These 9 Washington Parks Are Small In Size, But Rich In Beauty
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Jessica Wick
Author
Have you spent ample time enjoying the great outdoors this year? If not, don’t worry — we’ve got plenty of summer left here in Washington, and you’ll find some of our best natural beauty at some of our smaller state parks. Here are nine spots to put on your list.
Located near Port Angeles, Salt Creek Recreation Area is a 196-acre park that's mainly used for camping. Since most campsites overlook the Strait of Juan de Fuca and mountains, it's easy to see why it's so popular.
It's hard to believe this park is located within Olympia's city limits. Established in 1905, it was the city's first waterfront park, and it's still a wildly popular recreation spot today.
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You won't find better views of the beautiful Palouse than from Steptoe Butte, Whitman County's 150-acre gem. And as if the views weren't impressive enough, this fact is: The rock that forms the butte is over 400 million years old.
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This little 121-acre camping park boasts 1,500 feet of saltwater beachfront on Hood Canal. With views of Mount Olympus and plenty of spots for swimming and lounging, it's the perfect place to be on a warm summer day.
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On the surface, Crawford just looks like an unassuming little day-use park near the Canadian and Idaho borders. But going into the cave feels like traveling to the center of the Earth. It's definitely worth taking a tour.
This somewhat hidden gem is located near Ellensburg, and it's a mecca for history buffs. In 1875, the pioneering Olmstead family homesteaded the land claim at the site of what is now the park, and three generations farmed the land before they turned it over to the state. Some of the buildings still standing date back to the late 19th century.
Located at the southeast corner of Jefferson County, this tiny Hood Canal park is one of the best places in Washington to catch a sunrise. But even if you're not an early riser, it's a beautiful place to spend the day.
This forested park is actually pretty large, but since it's nestled in the southeast corner of the state, it's often overlooked. But if you visit, you'll learn it has some of Washington's most spectacular scenery, and there are plenty of pristine places to camp.
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This small Camano Island park Saratoga Passage on the southwest shores. It's best known for its rustic fishing resort, which has been carefully preserved since the 1930s. It also boasts 15 miles of hiking trails, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing.
These are a few of Washington’s most underrated parks. And if you’ve got the time to explore it, Fort Worden is an absolute must-see.
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