Storm watching in a cozy cabin (12/18/19)

Here come's the rain again! Storm watching on Washington's coast and north Puget Sound waters is an exciting way to enjoy the season. Plan a winter weather getaway! We've got the scoop on five parks where you witness stirring surf and wild waves, then get cozy in a cabin or yurt and let the rain sing you to sleep!

2020 Northwest First Day Hikes (12/11/19)

History, rainforest hikes, a paddletrip, waterfalls — 2020 First Day Hikes in Northwest Washington are chock full of exciting opportunities . Time to plan your New Year's adventure. Join park staff, interpretive specialists and more in a healthy, refreshing New Year's tradition. This year there are more hikes to enjoy than ever before. Today we round out our First Day Hikes coverage with a focus on our Northwest Washington parks.

2020 Southwest First Day Hikes (12/10/19)

From the forest to the shore there is lot's to explore at southwestern state parks. Time to plan your 2020 First Day Hike! Join park staff, interpretive specialists and more in a healthy, refreshing New Year's tradition. This year there are more hikes to enjoy than ever before. Today we focus on our Southwest Washington parks.

2020 Eastside First Day Hikes (12/9/19)

Hike, bike, ski and snowshoe your way into 2020! Join park staff, interpretive specialists and more in a healthy, refreshing New Year's tradition. This year there are more hikes to enjoy than ever before. Today we focus on our Eastern Washington parks.

Guided snowshoe hikes (12/4/19)

Go where you want to go in the snow! This winter two parks are offering a series of free and frosty guided snowshoe hikes. Come take a whirl through a winter wonderland!

Give the gift of state parks! (11/13/19)

Looking to add a new twist to your holiday gift giving? Why not give the gift of the great outdoors. The Washington State Parks online store has a super selection of gifts to fit any budget and recreation interest. Come explore — and shop — today!

Choose your own adventure at Riverside (11/4/19)

Looking for the one-stop-shop for recreation in eastern Washington? Look no further than Riverside State Park! With 9,000 acres, this forested park has everything from forests to wetlands, boating to horseback riding and camping to cozy cabins. What do you want to do outside today? Come find it at Riverside.

Hiking in unpredictable weather (10/21/19)

Is the rain wrecking your plans for a hike? Time to try a trek through a state park forest, where tall trees filter much of the downpour and provide a beautiful setting for a refreshing fall trek. Come discover some ideas for a fun fall adventure without a soaking!

Parks after Dark: Halloween 2019 (10/9/19)

Oct. 9, 2019. Do "boo" want a good haunt? Five Washington state parks are hosting groovy and ghouly Halloween happenings this season. Check out our round up of spooktacular events and fun fall festivals happening state wide!

Parks RX America (Oct. 2, 2019)

Have a healthy relationship with nature! Washington State Parks has partnered with Park Rx America to help make Washingtonians healthy. Learn all about this new program that makes it easy for healthcare providers to prescribe parks and other natural areas to their patients.

Heritage Days 2019 (Sept. 25, 2019)

Heritage Days at Sacajawea Historical State Park is a chance for you to experience Washington history up close and personal. Get the scoop on this event taking place this weekend! Bonus: Saturday is a State Parks free day — no Discover Pass required to park.

Bike Your Park Day 2020 (9-23-20)

Beach cruiser or BMX, recumbent or mountain bike—few transportation modes are more simple and exciting than cycling. Come plan a trip exploring your favorite parks by bike!

Fort Simcoe (Sept. 11, 2019)

Intrigued by history? Step back in time and experience early Washington territory life at Fort Simcoe Historical State Park. Come explore this unique Yakima-area park where time stands still and history comes alive!

Klickitat Trail (Sept. 4, 2019)

Looking for a new biking challenge? Put your bikes on the rack and head out for Klickitat State Park Trail! Learn more about this Columbia River region gem and get ready to plan your next two-wheeled adventure.

$5 off at four parks (Aug. 28, 2019)

Squeeze in a few more camping memories before fall! This September you will get $5 off per night when you stay at any of four spectacular state parks located statewide. Get the scoop on these camping parks and book your stay today!

First-come, first-served camping (Aug. 21, 2019)

Hoping to fit in an end-of-summer camping trip but didn't get around to making reservations? No worries — you may not need them! You'll find first-come, first-served campsites at state parks across Washington. We've got the scoop on how to score that sweet spot for a night under the stars.

Become a Junior Ranger (Aug. 14, 2019)

Hey kids! Do you love state parks? If you are aged 4 to 12 you can join the growing team of people who enjoy, protect and serve our awesome state parks by becoming a Washington State Parks Junior Ranger. Are you ready for the challenge? Come learn how today!

Chill out at at Conconully (Aug. 7, 2019)

Ready to unplug and get away from it all? Conconully State Park is the perfect place for a tech-free vacation. Fish, swim, boat or have a picnic on the expansive lawn at this out-of-the-way North Central park!

Iconic bridges get a makeover (7-31-19)

State Route 20 icons, the Deception Pass and Canoe bridges, are getting a much-needed makeover. Don't let that stop you from visiting! Get out your camera — we've got the perfect vantage points for you to get some great shots of these majestic structures and enjoy the perfect day at Deception Pass State Park.

Golf getaway at state parks (7-24-19)

Like to golf? Like to camp? Why not combine these two summer activities for a memorable getaway to a night under the stars and a fun day on the fairways? Check out these state parks that have a course either in them or right next door.

Cascadia Marine Trail (7-17-19)

Tap into tidepools (7-10-19)

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!

Beach Friendly Fourth (6-26-19)

Surf and the U.S.A! These things go great together all year long and especially during the Beach Friendly Fourth celebrations at coastal state parks! Come check out where to go for a beachy good time this Independence Day and all summer long.

10 outdoor escapes near Seattle (6-12-19)

Seattle is well known as an urban tourism hotspot. But if you are ready for something on the wild side, the Discover Pass is your ticket to world-class outdoor recreation just a short ride from city center. This week we've teamed up with the Washington Department of Natural Resources and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to bring you 10 top destinations you need to put on your bucket list today!

Freshwater Boating (6-5-19)

If your boating notion doesn't involve the ocean, you're in luck! Washington's lakes and rivers offer some of the most scenic and fun-filled outdoor recreation in the nation. And you'll find many of them at Washington state parks!

Two day stay at Twin Harbors (5-23-19)

Tacoma travel writers Stacy and Brandon of the Pacific North Wanderers blog are back with a tale of their adventures at Twin Harbors State Park. Come along as they get away on a mini vacay, setting up basecamp at this classic Washington coast camping park and touring the Westport area.

Mount St. Helens (5-15-19)

Looking to celebrate the anniversary of eruption of Mount St. Helens? Make it an overnighter at woodsy Seaquest State Park. It's across the street from the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center and on the way up to the Johnston Ridge Observatory and other great viewing areas.

Power and drama of Cape Disappointment (4-23-19)

Many thanks to Jane Webb, a Long Beach area photographer for submitting these stunning photos from an early April visit to Cape Disappointment State Park

Brooks Memorial State Park (4-03-19)

April 3, 2019 Looking for recreation that combines the best of Washington's diverse and dramatic landscapes? Look no further than Brooks Memorial State Park! Here you'll find a top-notch camping park with majestic mountains, subalpine meadows full of flowers and sweeping vistas in the Columbia Plateau region.

Amphitheater weddings (2-27-19)

Outdoor ceremonies are a delightful alternative to a traditional wedding venue. But if you are looking for a venue that's happy medium between outdoor beauty and indoor conveniences, why not say I do at a Washington state park amphitheater. Spark your wedding planning dreams this week on Adventure Awaits.

Camp hosting and volunteering (2-20-19)

Got some time to give and a mind to serve? Love the outdoors? Come volunteer at Washington state parks! Our volunteers enrich our parks in so many ways. From camp hosting to interpreting to maintenance, there's no end to the ways you can give back to the lands you love. Come learn how!

Wake up to snow! (2-6-19)

Coming down with camping fever? State parks are chock full of opportunities for getting your camp on even during the rosy-cheeks weather. From tent camping to RV's to cozy cabins, we've got the scoop on some fresh winter camping options for every style and budget!

Lake Chelan winter fishing (1-31-19)

Lake Chelan is a great catch for a winter fishing vacation. And this year the state park is open for parking, launching, playing and staying so you can bring in a string of kokanee or mackinaw. Here's all you need to plan a rewarding winter fishing vacation in a spectacular setting.

Guided snowshoe hikes (1-16-19)

Come tour the cooler side of parks! Winter creates a whole different hiking experience and two lakeside parks are offering a great way to see it — with a guided snowshoe hike. Snowshoeing is super exercise and a wonderful way to explore the winter landscape. Here's the 411 on this winter's excursions at Lake Easton and Lake Wenatchee State Parks!

Adapt and conquer (1-2-19)

Meet Noodle and her human parents (and interpreters) Bree and Kyle Corbin of Mount Vernon! We are proud to have Noodle — also known as “Noodster Scootster” — here to talk about accessibility in outdoor recreation for people and animals. Check out Noodle's story and learn how to find great ADA accessible parks!