one dump stations, 20 restrooms (four ADA) and 10 showers (four ADA). Camping is located at three locations in the park, 18 tent sites and two utility sites are at Bowman Bay, seven tent sites and 49 utility sites at Quarry Pond, and 147 tent sites and 83 utility sites are at Cranberry Lake.

• In addition, there are six campsites on Hope Island north shore bay, the pay station is near the east campsite, a vault toilet is in the woods 100 feet south of the campsites. The rest of the island is a natural area preserve and off-limits to recreational use. Standard primitive campsite rules apply.

• The Ben Ure Cabin at Deception Pass is on Ben Ure Island near Cornet Bay, with views of Puget Sound and Mount Baker. Access is only by beachable human-powered watercraft such as a kayak or rowboat. The modern cabin is 12-by-24-feet in size and features a large deck overlooking the water, as well as a picnic table, fully furnished electric kitchen, full-size futon, electric heat, lights, bathroom and outdoor shower. Visitors must take along their own drinking water to the site. For more information, visit our cabins and yurts page.

https://goo.gl/maps/qNuoYBMCc9CLFD7S7

https://parks.state.wa.us/473/Bay-View

Pull up a camp chair, place it facing north, sit down and stay a while. Bay View State Park on Padilla Bay overlooks the San Juan Islands and offers up magnificent views of the archipelago. On clear or partially clear evenings, the skies light up and cast the islands in silhouette against the bright sunset colors.

Into active adventures? Get out on the water for sailboarding, waterskiing, paddle sports, fishing and swimming. Looking for relaxation? Lounge in camping chairs or enjoy the porch swing in your rental cabin.

This tiny park has a larger, interesting neighbor: Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve makes up 11,000 acres of the bay and draws students, scientists, activists and citizens for research, education, awareness and training. This reserve is one of five such protected areas in the western United States. Its habitat includes open waters, eelgrass beds, intertidal bays, uplands, freshwater sloughs and high salt marsh.

• The park is on Padilla Bay with a public watercraft launch three blocks from the park. Be advised Padilla Bay is heavily influenced by tidal action. The bay becomes a large mud flat during low tides.

• The park has 46 standard campsites, 30 partial-hookup sites, two restrooms and six showers.

• The six cabins at Bay View are nestled among Douglas-fir trees with views of Padilla Bay and the San Juan Islands. Bay View cabins are within walking distance to the park’s beach area and Padilla Bay. Each cabin is furnished with one double bed (sleeps two) and two single bunks (each sleeps two). Outside is a fire ring and an upright pedestal grill. Two cabins have bathrooms. For more information, visit our cabins page.

https://goo.gl/maps/B9gKFs1LoxTNCm1MA

https://parks.state.wa.us/495/Daroga

Mauve-colored hills rise from the Columbia River, and poplars line glassy Lake Entiat below. If not for the scent of sage floating through the air, Daroga State Park could be in Southern Europe.

Located off Hwy 97 between Winthrop and Wenatchee, Daroga offers a green oasis amid the dry rolling hills of this central Washington landscape. At the park entrance, take in dramatic views, then drop into the park and find a welcome mat of green lawns rolling down to a small beach.

Daroga, Wenatchee Confluence and Lincoln Rock state parks are owned by Chelan PUD and operated by Washington State Parks. For this reason, power lines run above Daroga, emitting a sizzle as currents travel.

• Life at Daroga centers around a lagoon that is perfect for beginning swimmers and paddlers. The section of river beyond makes the park a destination for boaters and water sports fans.

• 2 miles of hiking trails

• The park has 17 tent spaces, 28 utility spaces, one RV dump station, four restrooms (three ADA) and 12 showers (six ADA). Tent sites are in a walk-in / boat-in only area, not vehicle accessible.

Closed October 1 - April 1.

https://goo.gl/maps/emi5hpGUEybVMaQbA

https://parks.state.wa.us/505/Fort-Casey

Close your eyes and imagine Fort Casey as it must have been 100 years ago, filled with eager young soldiers, officers, mechanics and staff. Stand at the Admiralty Head lighthouse or in a cliff-side gun battery and scan the horizon, as the enlisted men must have done during World Wars I and II.

Fort Casey, Fort Worden and Fort Flagler together were known as the "Triangle of Fire," a trio of strategically placed fortifications defending the entrance to the Puget Sound at the turn of the 20th Century.

Constructed in the late 1800s, Fort Casey was equipped for defense and used as a training facility up to the mid-1940s. The fort houses a pair of rare 10-inch disappearing guns. While the guns were the height of technology in the early 1900s, improvements in warships and the advent of airplanes soon rendered them obsolete. Two additional 3-inch mounted guns are also on display in their original emplacements. You can explore these batteries to your heart’s content.

So round up your family, friends and history buffs, and step back in time to Fort Casey Historical State Park. From the romantic 1903-vintage lighthouse, with its own interpretive center and gift shop, to the catacomb-like bunkers and batteries, this historic military fort is sure to ignite curiosity.

• The park includes Keystone Spit, a 2-mile stretch of land separating Admiralty Inlet and Crocket Lake.
• 1.8 miles of hiking trails
• Boating
• The park offers 22 standard campsites, 13 partial-hookup sites with water and electricity and one restroom with showers.

https://g.page/Fort-Casey?share

https://parks.state.wa.us/587/Spring-Creek-Hatchery

Windsurfers and kite boarders, welcome!

The Columbia River Gorge has long been recognized as a mecca for the two sports, and Spring Creek Hatchery State Park is a premier spot. Strong west winds drive against the river currents, creating big swells and frothy whitecaps. The park is so well known for its waves, it has even played host to professional windsurfing competitions.

https://goo.gl/maps/V9Agn9dhLHP6LA4B7

https://parks.state.wa.us/549/Mount-Spokane

You could hike for days and not see the same view twice at Mount Spokane State Park.

One of Washington's largest state parks, Mount Spokane has 100 miles of trails in the richly forested Selkirk Mountains. The summits of Kit Carson, Day Mountain and Mount Spokane are waiting to be conquered. The charming, historic Vista House atop Mount Spokane and the Quartz Mountain fire lookout provide stunning views of the Spokane Valley, the north Idaho panhandle and Canada. In early summer, hikers stroll among bear grass, lupine and other wildflowers, through Ponderosa pine and subalpine meadows. By late summer, the meadow grasses turn amber, huckleberries ripen and the fireweed is blooming.

• 100 miles of hiking trails
• The park has eight standard campsites with water and a flush restroom. All campsites are first come, first serve. Campground closed Sept. 15 - July 1, depending on snow conditions.

https://goo.gl/maps/6hE987pLv233MQz59

https://parks.state.wa.us/541/Lincoln-Rock

A rock with a face like Abe Lincoln's overlooks this friendly popular state park above the Rocky Reach Dam. Folded into the rich, mauve hills along the Columbia River, Lincoln Rock State Park is a classic, with a community atmosphere, shaded campsites, cabins and a boat launch with mooring docks on Lake Entiat.

Owned by the Chelan County Public Utility District and managed by State Parks, the portion of the park adjacent to the campgrounds resembles a city park, with ball fields, tennis and basketball courts, a playground and public swim beach.

• The park is home to the Rocky Reach Trail, a paved, mixed-use ADA-accessible trail. The trail connects to the Apple Capital Loop Trail, a paved walk/bike path that stretches southwest to Wenatchee Confluence State Park, encircles the Wenatchee and East Wenatchee riverfronts and extends south to Rock Island Hydro Park. Altogether, these trails offer more than 20 miles of walking, jogging and bicycling fun.

• So, pack up your boat, camping gear, fishing gear and bikes. Throw in the bats, balls, gloves, rackets and swimsuits. And don't forget that book you've been trying to read. Lincoln Rock State Park offers a well-rounded family vacation, guaranteed to keep everyone busy and also give you the social camping and R and R you've been craving.

• 2 miles of hiking trails.

• The park has 27 standard tent spaces, 35 partial-hookup sites, 32 full-hookup sites, four standard cabins, eight deluxe cabins, one dump site, five restrooms (one ADA), and 14 showers (three ADA). Maximum site length is 65 feet (limited availability). All lawn areas, including tent area, are irrigated daily. See park's information boards in each camp loop for specific times. Only one extra vehicle per campsite is allowed. A maximum of three tents per site. The campground is open from March 1 - October 31.

• The four standard cabins are near the full-hookup campsites and have great views of the Columbia River and Rocky Reach Dam. Each cabin is 26 feet long and has two rooms as well as an 8-foot covered porch. Cabins are furnished with a queen-size futon, a bunk bed that sleeps three, small end table, dining table plus 4 chairs, heater, and air conditioner. Outside is a picnic table and fire pit with grate. The new cabin loop includes two new full hook-up utility sites and eight deluxe cabins overlooking the Columbia River. The cabins include all of the amenities of the standard cabin plus additional end tables, six person dining table with chairs, a kitchenette with microwave, mini-fridge, sink, counter space with cupboards, and a bathroom with shower. On-demand hot water, ceiling fan and BBQ brazier are included. Cabins may be reserved up to nine months in advance for arrival dates from April 1 -Sept. 30. For more information, visit our cabins and yurts page. March: Standard cabins available on weekends only. October: Standard cabins are available Thursday through Sunday night. All cabins are available for reservations April through the end of September.

https://goo.gl/maps/s6dVcQ5PeLdUKnvZA

https://parks.state.wa.us/490/Columbia-Plateau-Trail

Looking for an active road trip adventure? Get out your mountain or hybrid bike, pack your hiking boots and plan to visit a little-known Washington treasure.

The 3,876-acre, 130-mile Columbia Plateau State Park Trail is one of the state's hidden riches; explorers who find it are rewarded with big eastern Washington skies, rolling landscapes and unforgettable journeys.

Start from the Fish Lake trailhead at the trail's northern end. Pass through 4.75 miles of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, home to deer, elk, moose, small mammals and 200 species of birds. (The best times to visit are early morning and evening.) Between March and May, and September and November, you'll be treated to spring and fall bird migrations; you may even see a trumpeter swan. The 23-mile improved trail provides rest and swim stops at Cheney and Amber Lake and ends at Martin Road. Most hikers arrange for an overnight stay or a car shuttle. The first 3.75 miles is an asphalt trail; the remaining 19.25 miles are crushed gravel.

The southern end of the trail overlays the former Spokane, Portland and Seattle Railroad opened in 1908. The trail follows the Snake River from the impressive Ice Harbor Dam to the Snake River Junction 15 miles north. This section made of crushed gravel welcomes walkers, bikers and equestrians. The trail has several U.S. Army Corps of Engineers access points.

The trail's nearly 100-mile midsection remains undeveloped and goes for long stretches without resources such as food supplies, potable water and first aid. It is only recommended for expert long-distance hikers who undertake careful planning.

Columbia Plateau is part of State Parks' commitment to long-distance recreation trails, and long-range plans include developing trail through Devil's Canyon to Benge, with segments along the Palouse River and a connection to Sacajawea State Park.

Once you've covered the two ends of the trail, why not check out Washington's state waterfall and its dramatic surroundings at Palouse Falls State Park. Plan a picnic overlooking the falls before starting the last leg of travel – the drive home.

• 38 miles of hiking trails

https://goo.gl/maps/TFvXFytcdiJPHLn58

https://parks.state.wa.us/526/Joseph-Whidbey

Joseph Whidbey State Park is a stunner. Its west-facing views from Whidbey Island include Victoria, B.C., Lopez Island and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. When the weather is clear, the evening sky lights up with color. Hearty visitors come for the prime storm watching, as dark clouds roll in and giant waves crash on the shore.

A grand beach, a playing field and an excellent trail system through wetlands, forests and fields make this day-use park a destination on any visit to Whidbey Island. Visitors often stop for a picnic, a sunset view, or an excuse to kick back and roam the beach with their kids. The park closes at dusk, but camping is available at nearby Fort Ebey State Park, a historic part of the U.S. coastal defense system until World War II, with batteries and gun emplacements to explore.

• 0.5 miles of hiking trails
• Personal watercraft use

Closed October 1 - March 31.

https://goo.gl/maps/a55VaszAGpGwWjVd9

https://parks.state.wa.us/572/Reed-Island

Unfold your camp chair and take in the views from Reed Island State Park. Located on the Columbia River east of Vancouver, the island faces the bird-rich Steigerwald National Wildlife Refuge, from the north, separated by a shallow, narrow channel. To the southeast, the park looks out onto Oregon's rising basalt cliffs and Vista House, a Columbia River Gorge icon.

Ringed by a sandy beach and clusters of deciduous and evergreen trees, the island's interior is flat and meadow-like. The park is accessible only by water, so why not paddle over for the day or the night?

There are no facilities or potable water so visitors must pack out what they pack in. Though visitors can beach their boats near the beach, this undeveloped park has no docks or buoys. In other words, despite its proximity to cities and landmarks, the Reed Island experience will be a rustic one, indeed.

https://goo.gl/maps/GHVMxhS9LziCTCM26

https://parks.state.wa.us/565/Peshastin-Pinnacles

Standing tall against the orchards and golden hills of the Wenatchee Valley, a grouping of tooth-like pinnacles will surely catch your eye. Turn off Highway 2 for a closer look at the rich sandstone slabs of Peshastin Pinnacles State Park. Hike the switch-back trails, and take in the panoramic views of the Cascades to the west and the sage-covered hills to the east. Experience a spectacular sunset, as the pinnacles and Wenatchee River glow bright in the low-angle light.

Rock climbers, grab your rack, your favorite belay partner and a few liters of water (there is none in the park), and get out on some of the grippiest rock in the state. Not a hiker or climber? No problem! Find a shaded picnic table, and watch the vertical action from below.

Whether you prefer photography, nature-gazing or smearing up a rock face, this park will leave you energized and inspired.

• The park offers a mile and a half of steep hiking trail. For rock climbers, slabs and spires vary from easy to difficult and require rock-climbing equipment.

Closed November 1 - March 15.

https://goo.gl/maps/xkCUgQMbfGyobTCA9

https://parks.state.wa.us/573/Riverside

No trip to Spokane is complete without a stop at Riverside State Park. Approximately 9 miles from Spokane, Riverside provides recreational opportunities for almost every type of visitor. From mountain biking to horseback riding, rock climbing and hiking. Riverside has it all!

You can go as easy or hardcore as you like here. Fifty-five miles of trails will keep hikers and mountain bikers busy. The 40-mile, mixed-use Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail extends from Nine Mile Recreation Area east to the Idaho border. Equestrians will find a horse-friendly campground, 25 miles of trails and an obstacle course with a 60-foot round pen. Off-road vehicle drivers have 600 acres of special terrain. The Little Spokane River welcomes paddlesports enthusiasts (and prohibits inner tubes, bikes and pets). Lake Spokane invites boaters, anglers and water sports fans. And, for those who equate vacation with relaxation, day-use areas, picnic shelters and four different campgrounds offer solid family and camp chair time.

In winter, Riverside is a prime recreation hub, boasting some of the best snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling east of the Cascades.

• 55 miles of hiking trails
• 120 feet of dock
• The park contains a protected Native American pictograph area.

Camping

• Bowl and Pitcher campground has 16 standard campsites, 16 partial-hookup sites, one dump station, and two restrooms (both with showers).
• Equestrian campground has 21 equestrian campsites with corrals.
• Nine Mile Recreation Area has three tent sites, 17 partial-hookup sites of varying lengths, 4 full-hookup sites, one dump station, a boat launch, one boat wash station, and a bathroom with showers.
• Lake Spokane campground has 11 primitive campsites, a boat launch, one boat wash station, and a bathroom with showers.

https://goo.gl/maps/Bi6ERkuP6yf7U6EM9

https://parks.state.wa.us/531/Lake-Chelan

VERY POPULAR

Reserve your campsite early, wait for summer with growing anticipation, then join the ranks of visitors who make Lake Chelan a family tradition.

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.

• The park has 103 standard campsites, 18 partial-hookup sites, 17 full-hookup sites, one dump station, five restrooms with showers. The park offers 17 fully upgraded utility campsites that offer 50 amps service, two picnic tables, and the sites are large enough to accommodate the largest motorhomes and buses. Lake Chelan is extremely popular, early reservations are a must.

• 2 miles of hiking trails.

• The park maintains a roadside monument on SR 97A at Earthquake Point. This monument describes an earthquake and landslide that occurred many years ago. The force of the quake was so great that a landslide blocked the Columbia River for several days.

• Another monument stands one mile east of the park. At this site, in 1945, a school bus carrying the children of Southshore residents plunged into the lake after hitting rocks that had fallen onto the roadway. The bus driver and a number of children died in the accident. The monument was erected and is maintained by the families of the children.

https://goo.gl/maps/vadK1fGxAR9Ko27g8

https://parks.state.wa.us/583/Shine-Tidelands

Located at the entrance to Squamish Harbor, just north of Hood Canal Bridge, Shine Tidelands State Park makes a peaceful stop on a Hood Canal or Kitsap Peninsula road trip.

This little day-use park offers fishing and crabbing, and its shoreline is popular with kayakers and beach walkers. A small wetland on the property offers excellent birding. Low tide brings out oysters and clams, which makes the park popular with shellfish harvesters.

https://goo.gl/maps/CGQNdJp8X8EjV7mAA

https://parks.state.wa.us/585/South-Whidbey

South Whidbey State Park calls to tree-lovers everywhere. This day-use park on the west side of Whidbey Island is a scenic drive away from Anacortes or a short ferry ride from Mukilteo. The park offers views of the Olympic Mountains and rare old-growth stands.

Walk among the giants: Douglas-fir, Sitka spruce, western hemlock and western red-cedar trees, including a 500-year-old cedar.

Camping in the park has been permanently closed due to tree diseases, which pose a tree-fall risk. This development has helped many to understand the life cycle of old-growth trees. Picnic shelters and unsheltered tables remain open to visitors and provide excellent lunch spots for day-trippers and travelers en-route to such nearby camping state parks as Deception Pass, Fort Casey and Fort Ebey. To sit and walk beneath this canopy of ancient trees overlooking the Puget Sound is a pleasure and a privilege.

Due to bluff erosion, beach access is closed indefinitely.

• 3.5 miles of hiking trails

https://goo.gl/maps/yZxitUATFQw68DDv5

https://parks.state.wa.us/562/Peace-Arch

A dramatic white arch rises from the green lawns and flowering gardens on the U.S.-Canada border at Blaine. Some may not realize that the international Peace Arch they pass on Interstate 5 is the principle feature in an iconic Washington state historical park devoted to peace and serenity.

Peace Arch is unique among parks because it consists of two parks in two countries. The southern half of the park and the monument itself is owned by Washington State Parks and the northern half, by British Columbia Provincial Parks. The 67-foot concrete arch, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was constructed to honor the centennial of the treaties resulting from the War of 1812. These agreements between the U.S. and Britain established a peaceful, undefended border between the U.S. and Canada.

Take a stroll through the lush gardens. Stand on the lawn and take in the view of Point Roberts and Vancouver Island. Enjoy seasonal bursts of color from rhododendrons, azaleas, dahlias, hybrid tea roses and annual blooms. The sound of children's laughter may drift from the playground to the gazebo, adding to the calm, happy feel of this manicured landscape.

Whether you're headed north or south on Interstate 5, this park is a worthy stop and a moving reminder that peace is possible.

https://goo.gl/maps/psRqy4ZLmUvUB52u6

https://parks.state.wa.us/500/Dougs-Beach

Backed by the auburn hills of the east Columbia River Gorge, Doug's beach has enticed windsurfers and kite boarders for more than two decades.

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.

https://goo.gl/maps/uAcsPbwkxqGPND7Z6

https://parks.state.wa.us/489/Columbia-Hills

Columbia Hills Historical State Park puts the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area at your fingertips. This 3,637-acre park is composed of four different sites which offer a range of experiences. Rock climbing, swimming and spring hikes through vast fields of balsamroot flowers make for an action-packed stay, not to mention the nearby attractions of Goldendale Observatory and Maryhill Museum.

• Horsethief Lake caters to campers and water-lovers; amenities include tent and RV campsites, a watercraft launch and pedal boat and kayak rentals. A group of significant Native American pictographs and petroglyphs are located in this area of the park. The Temani Pesh-Wa exhibit is open daily for self-guided viewing. The world-famous Tsagaglalal, (She Who Watches) and other pictographs and petroglyphs can be viewed by making a reservation to participate in a regularly scheduled ranger-led tour (see Interpretive Opportunities below for registration instructions).

• Columbia Hills is home to Horsethief Butte, a favorite among climbers of all abilities. This area also offers a short hike to sweeping views of the Columbia River and Mount Hood.

• To the north of Highway 14, the Crawford Oaks Trailhead offers access to miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails that crisscross the Columbia Hills with astounding views of Mount Adams, Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge. In the springtime, the hills are covered in places with colorful wild flowers, especially arrowleaf balsamroot and lupine.

• To the north of Highway 14, the Dalles Mountain Ranch Area, a historic homestead ranch, features several historic buildings and farm equipment display. The Dalles Mountain Ranch trailhead allows visitors access to the same trails as the Crawford Oaks Trailhead and is also popular during wildflower season.

• Horsethief Lake has four standard campsites, eight partial-hookup sites, four standard "walk-in" sites, two primitive hiker/biker sites, two rustic cabins, one dump station and one restroom. Campers should be aware that it can be very windy in the Columbia River Gorge and should be prepared for such conditions. The location on the Horsethief Lake campsites on the Columbia River means it is also close to active train tracks. Campers should be aware that trains pass along the edge of the park throughout the day and night.

Closed November - March.

https://goo.gl/maps/fvUDNFhV3nxNEWRC9

https://parks.state.wa.us/563/Pearrygin-Lake

An angler casts her line into a glassy lake, and a sweater-clad camper sips a steaming mug of coffee. They gaze out, admiring the last tendrils of mist on the water as the rising sun plays on the amber hills above. Welcome to mornings at Pearrygin Lake.

• Parking area and roads are plowed and maintained for day hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing access in winter.

• The park features the 3.1-mile Rex Derr trail, a multi-seasonal trail that begins at the east boat launch, traverses a hillside up through the shrub-steppe environment, skirts the old Graves Homestead and winds its way back through the east campground.

• The park has 92 standard campsites, 27 partial-hookup sites (water and electricity), 50 full-hookup sites, two cabins, a vacation house, two dump stations, six restrooms (two ADA) and 22 showers (two ADA). Two campsites are primitive.

• The two cabins at Pearrygin Lake have the added convenience of kitchenettes. Each cabin has a picnic table, electric heat, lights, locking door, and bathroom with a toilet. Showers are nearby in the park. Each cabin is 16-by-16-feet in size and is furnished with twin bunk beds, a full-size bed, and small table with two chairs. The kitchen has a microwave, coffee pot, two-burner cook top, sink,and under-counter refrigerator. Outside is a fire pit and a deck. For more information, visit our cabins and yurts page.

https://goo.gl/maps/TrdghzjoRK6BRBUH6

https://parks.state.wa.us/493/Curlew-Lake

Looking for a great park destination off the beaten path? Curlew Lake State Park is a jewel in the countryside.

In northeastern Washington, only 25 miles from the U.S.- Canada border, the park is named for 5.5-mile-long Curlew Lake, an angler's dream. A fisher's catch might include trout, bass, yellow perch or tiger muskie. Bald eagles, ospreys and herons also like the fishing at Curlew; they live in the neighboring trees and can be seen flying in to pluck a meal from the lake. A heron rookery with active nests is visible from the park.

• Water sports activities abound in summer, and snow sports are popular in winter. The green lawns are tailor-made for play, and the campground, with many lakeside campsites, is said to be one of the most restful in Washington.

• The **Stone Rose&& fossil digging site is only 8 miles away in the town of Republic. The dig site is open to the public and makes a great stop for archaeology enthusiasts, including children.

• Ranald MacDonald's Grave, a State Parks heritage site, is not far away. One of the foremost cultural and business ambassadors between the Northwest United States and Japan in the mid-1800s, MacDonald helped shaped the policies that opened relations between the two countries. The gravesite is on the roadside of a 25-mile scenic drive along the Kettle River near the Canadian border.

• 2 miles of hiking trails

• Personal watercraft use

• The park has 57 tent spaces, 25 utility spaces, one dump station, two restrooms and four showers. The south camp area has 10 campsites with eight sites overlooking the lake. There is a no-fee mooring dock for these sites, two restrooms and two showers (both ADA accessible). The main campground has 16 tent sites overlooking the lake and 47 tent spaces total.

Closed November 1 - April 6.

https://goo.gl/maps/ZH6Cyhyo7Pp2Vk1Q6

https://parks.state.wa.us/484/Camano-Island

Close to Seattle but a world away, Camano Island State Park offers a mellow, less bustling, but equally friendly alternative to its busier neighbor, Cama Beach State Park.

Forest loop trails provide cool, tranquil hiking, while shoreline strolls offer birding, shell and rock exploration and sweeping views of Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier.

Are you happiest in or on the water? Go boating, crabbing, saltwater fishing and sailboarding in Saratoga Passage. Curious about the restored 1930's fishing resort at Cama Beach? Hike the 1-mile trail to check out this neighboring state park.

After a fun day exploring the trails or cavorting in the water, you will probably want to kick back in your forested cabin, pitch your tent or get cozy in your RV. There, you can cook up the delicious crab you have caught, or your dinner of choice, and enjoy a bit of sublime R and R before heading back to the world.

• 3 miles of hiking trails
• Personal watercraft use
• The park has 77 standard sites, two hiker / biker sites, one marine trail site, five cabins, one dump station, two restrooms and two showers.

https://goo.gl/maps/AhhkUYWeBoDgEfSF9

https://parks.state.wa.us/512/Goldendale-Observatory

Goldendale Observatory is closed until further notice due to COVID 19. (Day use possible? Don't know.)

Fledgling astronomers and night photographers, find your bliss at Goldendale Observatory. Set in the hills above the Columbia River, this unique state park heritage site houses one of the nation’s largest, most accessible public telescopes.

Daytime visitors also will find stunning views of the countryside and vivid sunsets, which coincide with moonrise at certain times of year.

https://goo.gl/maps/a13gaVJA3amQcLLd7

https://parks.state.wa.us/528/Kinney-Point

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!

This Marrowstone Island park property is only accessible by beachable watercraft, and the wide pebble beach disappears at high tide; hence, the rack.

Paddlers can stretch their legs in the forest at Kinney Point, dig for clams in season and nab one of three Cascadia Marine Trail campsites for a quiet night in this yet-undeveloped place. They also can keep paddling up Washington's famous water trail.

• Hiking island paths. A kayak rack is available since the beach disappears during high tide.

• Three primitive campsites are available to wind- and human-powered beachable watercrafts.

https://goo.gl/maps/KzsF3vkQePADMah89

https://parks.state.wa.us/491/Conconully

After a day of fishing, swimming, watersports and horseshoes, there will be time to relax in your campsite.

• The park has 40 standard campsites, 20 partial-hookup sites, five cabins, four restrooms (one ADA) and four showers (one ADA). Maximum site length is 75 feet (limited availability). Sites 1A through 60D are available by reservation. All other campsites are first come, first served, which include sites 61E through 66E located on the lower lake.

• The five cabins at Conconully are located at the west end of the main park. Please bring your own bedding. Restrooms are nearby in the park. Cabins have no plumbing and do not allow cooking inside. Each cabin has air conditioning, heating, outlets and ceiling fan. Outside is a fire ring, with attached grill. For more information, visit our cabins and yurts page.

Closed November 1 - April 5.

https://goo.gl/maps/jbEr7UsJqzhtUtMB9

https://parks.state.wa.us/240/Anderson-Lake

Pack up the kids and a picnic lunch and spend a day at Anderson Lake State Park. Located 20 minutes from Port Townsend on the Northeastern Olympic Peninsula, Anderson Lake combines a cedar, fir and alder forest with freshwater marshes. Anderson Lake is one of the few parks in the area to offer equestrian and bike trails, which slope down to a lake teeming with birds and wildlife. Non-motorized boating is allowed. The lake may be closed to all water activity due to recurring toxic algae issues. Check with Jefferson County Public Health on their lake status page for lake conditions and status reports.

• 8 miles of hiking trails. (24 August 2020: Due to flooding caused by beaver dams, the entire Lakeside Trail is closed until further notice. The Savage Memorial Trail is also closed at the flood point on the southern portion of the trail.)
• Boating (non-motorized). Watercraft launch site opens the fourth Saturday in April. (24 August 2020: Due to a rise in the level of toxins produced by an algae bloom, Washington State Parks has closed Anderson Lake to fishing, boating, and swimming. Exposure to the toxins in the water can cause serious illness or death to pets and people. For more information on toxin levels please check with the Jefferson County Health Department.)

Closed November - March.

https://goo.gl/maps/SSqhFaAEa9WAMHon6

https://parks.state.wa.us/508/Fort-Flagler

Step into U.S. military history at Fort Flagler Historical State Park on the northern tip of Marrowstone Island. Tour and explore a significant coastal defense fort established more than a century ago to guard the entrance to Puget Sound.

Built in the late 1890s and manned during World War I, World War II and the Korean War, Fort Flagler now features a military museum and gift shop. The park offers guided tours of the gun emplacements and other facilities during the summer. Or find the batteries on your own and wander through them at leisure.

• 5 miles of hiking/biking trails

• 2 miles of beach trail

• boat launch

• The park has 59 standard sites, 55 full-hookup sites, two hiker/biker sites, one Cascadia Marine Trail site, one dump station, two restrooms. The upper camping area consists of forty-six standard tent sites and two hiker/biker sites. This area is suitable for tents. There are four walk-in sites that are reservable. The hiker/biker sites are first come first served. Twelve standard sites and 55 full-hookup sites are in the lower camp area and have easy access to the beach. The upper campground is open May 1 - September 30. The lower campground, day-use area, vacation houses and retreat center are open year round.

https://goo.gl/maps/sJvSfjsiTzgaEwt68

https://parks.state.wa.us/170/Birch-Bay

Set in a blue cove between Bellingham and Blaine, Birch Bay State Park feels private and secluded without being far from urban life.

Stroll along the rocky beach and take in dramatic views of the North Cascades Mountains and Canadian Gulf Islands. Or head up the Terrell Marsh interpretive trail to a rare saltwater and freshwater estuary teeming with birds and wildlife, including great blue herons.

Low tide reveals a wide mudflat with a treasure trove of clams and other shellfish that can be harvested in season. Bring out the pails, shovels, mud boots and licenses, and start digging! If you prefer to swim, Birch Bay is known for its relatively warm water, and if you'd rather be on the water, the park offers excellent crabbing, windsurfing, sailing and paddling.

• 0.5 mile of hiking trails
• Personal watercraft use
• The park has 147 standard sites 12-by-12-feet in the forested camping area, 20 partial-hookup sites, two primitive sites, a trailer dump station, eight restrooms (one ADA) and 18 showers (two ADA). Campsites are reservable for arrival dates from May 15 - Sept. 15.

https://goo.gl/maps/crXikLUbcoHoF7we8

https://parks.state.wa.us/293/Twenty-Five-Mile-Creek

Boaters and campers, come on down!

• Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park offers one of the top boat launch and moorage sites on spectacular Lake Chelan.

• The area is home to spectacular summer hiking and mountain biking, and the park makes an excellent base camp for such day hikes as Pot Peak, Stormy Mountain and Devil's Backbone in the North Cascades.

• The park has 25 standard campsites, 4 partial-hookup sites, 7 full-hookup sites, one dump station, two restrooms (one ADA) and six showers (two ADA).

Closed November 1 to March 31.

https://goo.gl/maps/GwHG9gcjHJ9VTbR49

https://parks.state.wa.us/480/Bridgeport

Fishing, sagebrush and chill time: what more could a desert vacationer want?

Set directly behind Chief Joseph Dam on the Columbia River, Bridgeport State Park offers sunny fun on Rufus Woods Lake.

• 4 miles of hiking trails.
• The park provides 14 tent spaces.

https://goo.gl/maps/X4hNgXVhhjzpkmh48

https://parks.state.wa.us/511/Fort-Worden

Hidden gun emplacements, expansive parade lawns and restored Victorian-era Officers homes place history front and center at Fort Worden Historical State Park.

While today's park plays host to workshops, festivals and family reunions, the Fort Worden of 100 years ago was home to nearly 1,000 troops and officers training to defend the Puget Sound from potential enemy invaders.

Fort Worden, Fort Flagler and Fort Casey, with their big guns and strategic locations, once made up the coastal defense system known as, "The Triangle of Fire." Constructed between 1898 and 1917, fascinating Fort Worden features more than 2 miles of beachfront and high bluffs with spectacular views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

• 11.2 miles of hiking trails.

• Personal watercraft use.

• Rothschild House is open daily May 1 through Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Tuesdays).

• The Port Townsend Marine Science Center is open April 1 through Oct. 31.

• Campers may enjoy this scenic and historic fort at two delightful campgrounds with 80 campsites that may be reserved up to one year in advance. Both campgrounds have restrooms with showers. Campsites are popular and fill quickly year-round. Reservations are highly recommended. Campgrounds convert to winter water after Thanksgiving until before Presidents' Day Weekend (subject to weather). Insulated winter water sources are available in each campground during this time.

• With 456 bedrooms, Fort Worden offers a wide variety of overnight accommodations for family vacations, conferences, reunions, and retreats. Visitors may choose from century-old officers' housing, a castle, special one-room houses, and large dormitories. All accommodations are located on beautiful state park grounds that have miles of trails, sandy beaches, and unparalleled views of the Cascades and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. There are 43 housing units available for renting year-round. Houses range from six-bedroom to single-bedroom units with living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens. All the houses have fully equipped kitchens (coffee makers, utensils, dinnerware, and cookware), and have full linen service. These houses are very popular with conferences and travelers. Visit the vacation houses section for additional information.

https://goo.gl/maps/vN8n8iTezTdH9hyeA

https://parks.state.wa.us/543/Maryhill

Backed by golden hills and fronted by the mighty Columbia River, Maryhill State Park is a welcoming place for all kinds of guests. Windsurfers seek thrills on the river, while cultural tourists explore nearby attractions, and parents succeed in occupying kids’ short attention spans.

• The park has 20 standard campsites, 50 full-hookup sites, 2 primitive sites.

https://goo.gl/maps/Fcy5PZ5n7B3TszweA

https://parks.state.wa.us/535/Lake-Wenatchee

Climb a mountain, ride a horse or try stand up paddling. Settle into your camp chair and soak your feet in an alpine lake. Kick back with a book, teach the kids to swim – or do it all – at Lake Wenatchee State Park.

• Lake Wenatchee is a Northwest icon, a clear blue lake surrounded by mountains. Though its shallow lagoon is perfect for pint-sized swimmers, the 5-mile-long lake is 244 feet deep at its greatest depth and is a popular destination for boaters and windsurfers. Beginning kayakers and standup paddlers can rent boats and boards at the lake and navigate the calmer waters near the shore.

• Take a guided trail ride on a gentle horse, or hike through a highland forest. Bring your bike for the miles of bike trails, or hike up Dirtyface Peak on adjacent Forest Service land, a 9-mile trail boasting 3,950 feet of elevation gain and stupendous views.

• Camping is available year round at Lake Wenatchee. In winter, experience the challenge of snow camping with heated restrooms and warming shelters. Enjoy a sled hill, and explore the area's 30-plus miles of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails (view updated trail grooming report). Whether you prefer powder or sunshine, Lake Wenatchee offers ample opportunity to try new things. Not only will you have a blast on vacation, you'll come back with some serious bragging rights. Select the video tab below to view the promotional video and see everything Lake Wenatchee has to offer. Developed campgrounds close Oct. 30 - April 1. Camping is available in a designated area of the south park day-use area on a first-come, first-served basis. This area has picnic tables, fire pits and two covered shelters. Heated restrooms and hot showers are located nearby. Hookups are not available during the winter months.

• 8 miles of hiking trails

• The park has 155 standard campsites, 42 partial-hookup sites, one dump station, seven restrooms and 16 showers. In addition, the park provides two ADA campsites.

https://goo.gl/maps/p6bDG7g3JTo5HgxB9

https://parks.state.wa.us/492/Crawford

Crawford State Park feels like it's at the end of the earth, and its star attraction, Gardner Cave, feels like the center of the earth.

Tucked away in the northeast corner of Washington, near the U.S.-Canada and Washington-Idaho borders, Crawford State Park is an unassuming day-use park – on the surface. But a tour of Gardner Cave reveals an underworld of deep geologic mystery. Gardner Cave is a 500 million-year-old cavern that measures approximately 2,072 feet in length and 295 feet in depth. Its floors, ceilings and walls are rich with stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone and rimstone pools. These features, which your interpretive guide will teach you to recognize, are illuminated by electric lighting. Adults and kids who bring flashlights will have fun shining their beams into dark corners, and flash photography is allowed inside the cave.

Hailed as a "natural wonder" by the 1911 federal land survey that mapped it, Gardner Cave is not only one of Washington's longest caves, it offers easy access and one of the most intriguing underground landscapes in the western U.S.

Nab one of 10 first-come, first-served picnic tables; choose a sheltered table, a table at the cave's entrance, or a table on the U.S.-Canada border, among others. Warm up in the park or cool down in the cave, but remember to layer your clothing. This place at the "end of the earth" gets hot in the summer, and temperatures may drop to 39 degrees on your way to the cave's center.

• The main activity at Crawford State Park Heritage Site is touring Gardner Cave. With large groups and holidays, extra tours can be given. Park staff limits tour size to 25 people. A call before arrival will help in accommodating large groups. Call Crawford State Park at (509) 446-4065.

Closed September through May.

Summer: Closed Tuesday - Wednesday.

https://goo.gl/maps/RxNsPnRq8KSUXdW8A

https://parks.state.wa.us/571/Rasar

Tucked along the Skagit River, Rasar State Park offers forested campgrounds, grassy fields, Cascade foothills and the clear blue Skagit River. Whether you're seeking a fun, friendly atmosphere or a contemplative retreat, you'll find it at Rasar.

Pitch your tent in the cool forest, or relax on the porch of a well-appointed cabin. And bring your dog too (keep Spot on her leash, of course). Rasar, its staff and one of its three cabins are pet-friendly.

Kids will find days of entertainment skipping stones on the water, organizing games in the field, exploring the forest, enjoying junior ranger activities and romping in Rasar's playground. Couples and singles will find tranquility on the park's many trails, and adventurers can use Rasar as a welcoming base for recreation on the river or in the neighboring mountains.

Whether you've come for a week or a day, Rasar State Park will give you a new appreciation for the splendor of Northwestern Washington.

• 3.7 miles of hiking trails
• The park has 18 standard sites, 20 partial-hookup with electricity and water (two ADA), eight walk-in sites and three primitive hiker/biker sites, as well as two Adirondack (three-sided) sleeping shelters available to walk-in campers.
• The three cabins at Rasar State Park are tucked in a cozy forest setting near the group camp areas, within an easy 0.5-mile walk to the Skagit River. Each cabin is 16 by 25 feet in size and equipped with log furnishings and iron work produced by a local blacksmith. Each has bunk beds that sleep three, a queen size futon, three small end tables, a four-person dining room table with chairs, counter space with cupboards, and bathroom with shower. Cabins have propane heat, on-demand hot water, and a ceiling fan with lights. Outside are two Adirondack chairs, fire pit, picnic table, BBQ brazier, and a 6-foot covered porch. The Sauk cabin is pet friendly and there is a $15 per pet fee each night of occupancy. For more information, visit the cabins / yurts page.

https://goo.gl/maps/SzfTsWyiSZkZ5eC1A

https://parks.state.wa.us/536/Larrabee

Set on the seaward side of Chuckanut Mountain near Bellingham, Larrabee State Park is known for its postcard views of Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands. It is also Washington's first state park.

This unique camping park on famed Chuckanut Drive offers boating, paddling, fishing, shellfish harvesting, diving, teeming tide pools and perfect spots for quiet contemplation, child play or a romantic date.

Though the shore is the main draw at Larrabee, freshwater Fragrance and Lost lakes provide excellent trout fishing. Hiking and mountain bike trails wind through a forest of Douglas-fir and salal.

Train-spotting is also part of the Larrabee experience. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and Amtrak run trains up to 16 times a day (including at night) on the Burlington Northern track by the beach. This can be a noisy proposition for light sleepers but great fun for train buffs and kids.

Park visitors often enjoy the full 21-mile meander along Chuckanut Drive and discover the charm and flavor of northwest Washington on a side trip to Bellingham, with its variety of attractions and amenities.

• 2.7 miles miles of hiking-only trails, 13.8 miles of multi-use trails (biking/hiking/horse)
• Boating
• Visitors may enjoy fishing on Fragrance Lake and Lost Lake on Chuckanut Mountain, accessible by hiking trails.
• The old roadbed of the Mount Vernon-to-Bellingham Interurban Railway runs parallel to SR 11, north through the park and on to Bellingham.
• The park has 51 standard tent sites, 26 utility sites, eight primitive sites, one dump station, and six showers (four ADA). Six showers are open May 1 - Oct. 1 and four showers are open Oct. 1 - May 1. A working train track runs through the park and west of the campground. Campers are advised to check in at the registration booth upon arrival.

https://goo.gl/maps/mZHm9456Cup3thjc6

https://parks.state.wa.us/574/Rockport

Find your inner forest spirit among the rare old-growth stands of Rockport State Park.

The park's ancient trees, having never been logged, form a landscape and ecosystem seldom seen nowadays, a canopy of towering evergreens so dense that minimal sunlight shines through.

Breathe in the crisp smell of conifers and feel the earth beneath your feet, then look up and marvel at the Rockport giants, some more than 250 feet tall. Check out the Discovery Center, which is open most weekends throughout the year, and ask about guided ranger walks.

Wind your way down the loamy trail to the Skagit River Overlook, or try the steeper Sauk Mountain Trail on adjacent U.S. Forest Service land. This park has a trail for every ability level, including the wheelchair-friendly, ADA-compliant West Loop Interpretive Trail, which meanders for a mile through immense stands of old-growth trees and lush vegetation.

The campground, closed due to tree-fall hazards, is an excellent place to picnic and teach kids to ride bikes. Camping is available at nearby Rasar State Park.

• 5 miles of hiking trails
• Come to the park for a Deep Forest Experience December through mid-February. Take an interactive hike through the forest with a knowledgeable guide. Visit the park's Discovery Center with your family for engaging activities and displays about this area and to build a craft to take home.
• The Evergreen Trail at Rockport State Park is a 3-mile hiking trail through old-growth forest. The Sauk Springs and the Skagit View trails offer another mile of easy hiking with a river overlook.

https://goo.gl/maps/PJ32z7t3w37QUjoW9

https://parks.state.wa.us/507/Fort-Ebey

Planning a multi-day camping stay? You won't run out of things to do at Fort Ebey State Park!

Set on the western side of Whidbey Island, Fort Ebey was constructed as a coastal defense fort during the Second World War. Its battery was dug into a high bluff and is great fun for kids, adult kids and World War II aficionados. Don't forget your headlamp or flashlight. The park's concrete gun emplacements and underground rooms are great for exploration.

Emerging from the battery, you'll find 25 miles of mixed-use walking and bike trails. The bluff trail overlooks Admiralty Inlet and offers peek-a-boo views of Point Wilson Lighthouse across the bay. Douglas-fir and hemlock provide shade along forested trails sprinkled with pink big-leaf rhododendrons in season. One more thing: Fort Ebey sunsets are unbeatable on a clear evening.

• 25 miles of biking and hiking trails
• The park has 39 standard campsites, 11 partial-hookup sites with electricity and water hook-ups, one water trail campsite available only to campers who arrive at the park in human-powered watercraft, one restroom (ADA), and two showers (one ADA).
• Boating

https://goo.gl/maps/tKYVGRFDPviUrDDx9

https://parks.state.wa.us/529/Kitsap-Memorial

Proof that beautiful things come in small packages: this 62-acre park north of Poulsbo serves up inspiring sunrise and sunset views. On clear mornings, the east-facing Olympic Mountains reflect pink and orange. On warm summer evenings, their peaks are often cast in silhouette by the glowing red sky.

• The park has 20 standard campsites, three partial-hookup sites, 15 full-hookup sites, three hiker/biker sites, four cabins, one restroom with showers and one ADA accessible restroom. Water and electric hookups are at sites 1 - 18. Reservations are available year round.

• The four cabins at Kitsap Memorial have the added convenience of kitchenettes with mini refrigerators, and microwaves. Each cabin is 13-by-13-feet in size, and is furnished with a bunk bed that sleeps three and a futon that sleeps two. All cabins have electric heat, lights, locking doors, and are ADA accessible. Bathrooms and showers are nearby. Outside is a picnic table, fire pit, and water standpipe. Visitors should take along blankets and warm clothing as evenings can be cool. For more information, visit our cabins and yurts page.

https://goo.gl/maps/DGYA6fPLH86fzbSB9

https://parks.state.wa.us/239/Alta-Lake

Alta Lake State Park is a land of fire and water. When the Carlton Complex fire swept through the region in 2014, it damaged parts of the park and left a landscape of twisted black trees and scarred earth. But the Alta Lake story is one of recovery, replanting and restoration.

• 2 miles of hiking trails.

• The park has 93 standard campsites, 32 full-hookup sites, trailer dump, four restrooms (one ADA), and 12 showers. Camping is only available April 1 - Oct. 31 and reservations only April 15 - Sept. 15.

Closed Nov - March.

https://goo.gl/maps/heqJ2KozRYwcBxK77

https://parks.state.wa.us/286/Wenatchee-Confluence

Bring out the bikes and walking/running shoes, and plan for an active stay at Wenatchee Confluence State Park.

This park at the confluence of the Columbia and Wenatchee rivers is a popular destination for campers, swimmers, boaters, jet skiers and bicyclists.

• The mixed-use Apple Capital Loop Trail runs through Wenatchee Confluence and several riverfront parks, spanning two bridges to form a 10-mile loop along the Columbia River. Hardcore cyclists can ride it farther, turning onto the paved Rocky Reach trail and heading 5.5 miles up to Lincoln Rock State Park. A shorter, 2.2-mile extension also is available, and a quick ride into downtown Wenatchee holds promise of coffee, shopping and restaurants.

• Though Wenatchee Confluence caters to cycling and water sports fans, the park also offers basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, as well as baseball fields for those who love sports. Just want to read in your camp chair? You can't go wrong at Wenatchee Confluence.

• The park has eight standard campsites, 52 full-hookup sites, one dump station, six restrooms (all ADA) and 16 showers (eight ADA). Maximum site length is 65 feet (limited availability). All sites have a picnic table and campfire grill. Individual campsites are reservable from April 1 - September 30.

https://goo.gl/maps/2zrEfRAwstDSDU8q9

https://parks.state.wa.us/483/Cama-Beach

The entrance to Cama Beach could well be a doorway to an earlier time. Set on Camano Island, an hour north of Seattle, the original family resort had its heyday from the 1930s to the 1950s. This place has retained the feel of a bygone era, with rows of cabins, a park store and a large campfire circle for evening socializing.

The current state park also features a great hall and café, as well as boat-building classes offered by The Center for Wooden Boats on scheduled weekends in the boathouse.

The porch of your west-facing cabin is the perfect place to spot a marine mammal, watch the sunset and gaze at the stars before turning in for the night. Traveling in winter? The cabin’s front window offers prime storm watching over Saratoga Passage, along with a cozy escape from the rain.

• It is connected by a mile-long trail to the 244-acre Camano Island State Park, which also is open for day use and overnight stays year ’round.

• 15 miles of hiking trails

• Cama Beach offers multiple options for an overnight get-a-way. You can choose a cozy beach bungalow or a rustic cabin on the beach.

Portions of the park, including the historic store, are closed for 2020 due to COVID-19.

https://goo.gl/maps/a6Yb3sgY27rWVGRJ7

https://parks.state.wa.us/584/Skagit-Island

Skagit Island Marine State Park has the feel of the San Juan Islands but is closer and more accessible to most Puget Sound area locations. Located within kayaking distance of Cornet Bay in Deception Pass State Park, this little island has it all. Forest, meadows, rock outcroppings, sandy beaches and blue water are all on offer here.

Despite its small size, Skagit Island provides camping for all boaters, as well as primitive sites for paddlers. For those who prefer to camp on their boats, there are two mooring buoy on the northwest side of the island.

This may be a getaway that offers solitude and a feeling of seclusion, even though it's quite close to civilization.

The park features one primitive campsite, one marine trail site and a vault toilet. The campsite on the point is for all users. The Cascadia Marine Trail site is west of the vault toilet and is only for guests arriving by wind- or human-powered watercraft. Gas stoves are recommended. No fire stoves or firewood are available. There is no potable water or garbage service to the island. Visitors must pack out what they pack in.

Overnight vehicle fees must be paid at the Cornet Bay watercraft launch.

https://goo.gl/maps/vEbdWqr1b4ibAsjo9

https://parks.state.wa.us/487/Centennial-Trail

The 40-mile Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail winds through eastern Washington from Nine Mile Recreation Area on Lake Spokane to the Idaho border. The mixed-use trail passes through high desert Ponderosa pine forests, basalt canyons, hip urban centers and cultural heritage sites.

Hardy hikers, cyclists, inline skaters and other foot-powered travelers will find a delightful, insightful adventure on this rural-urban trail. The Riverside State Park section of trail also is horse-friendly.

The trail follows the Spokane River over bridges and trestles, and alongside the tumultuous eddies, large basalt formations and turquoise waters of Riverside State Park; it then heads east through historic downtown Spokane, a welcoming lunch or overnight stop. Keep hoofing or pedaling east into the valley, where Arbor Crest Winery and Antoine Peak views are interspersed with the urban and suburban conveniences of Spokane Valley. Once in Idaho, it is possible to hike or ride all the way to Coeur d'Alene on the North Idaho Centennial Trail.

More than 40 historically significant sites dot the trail, including Slaughter Camp Monument, the place where, in 1858, Colonel George Wright and his troops rounded up and killed 800 Indian horses to discourage future uprisings. Visitors also can see the remains of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, the site of the 1974 World's Fair (in Spokane) and the Great Northern Railroad depot clock tower, built in 1902. The Deep Creek Canyon part of the trail is home to fossil beds surveyed by the Center for Northwest Anthropology at Washington State University.

Several trailheads and access points allow visitors to break the route into smaller sections, though many trail users tackle its entire length on a long bike ride or multi-day hike.

• 37 miles of hiking trails

Visitors also can see …

• the remains of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp,
• the site of the 1974 World's Fair (in Spokane), and
• the Great Northern Railroad depot clock tower, built in 1902.
• The Deep Creek Canyon part of the trail is home to fossil beds surveyed by the Center for Northwest Anthropology at Washington State University. They are believed to be 11,000 years old.

https://goo.gl/maps/eGs9DzB4RMqfoEiH6

https://parks.state.wa.us/589/Squilchuck

Set deep in the mountains outside of Wenatchee, Squilchuck State Park entices the active adventurer.

More than 10 miles of mountain bike trails fan out from a single group campground. Within minutes, you’ll find yourself careening around corners and pedaling into the hills, where wild bike rides await. Ride along Mission Ridge Road or out to the Wheeler Reservoir for a more rugged day.

• Winter opens up new possibilities, as fat tire snow biking is available, along with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and family snow play.

Does this sound like your park? Reserve Squilchuck’s group campsite for your biking, hiking or equestrian group. The sites, clustered around a common area, make for fun overnights, and beginning mountain bikers in your group can sharpen their skills at the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance’s practice area.

Looking for a rustic mountain setting for your wedding or family reunion? Check out the Squilchuck Lodge, with its wall of windows, soaring ceilings and two-story fireplace. Balconies and outdoor picnic tables make it a charming indoor-outdoor venue in summer. The Squilchuck Lodge, originally built in the 1950s, is not ADA compliant.

• 4 miles of hiking trails.

https://goo.gl/maps/5BLY65QsUpumbWX79

https://parks.state.wa.us/510/Fort-Townsend

On the surface, Fort Townsend is a classic state park on a Puget Sound beach. 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.

Military buffs, walk the parade lawn and find interpretive plaques lining the former Officers' Row. Explore a historic torpedo tower that held state-of-the-art technology during World War II (and is now part of the group campground). And don't forget to check the park's calendar to learn about events taking place on the lawn.

Fort Townsend provides a quieter alternative to its bigger, busier northern neighbor, Fort Worden. The park has 6 miles of loamy trails through soaring Douglas-firs, western hemlock, cedar trees and a rich understory of ferns. Wander down to the beach for views of Port Townsend Bay.

• 6.5 miles of hiking trails.
• Boat launch.
• The park has 40 reservable standard campsites, four hiker / biker campsites that are first come, first served. The park has one dump station, two restrooms and one shower. Campgrounds closed October 15 - May 1.

https://goo.gl/maps/bQsh3betaMebwPdV7

https://parks.state.wa.us/590/Steamboat-Rock

Rising 800 feet and spanning 600 acres, Steamboat Rock will impress the most seasoned of travelers.

Carved by Ice Age floods into a dramatic, lake-dotted canyon, Steamboat Rock State Park’s landscape dates back at least 13,000 years. Known as "scabland," the area appears barren, but it is teeming with shy (and not-so-shy) wildlife, spring flowers and sagebrush.

• The hike up the columnar basalt butte (a 650-foot vertical gain) is a must for anyone who is able. Atop Steamboat Rock, the trail meanders over flat ground to viewpoints of Grand Coulee and the craggy peaks of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Below the rock, the lake reflects big desert skies.

• Do you prefer water to trail? The park features 320 feet of dock and seven watercraft launches on Banks Lake. Anglers, swimmers, paddlers and water sports fans will find respite on a hot summer day. Mountain bikers and equestrians can take off on the trails of Northrup Canyon, and the Grand Coulee Dam makes an interesting side trip.

• After a day of discovery, your tent, RV or cabin site will be a welcoming place to watch the evening glow. By the end of your stay, you will not only be impressed, but will likely be so sun-warmed and rested, you won’t want to leave.

• 13.1 miles of hiking trails

• The Northrup Canyon day-use area offers hiking, biking and equestrian opportunities.

• Crown Point remains open until after the laser light show at Grand Coulee Dam concludes in the evening. Crown Point Vista near Grand Coulee overlooks the Grand Coulee Dam, the cities of Coulee Dam and Grand Coulee, and the Columbia River.

• The main park has 26 standard campsites, 136 full-hookup sites, three cabins, one dump station, six restrooms (four ADA) and six showers (four ADA). The park also has 12 primitive non-reservable boat-in campsites with vault toilets and water.

https://goo.gl/maps/7EZc3ZscJtpSmysc8