2018 First Day Hikes (12-14-17)

Ring in the new year with one (or even two) of the more than three dozen First Day Hikes happening at 34 parks statewide. This year, on Jan. 1, Washington state parks are offering hikes, bike rides, snow adventures and even some science and history lessons. We’ve added new hikes, in addition to some old favorites to the list. You’re sure to find a hike that appeals to you—body and mind!

Reaping the benefits of the forest (11-30-17)

Veteran's Day at coastal forts (11-07-17)

Looking for a fun and active way to honor America’s service women and men while you enjoy the Veteran’s Day holiday? Your state parks are great places to do just that! From coastal batteries to battlegrounds, you’ll find parks statewide where you can recreate as you reflect. Plus, Veteran’s Day is a state parks free day! You won’t need a Discover Pass to park.

Enjoying autumn in a rustic retreat (10-25-17)

In fall, camping reservations are easily had. But if a tent is not your bent, it’s also prime time to book a stay in a Washington state park cabin or yurt! At this time of year, these popular rentals have reduced rates and more open dates than in summer! Come explore!

Reel Women Fish (10-10-17)

Women have always fished—and had a minor place in the world of sport fishing. But they are now the fastest growing demographic in the angling arts. Come explore the burgeoning opportunities for women to learn the art of the angle and where to find them!

Hunting for fun at WA state parks (8-28-17)

Fun is where you find it! Summer is waning but there's still time to squeeze in some fun. A scavenger hunt is a cheap, easy, customizable and engaging way to spend the day outside with the family. Plus hey, you may learn something! Come along and explore the nifty discoveries you can base your hunt around at state parks!

State parks adventure concessions (8-2-17)

Get ready to start filling out your summer bucket list! Your state parks has lots of great ways to plan an affordable adventure with our hard-working concessionaires! Want to kayak? Ride the trails on horseback? Even learn to surf? Come indulge your favorite passion or maybe find a new one!

Tiptoe through the tidepools (7-18-17)

Summer is the time when Pacific Northwest tides are often at their lowest, exposing a rarely-seen intertidal world. That means it's also the perfect time to head out to your Washington state park beaches to explore the miraculous minus-tide zones. BONUS: Western Washington marine education organizations will be out at the shore to show you just how amazing this environment can be. Come explore!

Training for a triathlon (7-7-17)

Are you training for your very first triathlon? Or are you a veteran triathlete searching for new locales—and perhaps new inspiration—for your training routine? Why not get in shape for the big race at your Washington State Parks!

Lewis and Clark Trail State Park (6-21-17)

Climb the walls at state parks (6-08-17)

Washingtonians don’t tend to associate rock-climbing walls with their state parks. But maybe they should… Whether a climber’s goals are Yosemite’s big walls, a peak such as Grand Teton, a new set of climbing skills, or a local weekend with friends, many climbing areas in and around state parks offer excitement and challenge.

Day hiking at Leadbetter Point State Par (5-26-17)

On the furthest reaches of the Long Beach Peninsula lies Leadbetter Point State Park, where the forest and the sea collide. Come explore this unique landscape and lesser-known park which also is a sanctuary for a host of migratory birds.

Family biking on the Iron Horse Trail (5-19-17)

Finish this sentence: “The family that rides together…” If you said: “has a great time,” “forms bonds,” or “gets excellent exercise and creates lifetime memories,” you’re pedaling up the right trail—especially if it’s the John Wayne Pioneer Trail within Iron Horse State Park!

South Beach parks road trip (5-4-17)

Temperatures are (finally) starting to rise. Time to get out to play a little. Where to go? Washington's South Beach region is a great spot to fly kites, whale and bird watch, see lighthouses, try fresh, delicious sea food and just drink in the joys of the Pacific Northwest coast. Come with us as we reach for the beach on a road trip just right for a spring weekend getaway!

Romantic Spring Picnics (4-26-17)

It's the season of renewal and romance. It's also that time of year when flowers as well as hearts are in bloom! Want to surprise your sweetie? Pack a romantic picnic and head out to the park where you can lunch and then hunt for the wildflowers now in bloom. Read on to be inspired by one of these trips or to plan your own!

2017 lowland lakes trout season (4-19-17)

Break out your tackle, this is the best time of year to fish for trout! April 22 is opening day for fishing at hundreds of lowland lakes around the state. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife hatchery crews are stocking the waters for a great season with more than 16 million trout and kokanee in lakes on both sides of the Cascades. Bonus: the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife is stocking 100 lakes with trout that could net you a great prize!

Living large in a tiny trailer (4-6-17)

Tiny travel trailers—both old and new—are making a comeback on the American RV scene. It's so fun, economical and convenient, some folks even live in them! Interested in this lifestyle? Come learn a lot about living little on the go and be inspired to try this vacation sensation for yourself.

Training for a trek? Workouts with a view(3-30-17)

Itching to start preparing for that major mountain trek or climb this summer! Your Washington State Parks have some ideal hikes and climbs to help you get in shape. Bonus: you'll get to enjoy some of the nicest hikes and climbs on the map! Come be inspired to start working toward your personal summit!

Tulip Road Trip: An Adventure Blossoms (3-28-17)

Ahh tulips! Harbingers of spring, cheerful reminders of brighter days ahead! It’s almost April when the fields around Mount Vernon, WA burst into a bloom rainbow and the month-long Skagit Valley Tulip Festival gets underway. Why not make a road trip of it and visit some great regional state parks too!

Adventure Guide: Wet & Mild Winter Walks (3-15-17)

Winter 2017 has been a doozy for snow lovers. But what if you are not much for the snow scene? Don't take this season sitting down! Get out for a hike at some of the lower elevation parks and trails!

Go Discover: Griffiths-Priday State Park (3-3-17)

There is something magic about the Washington coast in winter. If you are looking for an exciting day of exploring without the usual crowds, Griffith-Priday State Park may be just what you are looking for. Learn more about this lesser-known gem of a surfside park!

WA Snowmobiling: Vroom with a View (2-24-17)

Winter 2017 is shaping up to be one of the best of the millennium for winter sports in Washington. Come with us as we explore the state's top areas for the exciting sport of snowmobiling!

State Parks Weddings: Your 2017 Planner (2-14-17)

Go Discover: Mount Tahoma Trails (1-25-17)

Think a back-country snow vacation is out of your price range? Think again! The Mount Tahoma Trails Association's snow huts are a lesser-known gem and an unbeatable bargain. We've got the skinny on how to get in a great back-country ski experience this winter without breaking the bank!

Sno-Parks 101: Your 2017 Winter Guide (1-13-17)

Are you a snow fiend? Winter 2017 is shaping up to be one of the best in years! Find out what you permits you need and where to go for fun in the snow!