|
 Meryl on the 3-peaks loop trail at Mount Spokane State Park
State Parks' staff top trail picks
Fort Flagler & Fort Townsend
"The interpretive trail at Fort Flagler and the soon-to-be temporary interpretive trail at Fort Townsend are my favorites. Obviously, the interpretive signs make the trails more fun and engaging! But these trails also have a wide variety of unique flora, mushrooms and occasionally slime mold. I always encounter something cool on these trails!"
-Kelsey, Interpretive Specialist, Olympic View Area
Willapa Hills State Park Trail
"When I first came to Parks 25 years ago, I got to walk on the Willapa Hills Trail with my then supervisor. They wanted to take us out to show why we do what we do, and I will never forget walking that section with them on that gorgeous fall day while discussing the different trail users such as bicyclists and equestrians and how they would use and view our improvements differently."
-Darleen, Business Development Program
Mount Spokane State Park
"I'd have to choose the 3-peaks loop at Mount Spokane. It's made up of several trails in the park, and the loop takes you up Mount Kit Carson, Day Mountain and Mount Spokane. The terrain is varied, from pine forests to alpine meadows, to rocky summits. Depending on the season, the wildflowers, berries and views are superb! It's about 12.5 miles and almost 3,000 feet of elevation gain, so it's a big day. I've heard there's an 8-peak loop that goes in and out of the park. It's 25 miles and 5,500 ft, and you can't camp on the trail, so you have to do it in a day. A worthy goal!"
-Meryl, Communications Consultant
Millersylvania State Park
"I love going for easy trail runs at Millersylvania. If you link up a few of the trails — like the Orchard, Perimeter, Old Growth Lane and the loops -- you can get in just over eight miles! It's great because you get a pretty flat run through old growth trees and the wetlands area."
-Sarah, Communications Manager
Visit our website to find more trail suggestions — we do have 700 miles of trail after all!
|
|
Make sure your summer plans include state parks |
|
 Bay View State Park
As biking season shifts into high gear, let’s cycle through our tips for safe, defensive biking in campgrounds and on mixed-use and mountain bike trails.
Of course, responsibility for road safety rests with drivers of motor vehicles, but defensive riding skills are critical, especially in campgrounds. So, please use this handy blog by Ranger Lisa of Grayland Beach, and share her advice with the kiddos.
On mixed-use and MTB trails, Ranger Daryl of Saint Edward asks you to remember:
-
Uphill traffic has right-of-way. Watch for hikers and uphill bikers on descent.
-
Speak up and slow down on blind turns. Let opposing traffic know how many bikers are in your party.
It’s all downhill from here, in a good way.
|
 Lake Sammamish State Park
Is Lake Sammamish your regular stomping (or treading lightly, leaving no trace) ground?
You may see a bustle of activity between now and September, including intermittent closures on the Issaquah Creek, Homestead and Boat Launch trails.
A great partnership with Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, area Tribes, government agencies, nonprofits and individuals has brought about the largest in-stream restoration project in the park’s history.
This summer, you’ll see workers placing large, woody material in the stream, planting native trees and shrubs along the banks and reconnecting the stream with its floodplain. These improvements will help salmon spawn, grow and survive.
In the past, the creek had been straightened and constrained to make way for agriculture and development. The Greenway Trust compared that to building a house of hallways, with no rooms for salmon to hide from predators or find nutrition.
The project will provide visitors with a beautiful, sustainable park and salmon with a hospitable, survivable habitat.
|
|
 Photo credit: Washington CoastSavers
It’s hard to believe Fourth of July is almost here! If you're heading to the beach to celebrate, we ask everyone to recreate responsibly – for the safety of our communities, environment and wildlife.
🎆 No fireworks on state parks beaches
Remember: Fireworks are illegal on all state park lands — including beaches in front of state parks. Violations may result in a $99 fine, and more importantly, they pose a serious threat to wildlife and visitors.
🚗 Driving on the beach? Know the rules:
-
Only drive on hard-packed sand. Avoid soft areas to prevent getting stuck.
-
25 mph speed limit – and always yield to people, pets and horses.
-
Don’t park below the high tide line — your car could be washed out to sea.
-
No parking at beach access points. Keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.
-
Never drive under the influence. DUI and open container laws apply, even on the sand.
🗑️ Pack it in, pack it out
Beach crowds lead to more trash — and that trash harms wildlife, pets and people. Last year, over 129,000 pounds of garbage was collected from Washington's beaches after the holiday — the weight of nine adult orca whales.
If you don’t see a garbage bin, please use your own bag and pack it out. Let’s leave the beach cleaner than we found it!
🌊 Join the July 5 Beach Cleanup
Want to do more? Volunteer for our annual beach cleanup on July 5, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
In partnership with Washington CoastSavers, we’ll be sprucing up beaches across the coast. A list of participating beaches and check-in/dumpster locations are available at CoastSavers.org.
 American Roots Concert Series at Deception Pass State Park
Enjoy free concerts & festivals all summer long
Our Folk and Traditional Arts Program’s (FTAP) concerts started last month, and they will continue through summer. Come enjoy a night of music at Cape Disappointment, Lake Wenatchee, Lincoln Rock or Deception Pass. This is a line-up you won't want to miss!
Waikiki Beach Concert Series at Cape Disappointment | 7 - 8:30 p.m.
- June 28 - ShiDaa
- July 12 - Brownsmead Flats
- July 26 - Bruce Thomas Smith
- Aug. 9 - Trío Guadalevín
- Aug. 23 - Tora'dan
Mountain Melodies Concert Series at Lake Wenatchee | 8 - 9 p.m.
- July 5 - The Litch Brothers
- July 19 - Trío Guadalevín
- Aug. 2 - Tzepl
- Aug. 16 - La Famille Léger
- Aug. 23 - Eclectic Cloggers
- Aug. 30 - Chumlilies
Rhythm on the River Concert Series at Lincoln Rock | 7 - 8 p.m.
- July 11 - Seattle Steel Pan Project
- July 18 - Trío Guadalevín
- Aug. 1 - Tzepl
- Aug. 15 - Chumlilies
American Roots Concert Series at Deception Pass | 7 - 8 p.m.
- July 12 - ShiDaa
- July 19 - SeaNotes Big Band
- July 26 - Lady A Gospel Choir
- Aug. 2 - Trío Guadalevín
- Aug. 9 - Les Coeurs Criminels
- Aug. 16 - Dunton Sisters
- Aug. 23 - Schmid & Guest
Explore FTAP's Event Calendar for the latest updates and view the full lineup of summer cultural festivals. Highlights include Sundaes Outside, featuring the Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle with horseback rides and historical storytelling on June 22 at Bridle Trails; the Cambodian Cultural Celebration on Aug. 9 at Saltwater; the United Communities of Laos Summer Festival on Aug. 23 at Lake Sammamish and the Ubuntu Sankofa Festival on Aug. 30 at Lake Sammamish.
Thank you to the Washington State Parks Specialty License Plate Program, the Washington State Parks Foundation, the Deception Pass State Park Foundation and the Friends of the Columbia River Gateway for helping make these events possible.
|
|
 Junior Rangers on the beach at Deception Pass State Park
As the days lengthen and warm up, you’ll find more events in parks near you:
Along the coast
Join us for fun and fascinating ranger talks on lightships and salmon life cycles at Cape Disappointment.
In the Olympic View Area
Visit the scenic Olympic View area for a fascinating guided walking tour of historic gun emplacements, a natural resource and historical pop-up booth, a historical hospital tour and an enchanted journey through the twisting forest.
Near Bellingham
Bring the whole family for the vibrant celebration of kites soaring over the bay, crafts and a variety of family-friendly entertainment at Birch Bay's Kids Kite Festival.
Near Ellensburg
Explore the historic Smith House and cabin at Olmstead Place Saturdays and take part in kids’ geology activities Sundays at Gingko Petrified Forest through June.
Near Spokane
Don’t miss the Riverside State Parks Foundation’s Wednesday in the Woods event series, featuring a variety of engaging topics, fun drawings and exciting giveaways each week, the Spokane Audubon Society's guided bird walk and the Community Open House to discuss the future of Mount Spokane.
In Tri-Cities
Come on out to Sacajawea to learn about some “Nansense” (nature nonsense with Ranger Nan)! Each week has a different topic, but it will always start with story time with Ranger Nan, followed by an activity and/or craft! This program is recommended for kids aged 4-8, but all are welcome!
Check our Event Calendar for more events at Crawford, Jarrell Cove, Deception Pass and more!
|
|
|
Always check for park alerts and closures before heading out on an adventure!
When you’re putting together your pre-trip checklist, make sure it includes checking the conditions at your intended destination. Here are a few parks with active alerts:
Beginning June 23, the lake at Lake Sylvia State Park will be lowered by approximately five feet to reduce pressure on the dam. The lake is still open for recreation. Learn more and get the latest updates here.
Paradise Point State Park’s day-use area, including Lewis River access will be closed June 23-25 and July 14-27 for work by WSDOT on the I-5 bridges above the park. The campground will remain open. The closest Lewis River access is La Center City Park, three miles away.
Mystery Bay State Park will be closed for pier renovations July 20-Aug. 20. The closest state park with a beach and boat launch is at Fort Flagler.
Check the full list of alerts here.
|
|
Set sail into summer with the right permits |
|
 Matia Island Marine State Park
|
Summer is just around the corner — are you ready to explore Washington’s waterways? With more than 40 marine parks and over 8,500 feet of public moorage, Washington State Parks offers the largest state-managed mooring system in the country!
Before you head out, make sure you have your Moorage Permits to enjoy overnight stays at docks, piers, anchor buoys and mooring buoys across the parks.
Looking for even more flexibility? The Natural Investment Permit is a great option for frequent visitors. It covers watercraft launches, trailer dump stations and day-use parking — plus, it’s valid for a full year and can be used across multiple vehicles. No Discover Pass needed!
Get your permits today and make the most of every adventure this summer!
|
|
|
|
|
